Welcome to Believe in Progress, the American Association for Cancer Research Foundation's podcast. Join us as we share stories of hope and inspiration that will lift your spirits and remind you that no matter how difficult your cancer journey may be, there's always hope. On this podcast, we'll explore the latest breakthroughs in cancer research and hear from leading experts who are working tirelessly to find new treatments and cures in the fight against cancer.
Believe in Progress isn't just about the science of cancer; it's about the human side of this disease. We'll hear from cancer survivors who have overcome incredible odds to beat cancer., thanks to the groundbreaking research and innovative treatments that are changing the landscape of cancer treatment. These stories of resilience and progress will inspire and motivate you to keep pushing forward no matter what challenges you may be facing. We'll speak with caregivers who have provided unwavering support to their loved ones through their cancer journey. Their selflessness and dedication remind you the power of love and the importance of having a strong support system.
Join us on this journey of hope and progress. Subscribe to Believe in Progress, the AACR Foundation's podcast, today, and be inspired by the incredible stories of those who have faced cancer with strength and resilience, and the medical professionals who are working to find new treatments and ultimately a cure.
Please do not forget to visit www.aacr.org to make a donation or to find helpful information and resources. Together we can make progress in the fight against cancer and bring hope to those who need it most. Please don't forget, cancer research saves lives.
For more information visit the AACR and our podcast here: https://www.aacr.org/get-involved/believe-in-progress-an-aacr-foundation-podcast/
This podcast was produced by the awesome people at CollegeCast LLC. Visit www.collegecastpodcasts.com for more information, or to check out our amazing podcasts.
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In this episode, we hear the remarkable story of how personal loss and friendship became the foundation for a 25-year mission to ensure no young adult faces cancer alone. When Brock Yetso was 23, his mother was diagnosed with stage 4 colorectal cancer. She passed away in just weeks. At the same time, his best friend, Doug Ulman, was fighting cancer for the third time as a college student at Brown University.
Rather than walk away from the pain, Brock chose to fight alongside Doug and his family. What started as a single fundraiser and a nonprofit with a single employee and a $100,000 budget has grown into a $3 million operation with a staff of 25 reaching patients in more than 250 communities nationwide. The Ulman Foundation has raised more than $25 million over 22 years to support patients aged 15 to 39 facing cancer.
Brock describes the foundation's two signature programs: patient navigation, where trained navigators are embedded in cancer centers across the Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia area to meet patients and families at the bedside, and Ulman House, a free housing facility in Baltimore located steps from the city's world-renowned hospitals, which has housed more than 583 patients and families from 29 states, saving more than $2.4 million in lodging and travel costs. He also discusses the foundation's work on fertility preservation protocols that have helped young cancer survivors start families after treatment.
The episode touches on the 20th anniversary of the Closing the Gap report (a landmark collaboration between the National Cancer Institute and the Livestrong Foundation), why colorectal cancer screening matters, what it means to run a nonprofit like a team sport, and why Brock believes the crisis he first saw at 23 is only accelerating.
Featured Guest: Brock Yetso, President and CEO, Ulman Foundation
Brock is a University of Virginia graduate and former Division I soccer player who has led the Ulman Foundation for 25 years. He also coaches women's soccer at Towson University and runs youth soccer programs in Maryland.
Key Topics:
• Brock losing his mother to stage 4 colorectal cancer in weeks
• Doug Ulman's three cancer diagnoses and Ulman Foundation’s founding mission
• Growing from a $100,000 budget to a $3 million, 25-person operation
• The cancer gap: for patients aged 15 to 39
• Patient navigation across seven to eight cancer centers in the DC/MD/VA area
• Fertility preservation protocols for young cancer patients
• Ulman House: free housing for young adults near life-saving treatment
• The $10 million Beyond Cancer capital campaign
• 20th anniversary of the Closing the Gap report
• Running a nonprofit like a team sport
• What "believe in progress" means to Brock
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
02:16 Welcome to Believe in Progress
02:37 Meet Brock Yetso
06:29 Losing his mom: Valentine's Day to St. Patrick's Day
08:47 Colorectal cancer prevention and screening
10:00 The young adult cancer gap
13:01 Doug Ulman: three-time cancer survivor
15:25 Building the Ulman Foundation
16:58 The first fundraiser
18:25 From passion project to lifelong mission
19:07 Doug, Lance Armstrong, and a crossroads
20:45 Becoming executive director
24:12 Closing the Gap: 20 years later
24:22 Patient navigation explained
28:07 Fertility preservation
29:54 Ulman House: a home away from home
32:15 The Beyond Cancer expansion
33:50 Athletics and nonprofit leadership
37:20 Where Ulman Foundation is headed
38:18 What "believe in progress" means
39:26 Closing
Take Action:
• Donate to the AACR: https://donate.aacr.org/BelieveinProgress/Donate
• Support the Ulman Foundation: https://ulmanfoundation.org
• Subscribe to Believe in Progress:
o Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4rLQyB5
o Spotify: https://sptfy.in/o700
o YouTube: https://AACR.org/BelieveInProgress
Production Credits:
Host: Mitch Stoller
Guest: Brock Yetso, President and CEO, Ulman Foundation
Executive Producer: Anthony Lopes
Executive Producer: Michael Leary
Producer: Mitch Stoller
Producer: Heather Holland
Director: Anthony Lopes
Creative Director / Director of Photography: Michael Leary
Writer: Anthony Lopes
Editor: Michael Leary
Believe in Progress is produced by CollegeCast LLC for the AACR Foundation.
Check out more episodes: https://AACR.org/BelieveInProgress
068: From Mustache to Mission: How StacheStrong Is Changing Brain Cancer Research
Épisode 68
mercredi 1 avril 2026 • Durée 01:00:00
In this episode, we hear the remarkable story of how a son, an elder brother, and a family dealt with a devastating cancer diagnosis with love and determination. When George John "GJ" Gerner III was diagnosed with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) at the age of 27 in 2017, he and his close-knit family came together.
Inspired by GJ's grit, his younger brother, Colin Gerner, founded and now leads StacheStrong: a foundation that has become one of the most dynamic forces in brain cancer research. Eight years in, Colin shares his family's deeply personal journey behind StacheStrong.
GJ fought his disease with extraordinary resilience, humor, and a signature mustache that he shaved down before brain surgery to keep the mood light for his family. That simple gesture became the symbol of a movement none of them could have imagined. Colin describes his brother as someone who never let the disease define him, running a sub-eight-minute mile 5K a year into treatment, going back to work, and focusing on others’ feelings. In 25 months, GJ showed his family and community what it meant to live with this disease.
What started as a personal outlet for Colin to process his brother’s illness quickly grew into a foundation that has now funded more than $7 million in brain cancer research across more than 65 grants and 40 institutions. Colin describes StacheStrong's innovative collaborative funding strategy, partnering with organizations like the American Association for Cancer Research® (AACR) and the V Foundation to co-fund high-quality research grants, effectively doubling the impact of every dollar raised. He also discusses his current effort to become a top global fundraiser at the 2026 Boston Marathon, where he and three teammates are raising more than $200,000 to support a five-year, $1 million grant to accelerate glioblastoma research.
Colin reflects on what "StacheStrong is a lifestyle" really means, why he rejects the term "caregiver," and what it will feel like to cross a marathon finish line for the first time without his brother by his side.
Featured Guest: Colin Gerner, Founder, President, and CEO, StacheStrong
Colin is also a Manager and Tax Consultant at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), where he has spent his entire career, and leads the humanitarian portfolio for the PwC Foundation. He holds an accounting degree and a master's in taxation. He has provided marathon running opportunities to hundreds of StacheStrong supporters across events in New York, Chicago, Dublin, Rome, Copenhagen, Sydney, and Berlin.
Key Topics:
• Remembering GJ: The person behind the mission
• GJ's glioblastoma diagnosis and 25-month struggle against the disease
• The origin of the StacheStrong mustache and brand
• Building a nonprofit with no prior experience
• StacheStrong's collaborative research funding model
• Partnering with the AACR and V Foundation on grant giving
• The 2026 Boston Marathon campaign and $1M grant
• 50 charity bibs at the 2026 New York City Marathon
• "StacheStrong is a lifestyle": What it means to the community
• Why Colin rejects the word "caregiver"
• The hidden GJ in the StacheStrong logo
• What GJ would think about the foundation today
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
01:55 Meet Colin Gerner
03:21 Who was GJ?
06:22 Growing up together
10:39 The origin of the mustache
12:06 GJ's glioblastoma diagnosis
16:58 How cancer affects the whole family
20:55 "I hate the term caregiver"
21:49 What stays with you? "Strength."
23:04 The birth of StacheStrong
27:22 Why start a new foundation?
32:42 The Vestal 5K and GJ's sub-8:00 mile
35:00 Learning the nonprofit world
39:10 Collaborative funding with AACR and V Foundation
40:23 The 2026 Boston Marathon campaign
46:58 "StacheStrong is a lifestyle"
53:02 What would GJ think?
56:15 Crossing the finish line without his brother
58:10 Closing
Take Action:
• Donate to the AACR: https://donate.aacr.org/BelieveinProgress/Donate
• Support StacheStrong: https://stachestrong.org
• Subscribe to Believe in Progress:
• Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4rLQyB5
• Spotify: https://sptfy.in/o700
• YouTube: https://AACR.org/BelieveInProgress
Production Credits:
Host: Mitch Stoller
Guest: Colin Gerner, Founder, President, and CEO, StacheStrong
Executive Producer: Anthony Lopes
Executive Producer: Michael Leary
Producer: Mitch Stoller
Producer: Heather Holland
Director: Anthony Lopes
Creative Director / Director of Photography: Michael Leary
Writer: Anthony Lopes
Editor: Michael Leary
Believe in Progress is produced by CollegeCast LLC for the AACR Foundation.
Check out more episodes: https://AACR.org/BelieveInProgress
067: Facing Kidney Cancer and Refusing to Give Up: Derek DeAngelis
Épisode 67
mercredi 18 mars 2026 • Durée 49:33
Derek DeAngelis has spent his career making millions of people laugh. Known to his fans as Derek D, he’s hosted more than 2,300 episodes of the two-time Webby Award-winning show Fast Lane Daily, earned three Telly Awards, and appeared on the Key of Awesome YouTube channel.
In December 2024, a routine blood test changed everything. After weeks of unexplained fatigue, a CT scan revealed a massive tumor engulfing his left kidney. The doctor called him between Christmas and New Year's Eve. Six days later, Derek was on the operating table.
In this episode, Derek shares his story: the out-of-body experience of hearing his diagnosis, the New Year's Eve he spent wondering if it would be his last, and the devastating discovery that the cancer had spread to his lungs and spine. Now stage 4 and on immunotherapy, Derek draws on faith, fitness, and creativity to confront his disease every day.
Our conversation with Derek is about resilience, discipline, and the importance of showing up, even when the odds are against you.
Featured Guest:
Derek DeAngelis (Derek D): Actor, comedian, and online host. Three-time Telly Award winner. Currently battling stage 4 kidney cancer with immunotherapy (pembrolizumab) and radiation. Lives in Wall, New Jersey.
Key Topics:
· Routine bloodwork that led to a devastating diagnosis, even when he looked healthy
· The phone call from his doctor: "You have a massive tumor engulfing your kidney"
· Surgery six days after diagnosis
· Telling his family, and a New Year's Eve spent wondering if it would be his last
· Going public with the diagnosis and choosing vulnerability over silence
· Watching Rocky in the recovery room and creating an inspirational video
· Cancer spreading to his lungs and spine
· The gym as a sanctuary and fitness as a recovery tool
· His friend Alan Kaufman (Ep. 029), a cancer survivor who modeled how to keep moving
· Discipline over motivation: "You don't want to do it. You just do it."
· Being your own advocate: The importance of not ignoring symptoms
Timestamps:
00:00 Episode teaser clip
00:50 Introduction and guest bio
04:00 Fast Lane Daily and building a comedy career
06:00 The birthmark surgery at 15 and what it taught him
09:00 Routine bloodwork to a phone call that changed everything
12:30 "You have a massive tumor": The moment his world stopped
15:00 Surgery in six days
15:32 Telling his family
17:09 Going public with the diagnosis
21:50 Mid-roll: Supporting AACR Foundation
22:43 Rocky in the recovery room
27:22 Derek's recovery video montage
30:22 The cancer spreads: Metastasis to lungs and spine
33:23 Faith, family, and the daily fight
36:03 How fitness became his sanctuary
43:10 What does beating this look like?
45:00 What Believe in Progress means to Derek
Take Action:
· Donate to the AACR: https://AACR.org/Give
· Get Screened: Screening is key to detecting disease early, when the cancer is more likely to be successfully treated
· Subscribe to Believe in Progress:
· Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4rLQyB5
· Spotify: https://sptfy.in/o700
· YouTube: https://AACR.org/BelieveInProgress
Production Credits:
· Host: Mitch Stoller
· Guest: Derek DeAngelis (“Derek D”)
· Executive Producer: Anthony Lopes
· Executive Producer: Michael Leary
· Producer: Mitch Stoller
· Producer: Heather Holland
· Director: Anthony Lopes
· Creative Director / Director of Photography: Michael Leary
· Writer: Anthony Lopes
· Editor: Michael Leary
Believe in Progress is produced by CollegeCast LLC.
Check out more episodes: https://AACR.org/BelieveInProgress
066: Running for Research: Katie Rabinowitz Seeks to Live Well with Metastatic Breast Cancer
Épisode 66
mercredi 4 mars 2026 • Durée 32:57
Despite facing a long family history of cancer, testing positive for a BRCA mutation at 30, and surviving breast cancer at 32, Katie Rabinowitz was living her best life as an attorney and marathon runner. Then she ran through severe chest pain at a Boulder, Colorado marathon.
Initially, her doctors thought running was the cause of the 35-year-old’s chest pain. But then, everything changed.
Katie’s cancer had metastasized to her chest, lymph nodes, and brain. Many people would have stopped running, but not Katie. Her great-grandmother, grandmother, aunt, and mother had all faced cancer, which led to the creation of a family mantra: “We don't die from cancer.”
So, Katie signed up for another marathon and raised more than $30,000 for the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) in support of lifesaving cancer research as a member of the AACR Runners for Research team.
Our conversation with Katie is about resilience, community, advocacy, and what it means to live well with cancer, not just survive it.
In This Episode:
Learn how Katie Rabinowitz went from BRCA-positive diagnosis to metastatic breast cancer warrior, raised over $30,000 for cancer research, and why she believes quality of life should be as important as extending life in cancer treatment.
Featured Guest:
Katie Rabinowitz - Attorney, Marathon Runner, Cancer Advocate, Metastatic Breast Cancer Warrior
Katie comes from a family where cancer is no stranger. Her great-grandmother, grandmother, aunt, and mother all faced gynecological cancers, creating a family mantra: 'We don't die from cancer.' Diagnosed with breast cancer at 32 and metastatic triple-negative breast cancer at 35, Katie has undergone mastectomy, multiple rounds of chemotherapy, brain radiation, and continues treatment while maintaining her career, running marathons, and raising tens of thousands of dollars for AACR cancer research.
GUEST BIO
Katie Rabinowitz is a Philadelphia-based attorney and metastatic breast cancer warrior. Diagnosed with breast cancer at age 32 after testing BRCA-positive at 30, Katie underwent mastectomy and believed she had reduced her cancer risk. At 35, while working in Boulder, Colorado, Katie discovered her cancer had metastasized to her chest, lymph nodes, and brain. Despite ongoing chemotherapy, brain radiation, and multiple treatment changes, Katie maintains her career, trains for marathons, and has raised over $30,000 for the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) through their Runners for Research program. Katie completed the Philadelphia Marathon on her birthday weekend and is currently training for the New York City Marathon while on oral chemotherapy. She uses her Instagram platform to raise awareness about cancer advocacy, early detection, BRCA testing, and the importance of demanding answers from medical professionals. Katie's story exemplifies living fully with metastatic cancer rather than simply surviving. Katie's story exemplifies living fully with metastatic cancer rather than simply surviving, and her advocacy has inspired thousands to prioritize early detection and demand better answers from their doctors.
Key Topics:
· Family mantra: “We don't die from cancer” and four generations facing the disease
· Testing BRCA-positive and the wisdom of knowing your genetic risk
· The "boob-ette party" before her mastectomy and the power of friendship
· Moving to Boulder and joining a running community at altitude
· Running a marathon with undiagnosed metastatic disease
· The shocking metastatic cancer diagnosis: “I have never seen anything like this that isn't cancer”
· Discovering cancer in her brain and the drive back across the country
· Chemo day 'Ask Me Anything' (AMA) posts on Instagram: Building community during cancer treatment
· The AACR Runners for Research initiative and the Philadelphia Marathon
· Raising more than $30,000 after setting an initial goal of $1,000
· Marathon day with “Katie's Ladies” and crossing the finish line on her birthday weekend
· The desire for cancer research to increase its focus on quality of life
· Training for the New York City Marathon while on oral chemotherapy
· Being your own advocate about your symptoms
Take Action:
· Donate to the AACR: https://AACR.org/Give
· Join AACR Runners for Research: https://www.AACR.org/Get-Involved/Other-Ways-to-Join/Runners-for-Research/
· Get Screened: Early detection can save your life
· Subscribe to Believe in Progress:
· Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4rLQyB5
· Spotify: https://sptfy.in/o700
· YouTube: https://AACR.org/BelieveInProgress
Production Credits:
· Host: Mitch Stoller
· Guest: Katie Rabinowitz
· Executive Producer: Anthony Lopes
· Executive Producer: Michael Leary
· Producer: Mitch Stoller
· Producer: Heather Holland
· Director: Anthony Lopes
· Creative Director / Director of Photography: Michael Leary
· Writer: Anthony Lopes
· Editor: Michael Leary
Believe in Progress is produced by CollegeCast LLC.
Check out more episodes: https://AACR.org/BelieveInProgress
---
Episode Details:
Episode Number: 066
Release Date: March 4, 2026
Duration: 32:56
Guest: Katie Rabinowitz
Category: Health & Fitness, Medicine
065: Behind the Breakthroughs: How AACR Funds Cancer Research
Épisode 65
mercredi 18 février 2026 • Durée 32:02
Behind every breakthrough in cancer science and medicine is a complex ecosystem of funding, peer review, and strategic support that allows innovative investigators to thrive. On this episode of Believe in Progress, we meet two of the key players in that ecosystem at the American Association for Cancer Research® (AACR).
Dr. Yixian (John) Zhang is the Vice President of Research and Grants Administration at the AACR. With decades of experience in the nonprofit sector and industry, Dr. Zhang oversees AACR’s grant giving in the most promising science through a rigorous peer review process. He manages a diverse grant portfolio that supports researchers from postdoctoral fellows to independent investigators, balancing high-risk, high-reward research projects with implementation science that makes a difference for patients.
Dr. Frédéric Biemar is the Vice President and Head of the Education Division at the AACR. A former assistant professor and researcher in developmental biology, he ensures that the global community of AACR’s more than 61,000 members in 143 countries and territories stays connected and supported throughout each stage of their careers. Dr. Biemar is also pioneering new educational approaches to meet the needs of millennials and Gen Z scientists entering the field.
Together, Dr. Zhang and Dr. Biemar represent the fuel and the workforce behind the progress the AACR nurtures. In this episode, they discuss why the cancer mortality rate is dropping, how immunotherapy is transforming treatment, and why we're at a critical juncture where continued investment in research and education will accelerate the pace of breakthroughs in cancer science and medicine. This conversation reveals the infrastructure that makes cancer progress possible and the strategic decisions that shape which research gets funded and how the next generation of scientists gets trained.
Featured Guests:
Dr. Yixian (John) Zhang - Vice President of Research and Grants Administration, American Association for Cancer Research
A strategic leader in cancer research funding, Dr. Zhang discusses the AACR's rigorous peer review process, how the organization balances high-risk innovation with implementation science, and why early career scientists are the "fresh soldiers" we cannot afford to lose as we seek breakthroughs in cancer research. He shares compelling data showing cancer mortality rates dropping and survivor numbers increasing every year.
Dr. Frédéric Biemar - Vice President and Head of the Education Division, American Association for Cancer Research
Leading educational innovation for a global research community, Dr. Biemar explains how the AACR serves its tens of thousands of members worldwide, why professional development must adapt to new technologies and career paths beyond academia, and how the organization is launching programs from high school summer research to AI training to ensure the next generation has the tools they need to succeed.
Key Topics:
· AACR's Global Research Community
· The State of Progress in Cancer Research
· AACR's Grant Portfolio and Peer Review Process
· Serving the Global Cancer Research Community
· Industry Partnerships and Collaboration
· The Workforce Challenge: Keeping Scientists in the Field
· AI and the Future of Cancer Research
· Educational Innovation at the AACR
· The Honest Broker Mission
· Looking Ahead to 2026 and Beyond
Take Action to Advance Cancer Research:
- Donate to the AACR: https://AACR.org/Give
- Share this episode: Help amplify the message that strategic funding and education drive breakthroughs
- Subscribe to Believe in Progress: Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts
- Learn about AACR programs: Explore grants and educational opportunities offered by the AACR at https://AACR.org
Production Credits:
Host: Mitch Stoller
Guests: Dr. Yixian (John) Zhang, Vice President of Research and Grants Administration, AACR; Dr. Frédéric Biemar, Vice President and Head of the Education Division, AACR
Executive Producer: Anthony Lopes
Executive Producer: Michael Leary
Producer: Mitch Stoller
Producer: Heather Holland
Director: Anthony Lopes
Creative Director / Director of Photography: Michael Leary
Writer: Anthony Lopes
Editor: Michael Leary
Believe in Progress is produced by CollegeCast LLC.
Check out more episodes: https://AACR.org/BelieveInProgress
064: How High School Students Raised More Than $500,000 for Cancer Research
Épisode 64
mercredi 4 février 2026 • Durée 35:52
What does it take for high school students to raise more than $500,000 for cancer research? In this episode of Believe in Progress, we meet Suhani Makwana, who turned her teacher's cancer diagnosis into a movement that's funding breakthrough research in blood cancers. You will hear from two extraordinary individuals whose relationship exemplifies the ripple effect of mentorship, resilience, and purpose-driven education.
Jena Brodhead was a teacher at Easton Area School District in Easton, Pennsylvania when she was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 2013. She made a courageous choice: to turn her diagnosis into an educational opportunity for her students. Working through chemotherapy, she welcomed honest conversations about cancer, easing fear and stigma about the subject. Her transparency laid the foundation for what would become Brodhead's Heroes, a student advocacy team that has raised more than $500,000 for blood cancer research over six years.
Suhani Makwana was just a sixth grader when she first met Mrs. Brodhead. Now an undergraduate biology major and Razor's Edge Research Scholar at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Suhani's path from middle school student to emerging pre-medical student was shaped profoundly by her teacher's cancer journey and the advocacy work it inspired. As a high school junior, Suhani led her team to raise more than $50,000 in a single campaign, earning a research grant for aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Today, she's pursuing studies in biology with minors in pre-health, research studies, and bioinformatics, while working with organizations like the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and the Kellen Foundation to advance lifesaving cancer science and medicine.
Together, Jena’s and Suhani's stories capture the transformative power of mentorship, the critical role of early exposure to science and research, and how personal experiences with cancer can inspire future careers. Our conversation with them reminds us that advocacy isn't just about raising money; it's about raising voices, building community, and advancing science to benefit real people.
Featured Guests:
Jena Brodhead - Teacher, Easton Area School District; Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Survivor; Inspiration for Brodhead's Heroes
Suhani Makwana - Undergraduate Student, Nova Southeastern University; Razor's Edge Research Scholar; Student Visionaries of the Year Candidate
Key Topics:
• How Jena shared her cancer diagnosis openly with students while teaching through chemotherapy
• Student Visionaries of the Year Campaign: Brodhead's Heroes raised $500,000+ over six years
• Creative fundraising: emails to businesses nationwide, blood drives, bake sales, and the 50 States Challenge
• How every contact became an opportunity to educate about cancer research
• From Advocacy to Academic Pursuits - Suhani's journey: biology major with minors in pre-health, research studies, and bioinformatics at Nova Southeastern University
• Internship with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society: community health fairs and patient advocacy
• Work with the Kellen Foundation on lifestyle medicine and cancer prevention
• Future aspirations in hematology-oncology and evidence-informed care
• Translating science for patients: explaining complex concepts without sacrificing accuracy
• Treating cancer patients as whole people, not just clinical cases
• Lifestyle medicine and holistic cancer care approaches
• How ketogenic, plant-based, and other diets may impact cancer treatment
• Patient stories of dramatic health improvements through dietary changes
• The Patient Perspective: Jena's Reflections on living with cancer's long-term effects and choosing doctors who treat the whole person
• Mentorship and Early Research Exposure: Why early exposure to advocacy matters and you don't have to wait to make a difference
• Community-Centered Progress: How advocacy fuels funding, which drives research, which improves care
Take Action in the Fight Against Cancer:
If this episode moved you, here's how you can help:
• Donate to the AACR: Fuel lifesaving innovation at https://AACR.org/Give
• Share this episode: Help amplify the message that mentorship, early exposure to research, and community advocacy can transform lives
• Subscribe to Believe in Progress: Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts
• Learn about student programs: Visit https://AACR.org to explore high school and undergraduate research opportunities
Production Credits:
Host: Mitch Stoller
Guests: Suhani Makwana; Jena Brodhead
Executive Producer: Anthony Lopes
Executive Producer: Michael Leary
Producer: Mitch Stoller
Producer: Heather Holland
Director: Anthony Lopes
Creative Director / DP: Michael Leary
Writer: Anthony Lopes
Editor: Michael Leary
Believe in Progress is produced by CollegeCast LLC.
Check out more episodes: https://AACR.org/BelieveInProgress
063: The Philadelphia Cycling Classic is Back: Eric M. Robbins and Carlos Rogers Share the Revival Story
Épisode 63
mercredi 21 janvier 2026 • Durée 33:55
What does it take to revive a beloved Philadelphia tradition after a decade-long hiatus? In this episode of Believe in Progress, a podcast of the AACR Foundation, we sit down with two men who are bringing professional cycling back to the streets of Philadelphia.
Part One introduces the grassroots origins of the revival. We meet Carlos Rogers, a local hairstylist and cycling enthusiast who spent three years pitching a vision to bring the race back, and Eric M. Robbins, the business leader who joined forces to turn that vision into reality—the Philadelphia Cycling Classic. They discuss the pivotal moment former Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter joined the team and the emotional weight of earning community trust.
Part Two dives into the details of the race itself, scheduled for August 30, 2026. Carlos and Eric walk us through the iconic 14-mile circuit, including the grueling "Manayunk Wall" with its steep grade. They discuss the projected economic impact of more than 100,000 spectators and the race’s identity as "The People’s Race." And then the conversation turns to the heart of the mission: the collaboration with the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) as the charity partner for the race to raise critical funds for lifesaving cancer science and medicine. The AACR Riders for Research participants will cycle the 14-mile course before the professional race begins. Eric also shares the personal story of losing his mother to ovarian cancer in 2004, highlighting how resilience is the driving force behind this Philadelphia comeback story.
Featured Guests:
Carlos Rogers - Co-Founder, Philadelphia Cycling Classic
A Philadelphia native, professional hairstylist, and lifelong cyclist, Carlos is the visionary "spark" behind the initiative. His three-year grassroots campaign and refusal to let the tradition die led to the revival of one of the city's cherished sporting events.
Eric M. Robbins - Co-Founder, Philadelphia Cycling Classic
Bringing decades of financial and operational leadership, Eric is the strategist ensuring the race's success. Deeply connected to the Philadelphia community, he is driven by a desire to give back to the city and a personal commitment to cancer awareness following the loss of his mother.
Key Topics:
· The Origin Story: How a hairstylist’s passion project evolved into a major international sporting event
· Building the Team: The critical involvement of former Mayor Michael Nutter and the emotional moment he told Carlos, "I believe in you"
· The Course: A breakdown of the 14-mile loop, including the Ben Franklin Parkway, Kelly Drive, and the infamous Manayunk Wall
· Economic and Community Impact: Projecting more than 100,000 spectators and millions of dollars in economic impact for Philadelphia
· Strategic Partnerships: The role of the AACR as the event’s official charity partner
· Resilience and Loss: Eric’s personal reflection on his mother’s battle with ovarian cancer and how it shapes his work ethic
· The 2026 Vision: Why the race was moved to August 30 and the plans for a multi-day fan festival
Take Action to Propel Progress in Cancer Research:
If this episode moved you, here’s how you can take action to advance cancer research:
· Donate to the AACR: Fuel lifesaving cancer research at https://AACR.org/Give
· Share This Episode: Help amplify the message that bold ideas and global collaboration can change the future of cancer care
· Team Up with AACR Riders for Research at the 2026 Philadelphia Cycling Classic – AACR Charity Ride: https://AACR.org/PCC
· Subscribe to Believe in Progress: Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts
· Learn More About the Philadelphia Cycling Classic at https://www.philadelphiacyclingclassic.com/
Production Credits:
Host: Mitch Stoller
Guests: Eric M. Robbins; Carlos Rogers
Executive Producer: Anthony Lopes
Executive Producer: Michael Leary
Director: Anthony Lopes
Creative Director / Director of Photography: Michael Leary
Writer: Anthony Lopes
Editor: Michael Leary
Associate Producer: Heather Holland
Check out more episodes: https://AACR.org/BelieveInProgress
Believe in Progress is produced by CollegeCast LLC.
062: Resilience, Faith, and Football - The Macri Family’s Journey with Pediatric Brain Cancer
Épisode 62
mercredi 7 janvier 2026 • Durée 39:34
What happens when a healthy 8-year-old boy begins tripping, falling, and experiencing double vision? For Katie and Nick Macri, and grandparents Tim and Maggie McNiff, these early warning signs led to every family’s worst nightmare: a diagnosis of diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG), a rare and aggressive tumor located in the brainstem.
In this emotional episode of Believe in Progress, brought to you by the AACR Foundation, we sit down with the family of John Paul (JP) to discuss their journey through diagnosis and treatment.
Part One introduces us to JP and his family. Katie and Nick recount the heartbreaking timeline from subtle symptoms to the harrowing moments of receiving the diagnosis. They discuss the devastating nature of a tumor located in the pons region of the brainstem and the "state of unknowing" that follows such news. We also hear from JP’s grandparents, Tim and Maggie, on dropping everything to support their grandchildren, and how the family navigated difficult conversations with JP’s older brother, Luke.
Part Two focuses on the incredible resilience that defines JP’s journey. The family discusses their decision to pursue a clinical trial involving CAR T-cell therapy at Seattle Children’s Hospital to preserve JP's quality of life. The conversation shifts to the power of community—from a neighborhood Nerf war to the James Madison University football team adopting JP as an honorary captain. Finally, Nick and Tim discuss their initiative to accelerate research through the "M3 database," an AI-driven project designed to speed up data sharing for pediatric brain cancer.
This is a story about cancer science and a little boy who refuses to let a dire diagnosis define his spirit.
Featured Guests
Katie and Nick Macri – John Paul’s parents
Katie and Nick share their raw and honest experience navigating pediatric cancer, balancing full-time work with cross-country travel for treatment, and relying on their deep faith to carry the burden of the unknown.
Tim and Maggie McNiff – John Paul’s grandparents
Tim and Maggie offer the perspective of the extended family "village." They discuss the role of grandparents in a crisis and their work to support logistical and scientific initiatives to help their grandson.
Key Topics:
Part One – The Diagnosis and The Family Unit
• Early Warning Signs: Identifying subtle symptoms like redness in eyes, head tilting, and loss of balance
• The Diagnosis: Understanding DIPG and the initial prognosis
• Sibling Impact: How JP’s older brother Luke is processing the illness and the attention surrounding it
• The Power of Vulnerability: Why Nick and Katie chose to be open on CaringBridge rather than keeping the diagnosis private
Part Two – Innovation, Community and The "Green Bracelet" Army
• CAR T-Cell Therapy: Choosing an innovative clinical trial over traditional chemotherapy to maintain quality of life
• The JMU Connection: How the James Madison University football team embraced JP, from the weight room to the coin toss
• The M3 Database: Nick and Tim’s effort to use AI and data centralization to help researchers share MRI and genomic data faster
• Community Support: How neighbors, colleagues, and strangers lift the family up daily
Take Action to Advance Cancer Science and Medicine:
If this episode moved you, here’s how you can take action to support families like the Macris:
• Donate to the AACR: Fuel lifesaving innovation at https://AACR.org/Give
• Check out the inaugural AACR Pediatric Cancer Progress Report, which highlights the advances and challenges in the field, at https://PediatricCancerProgressReport.org
• Support additional organizations that advocate for pediatric cancer research, including Tough2gether Foundation
• Follow along with JP’s story at CaringBridge
• Share this Episode: Help amplify the message that bold ideas and global collaboration can change the future of cancer care
• Subscribe to Believe in Progress: Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts
Production Credits:
Host: Mitch Stoller
Guests: Katie Macri, Nick Macri, Tim McNiff, and Maggie McNiff
Executive Producer: Anthony Lopes
Executive Producer: Michael Leary
Director: Anthony Lopes
Creative Director / Director of Photography: Michael Leary
Writer: Anthony Lopes
Editor: Michael Leary
Associate Producer: Heather Holland
Check out more episodes: https://AACR.org/BelieveInProgress
Believe in Progress is produced by CollegeCast LLC.
061: Competing Against Cancer - Pickleball Pro Steve Dawson’s Journey of Resilience
Épisode 61
mercredi 17 décembre 2025 • Durée 31:17
What happens when an elite athlete, known for his focus and discipline, faces a life-changing diagnosis? In this episode of Believe in Progress, a podcast of the AACR Foundation, we sit down with Steve Dawson, a titan in the world of pickleball, to discuss his experiences with prostate cancer.
Part One: We explore Steve’s initial diagnosis, which came as a shock following a routine physical with no prior symptoms. Steve discusses his decision-making process regarding surgery versus radiation and the "state of unknowing" that accompanies a cancer journey. He discusses how his athletic background prepared him to tackle treatment head-on and the importance of men overcoming the stigma of discussing their health.
Part Two: We dive into the intersection of passion and recovery. Steve shares how a cancer recurrence became the catalyst for launching his own paddle company, Aura, and reflects on the unique, supportive nature of the pickleball community. He shares candid, humorous, and vulnerable stories, including winning a bronze medal at the US Open while recovering from surgery, and discusses his "expiration date" philosophy that makes every sunset better and every glass of wine taste a little sweeter.
This conversation highlights the importance of early detection, the power of an active lifestyle, and the refusal to let a diagnosis define one’s limits.
Featured Guest
Steve Dawson - Professional Pickleball Player, Coach, and Entrepreneur
A legend in the sport with 18 majors to his name, Steve Dawson is the owner of the Bobby Riggs Racket and Paddle Club and the founder of Aura. He uses his platform to advocate for prostate cancer awareness and emphasizes the critical need for PSA screenings.
Key Topics:
Part One – The Diagnosis & Mindset
- The silent nature of prostate cancer: How a routine physical that found a spike in PSA levels led to Steve’s diagnosis.
- Navigating treatment options: The choice between surgery and radiation.
- The "state of unknowing": Managing the anxiety of diagnosis and recurrence.
- Breaking the silence: Why Steve feels men should talk more openly about cancer and "Man Up to Cancer."
- How physical fitness and an athlete’s mentality aided Steve’s recovery from surgery.
Part Two – Community, Innovation & Resilience
- The pickleball melting pot: How the sport builds a diverse, supportive network for patients.
- Turning adversity into action: How a cancer recurrence motivated the founding of his company, Aura.
- The bronze medal story: A humorous and gritty look at competing in the US Open immediately post-surgery.
- Integrative approaches: Combining Western medicine with Eastern holistic practices (diet, herbs, and stretching).
- Reframing the narrative: Viewing cancer survivorship as a tool to appreciate the vibrancy of life.
Take Action in the Fight Against Cancer:
If this episode moved you, here’s how you can take action to advance cancer research:
- Get screened: If you are eligible, talk to your doctor about a PSA test. It could save your life.
- Donate to the AACR: Fuel lifesaving innovation at https://AACR.org/Give
- Share this episode: Help amplify the message that early detection and community support can change outcomes.
- Subscribe to Believe in Progress: Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Production Credits:
Host: Mitch Stoller
Guest: Steve Dawson
Executive Producer: Anthony Lopes
Executive Producer: Michael Leary
Director: Anthony Lopes
Creative Director / Director of Photography: Michael Leary
Writer: Anthony Lopes
Editor: Michael Leary
Associate Producer: Heather Holland
Believe in Progress is produced by CollegeCast LLC.
Check out more episodes: https://AACR.org/BelieveInProgress
060: Reimagining Cancer Survivorship and Leading with Heart - Suzanne Stone
Épisode 60
mercredi 3 décembre 2025 • Durée 42:20
What happens when a life in media, advocacy, and leadership converges on a mission to transform the way we support people with cancer?
On this episode of Believe in Progress, the AACR Foundation’s podcast, we hear from Suzanne Stone, an Emmy-winning storyteller, nonprofit champion, and the President and CEO of Livestrong.
From television studios to basketball courts to cancer care nonprofits, Suzanne’s career has always centered on lifting others up. In a special full-circle moment, host Mitch Stoller, who served as Livestrong’s President and CEO from 2003 to 2007, talks with Suzanne to discuss the organization's legacy and its future.
Suzanne shares the career path that brought her to Livestrong, including how coaching women’s basketball taught her vital lessons about empathy and listening that now inform her leadership style. She explores the organization's evolution, from the decision to bring back the iconic yellow and black branding to the launch of Ellis, a groundbreaking AI companion designed to help cancer survivors navigate their journey.
This conversation dives deep into the philosophy of "saving all the starfish," moving beyond individual aid to creating systemic impact at scale. Suzanne outlines how Livestrong is building self-sustaining micro-businesses to ensure that no one faces cancer alone, today or years from now.
Featured Guest Suzanne Stone - President and CEO, Livestrong: Leading one of the most recognized names in cancer advocacy, Suzanne is focused on patient-centered solutions, equity, and enduring hope. She discusses how her background in media and coaching prepared her to lead Livestrong into its next chapter, emphasizing the power of community, physical movement, and innovative technology in cancer recovery.
Key Topics:
• A Legacy of Bravery: How Livestrong has evolved over 28 years while maintaining its core mission to ensure no one faces cancer alone.
• From Storytelling to Service: Suzanne’s non-linear career path from TV production to coaching basketball and leading nonprofits like Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) and Susan G. Komen.
• Impact at Scale: Reinterpreting the "Starfish Parable" to focus on solving root causes rather than just individual cases.
• Innovation in Care: The development of Ellis, an AI-powered guidebook that acts as a closed-loop conversation partner for survivors seeking resources.
• The Power of Yellow: The strategic decision to bring back the iconic yellow and black brand identity as a symbol of hope and resilience.
• Exercise Oncology: The evolution of Livestrong at the Y into Cancer Fit, an accessible, on-demand digital training platform for survivors and trainers.
• Leadership Lessons: How coaching a community college basketball team taught Suzanne the difference between hearing and truly listening with empathy.
• Future Sustainability: Building self-sustaining micro-businesses to fuel Livestrong’s mission independent of external economic factors.
Take Action in the Fight Against Cancer:
If this episode moved you, here’s how you can take action to advance cancer research:
• Donate to the AACR: Fuel lifesaving cancer research at https://AACR.org/Give
• Support Survivorship: Learn more about Livestrong’s resources at https://Livestrong.org
• Share this episode: Help amplify the message that bold ideas and global collaboration can change the future of cancer care
• Subscribe to Believe in Progress: Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts
Production Credits:
Host: Mitch Stoller
Guest: Suzanne Stone
Executive Producer: Anthony Lopes
Executive Producer: Michael Leary
Director: Anthony Lopes
Creative Director / Director of Photography: Michael Leary
Writer: Anthony Lopes
Editor: Michael Leary
Associate Producer: Heather Holland
Believe in Progress is produced by CollegeCast LLC.
Check out more episodes: https://AACR.org/BelieveInProgress