Talking Hope

“You have to live your passion”: Racing legend Bob Alderman on his 21-year survivorship journey with prostate cancer

Every time Bob Alderman puts on his racing helmet, the rest of the world fades away. But after two decades of fighting prostate cancer, he wasn’t sure he would ever sit behind the wheel of a sprint car again. “Cancer is scary, and that’s normal and okay, but you are still the person you are at the core,” says Alderman. “I have a lot of confidence knowing City of Hope is with me so I can be exactly who I am.” Join us as the racing legend discusses how following his passion has been key to his survivorship, his journey back to the racetrack, and why his story starts with Hope First.

Orange County mom navigates rare ovarian cancer diagnosis with hope and gratitude

Heidi Paolone woke up from surgery in 2022 to hear the startling words, “You have cancer.” During a routine procedure at a local hospital, Heidi’s care team discovered concerning signs, and further testing revealed tumors associated with a rare form of ovarian cancer. Although less common than other types of cancer like breast cancer or colon cancer, ovarian cancer is the second most common gynecologic cancer in the U.S. — more than 236,000 women are living with ovarian cancer in the United States. Join us as Heidi shares her personal healing journey and what navigating cancer has taught her about resilience, gratitude and hope.

The younger face of cancer survivorship: Meet grateful patient Juliette Landgrave and Amanda Schwer, M.D.

It can no longer be said someone is “too young for cancer.” The recommended age for starting breast cancer screening has recently been decreased to 40. Cancer rates are rising among adults under 50, especially in Southern California. Cancer’s new face is the face of our neighbors, work colleagues, and adult children, and awareness is the first step in getting people screened and tested early. Our guest today, Juliette Landgrave, is among the new young faces of cancer survivorship, and her story is one of resilience and hope. Her multidisciplinary team at City of Hope Orange County includes our second guest, renowned radiation oncologist Dr. Amanda Schwer. Join us as we discuss the special concerns that younger patients with cancer face, how those concerns can be addressed, and what younger adults can do to reduce their risk of developing cancer.

Helping write the “survival guide” for others: Meet lung cancer survivor Michelle Vacca

You may be surprised to learn that Orange County has one of the highest incidence rates of lung cancer in women under 50 in California, ranking fifth in the state (although data suggests a downward trend). Our guest today, Michelle Vacca, is a mother, a wife, a fan of K-pop music and a survivor of non-small cell lung cancer, discovered at age 49 during a trip to the emergency room for something unrelated. Join us as host Darrin Godin speaks with Michelle about the clinical trial that transformed her journey, her passion for lung cancer advocacy, and how advances in research and treatment at City of Hope are changing the lung cancer story in Orange County. Lung cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in Orange County adults, where only 7% of adults smoke.

“A new blessing every day”: Meet two-time cancer survivor Kathy Miller Willahan

After initially beating breast cancer, Kathy Miller Willahan never expected to deal with a second cancer diagnosis. More than a decade after her experience with breast cancer, Kathy was diagnosed in 2017 with Stage 4 mantle cell lymphoma, a rare form of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. After five years of attempting various treatments, her cancer kept returning, and she came to City of Hope to see if to see if she was a candidate for an innovative cancer treatment known as chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy. Today, thanks to the advanced treatment and compassionate care she receives at City of Hope, Kathy is back enjoying her family and doing the things she loves. Join Kathy and host Darrin Godin as they discuss Kathy’s keys to cancer survivorship.

Urologic cancer: Keys to prevention, early detection and treatment

Urologic cancers rank among the most frequently occurring cancers in the United States. Some can develop in both men and women, while others are specific to men. In this episode, renowned urologic researcher and clinician Cory Hugen, M.D., shares what to know about urologic cancer, how to reduce risk, and advances in early detection and treatment that are bringing new hope to patients. Dr. Hugen practices at City of Hope Orange County Lennar Foundation Cancer Center, where he specializes in caring for patients with urologic cancers such as prostate cancer, bladder cancer, kidney cancer, testicular cancer and penile cancer. He has been the lead or co-investigator on dozens of clinical trials in addition to being a multi-decorated physician serving in the United States Air Force. 

Full sail ahead: Meet prostate cancer survivor Jon Remy

Prostate cancer is usually readily treatable and has high survival rates, especially when it is caught and treated early. When Jon Remy was diagnosed with prostate cancer, he was prepared to do whatever he needed to do for as long as it took. But after only two weeks of leading-edge radiation therapy at City of Hope Orange County Lennar Foundation Cancer Center, Jon rang the bell to celebrate successfully completing his treatment. In this episode, Jon shares his message for men on the importance of early detection and treatment. There are no universal guidelines for prostate cancer screening, so men should speak with their physician so they can make an individualized decision on getting screened. This is particularly important for men over age 45 and men in higher-risk groups, including Black men and men with a family history of prostate cancer.

The benefits of acupuncture in cancer care

Studies show acupuncture can help relieve a wide range of symptoms related to cancer and its treatment. In this episode, we speak with acupuncturist oncologist Amy Truong, D.T.C.M., M.P.H., L.Ac., about the evidence-backed benefits of acupuncture for patients with cancer. Dr. Truong brings extensive knowledge and expertise in both public health and traditional Chinese medicine to her practice at City of Hope Orange County Lennar Foundation Cancer Center. She holds both a master’s and a doctorate in traditional Chinese medicine, and a master’s degree in public health. Acupuncture oncology is a key part of City of Hope’s first-of-its-kind national integrative oncology program that will bring together Eastern and Western treatment methods to improve outcomes and quality of life for cancer patients and survivors.

Cervical cancer and HPV: What’s the connection?

Did you know most cervical cancers have a causal link to certain high-risk strains of human papillomavirus (HPV)? Don’t miss this informative conversation with Joshua G. Cohen, M.D., F.A.C.O.G., F.A.C.S., Medical Director, Gynecologic Cancer Program, City of Hope Orange County, and Christopher Zimmerman, M.D., M.P.H., Deputy Medical Director, Communicable Disease Control Division, Orange County Heath Care Agency. Learn what the evidence tells us about the correlation between HPV and the risk of cervical cancer — and other cancers — as we dive into the data, dispel myths, and shine a light on the and the safe, effective and widely available vaccination and screenings that are key to HPV-related cervical cancer prevention.

Holistic approach to cancer care uplifts grateful two-time breast cancer survivor

Sheree Santos is a two-time breast cancer survivor and a grateful patient at City of Hope Orange County. Sheree joins us to share how she addressed both the physical and emotional issues that can arise during and after cancer treatment. For Sheree, experiencing art – and the healing and comfort it can provide – elevated her well-being on her journey to cancer survivorship. In this episode, you will see examples of the inspirational artwork that surrounds patients at City of Hope Orange County Lennar Foundation Cancer Center, including several pieces that held a special – and unexpected – meaning for Sheree when she arrived there for the first time.