About this Episode

Seize the Days is a podcast dedicated to capturing the profound ways individuals find meaning, joy, and purpose following a cancer diagnosis. Hosted by scientist and storyteller Cathy Becker alongside oncologist and researcher Dr. Evan Lipson, the series bridges the gap between clinical medicine and the vital human experience of making the most of every day.

Through a powerful library of “life-affirming tales,” the show features a diverse collection of voices—including patients, caregivers, and loved ones—who share their journeys of determination and grit. Listeners will hear inspiring stories about:

• Finding Power in Movement: From returning to marathons to discovering strength in physical activity.
• Creative Expression: Using art and writing to comfort others and process personal experiences.
• Community & Connection: Realizing the impact of a collective voice and the importance of rekindled relationships.
• Gaining Perspective: Learning to live truly in the present and appreciating life’s richness in a whole new way

Transcript

00:00:00] Dr. Evan Lipson: welcome to Seize the Days, the podcast that captures how people find meaning, joy, and purpose in the face of a cancer diagnosis.

[00:00:08] Cathy Becker: Maybe it’s by creating something

[00:00:10] Caitlin Waters: I only felt it was fair that I write down my experiences too so that maybe someday someone would be able to read my writing and feel more comforted or feel like they weren’t the only one going through this terrible thing.

[00:00:22]

[00:00:22] Cathy Becker: or finding power in movement,

[00:00:24] Bill Merriam: I’m going to get through this. Life’s going to go on. I’m going to be running marathons again.

[00:00:29] Cathy Becker: or gaining new perspective.

[00:00:31] Jasina Sturdivant: We’re fighting the battle, and we’re winning. And it just helps me appreciate what I have, and it helps me appreciate what other people have as well.

[00:00:39] Cathy Becker: This podcast will highlight voices like these. That’s why we’re here. These are people touched by cancer who found a way to bring more meaning or joy or purpose to their days.

[00:00:51] I’m your host, Cathy Becker. I’ve been a scientist and a storyteller, and a few things in between. And by sharing and [00:01:00] reflecting on these stories, we hope to spread the sense of positivity and perseverance to you or someone you love who’s been touched by cancer, who couldn’t use more of those things in our lives.

[00:01:11] Dr. Evan Lipson: I couldn’t agree more. I’m Dr. Evan Lipson. I’m an oncologist and a cancer researcher, and for the last 15 years or so, I’ve focused on the science of treating patients with cancer. But while we’re focused on the medicine, my patients were focused on something even more vital, which is how to make the most of every day.

[00:01:29] So I’d sit in the exam room and hear my patients talk about these inspiring tales, the mountains they climb, and the walks they take, and the relationships they rekindled and the art that they pursue. All these really life affirming tales. And they were so powerful that I began recording them. And what we got was this library.

[00:01:48] It’s a master class in determination and grit and ways to add life to their days.

[00:01:55] Cathy Becker: Our podcast explores and celebrates the ways people [00:02:00] touched by cancer add life to their days. We’ll hear from people who try something new

[00:02:05] Annie Applegarth: Suddenly, one thing changes your life, and then something entirely different that you never thought you would do in your life, changes your life in a whole positive way.

[00:02:14] Cathy Becker: and about the power of community,

[00:02:17] Rochelle Shoretz: we have a strong voice together. And that is a part of the cancer journey that I really didn’t understand before I became a piece of it. we feel small, but the truth is our impact is great,

[00:02:30] Cathy Becker: and those who took the time. To be truly present.

[00:02:33] Dr. Evan Lipson: I feel like we all say live today, like it’s your last day. Well, who really does that? But I’m doing it. And so I’m grateful because I think my life is richer because of it. these stories from patients, from caregivers and loved ones. Each one offers a window into what it means to seize the days that we’re given.

[00:02:52] Cathy Becker: If you like me, could use a little more inspiration in your days. Join us for our podcast. You can learn more @ [00:03:00] seizethedays.org subscribe now wherever you get your podcasts and share it with someone you love.

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