AliveandKick'n the podcast

I sit down with Sam Alexandra Rose, Lynch Syndrome survivor and self-publilshed author of Gut Feelings, Coping with Cancer and Living with Lynch Syndrome.  Sam has CMMRD, as both of Sam's parents have Lynch Syndrome and she has inherited it from both.  Sam's brother was 16 when he passed away from a brain tumor, but also a sister who did not inherit a mutation from either parent.  Sam is doing her...

I sit down with Amanda Boitnott, as we discuss her family's extensive history with Lynch Syndrome and cancer, but also previvorship for  extended periods for several members of her familly.  Our families have taken similar approaches to discussing and sharing and setting the example.  We also talk Yellowstone, ranching, and life with massive lapdogs Hobbes and Zeus.  Amanda and her daughter both h...

I sit down with Margaret Hitchcock, virologist, Lynch Syndrome patient, and Vice President of the California Colorectal Cancer Coalition.  Melanoma and Triple Negative Breast Cancer survivor and we discuss celebrating cancerversaries and what it's like to be a survivor, knowing there's a distinct possibility, if not likelihood, there will be at least once reoccurrence.   Margaret talks about her e...

I sit down with Kelly Ann Giggler, Lynch Syndrome previvor and photographer for ESPN.  We discuss rubber ducks, peaches, Peloton, and her family's extensive medical history, including negative testing for BRCA.  We also talk about our mutual admiration for Dr Xavier Llor at Yale.  Kelly Anne received 4 out of 5 stars on Yelp for how clean her first colonoscopy.  We also talk about the celebritizin...

I sat down with Jim Baral just before the New Year, and we discussed his experience with colon cancer as a lynch syndrome patient, as well as the upcoming colonoscopy ESPY (colonEscapy) awards ceremony as we both walk the blue carpet for 25 plus times.  Proof that we're all originally from Brooklyn.  We have very similar stories and attitude about this.  Jim's LA cleansing is the stuff of legend. ...

I sit down with Laura McCollough, Lynch Syndrome survivor.  We talk about our dads with Lynch yet outliving their spouses, kids,  family history, and the perils of driving on the NJ Turnpike.  Laura's family has had some unusual cancers, even for Lynch.  We talk about the current state, but hopeful outcomes from the Covid pandemic.  Joy and interconnectedness and sourdough bread are her current pr...

I speak with Janice Berliner, Genetic Counselor, Author, and Genetic Counseling Program Director at Bay Path University.  We talk about Genetic Counseling training, telemedicine, and the logistics of getting to Longmeadow, Massachusetts.  In Good Conscience, her fictional book, talks about a celebrity with Lynch Syndrome.  I may have commented in the back of book.  Little known fact is that Janice...

I chat with Erica and Nick Vargo Fiedler as they discussed Erica's family history with Lynch Syndrome as well how she is turning her witnessing medical dedication into potentially pursue a career in medicine.  One Colon at a Time will be the name of the practice, have its own match making web site, and Nick will wear it on his headband.  We also discuss the evolution of their relationship with run...

I sit down with Dr Robert Huneberg, who not only does research as a Gastroenterologist at the National Center for Hereditary Tumor Syndromes in Germany, but also has a lynch syndrome in his family story.  We discuss ChromoEndoscopy and adenoma detection rates.  We also discuss lynch syndrome specific research (upper GI) taking place from a number of groups in the States as well as internationally....

I sit down with JJ Singleton, Lynch Syndrome survivor, and he talks about his chemotherapy and immunotherapy history, microsatellite instability and more.  JJ is still AliveAndKickn 5 years after his diagnosis.  We also discuss our common affinity for Moon Pies from Chattanooga.  

Dave sits down with Bryson Katona, Gastroenterologist at the University of Pennsylvania.  We talk about med school and the teaching of genetics and Lynch Syndrome "back in the day."  Regardless of how many times it's discussed, people are still amazed at the prevalence.  A silver lining of Covid has been the increase of genetic testing and telemedicine.  We re-hash the usual debate of screening gu...

Dave sits down with Kerry Evers, lynch syndrome previvor and co-President and CEO of Pro-Change Behavior Systems.  Dave had met Kerry at Dana Farber's Lynch Syndrome awareness day, LynkedIn.  We talk Ben and Jerry's mint chip ice cream, Genetic Information Non Disclosure Act (GINA) and traveling for colonoscopy and care.  If anyone was prepared for having lynch syndrome and helping people, it's Ke...

Dave sits down with Chris Tarver, Lynch Syndrome survivor, and they talk about how he found out he had colon cancer and subsequently lynch from his first colonoscopy. Chris talks about his decisionmaking, what went into it, and how he wants to share his journey so others can benefit from it.  We talk about having conversations with our doctors, and how it truly benefits the relationship for the lo...

Dave sits down with Brian Shawn, sportscaster, lynch syndrome cancer survivor, and fan of all things sports.  Interestingly enough, it was Sanford Health reminding Brian to get tested that got him to finally go ahead with it.  Now as a colon cancer survivor, he's using his microphone to spread awareness for lynch syndrome.  We also talk about Minnesota United soccer, and my trips to Minneapolis fo...

I talk lynch syndrome, prostate cancer, melanoma, Man Up to Cancer, and being a retired Canadian police officer.  Don is that rare combination of being a guy who is willing and actually eager to discuss his cancer with other guys.  I look forward to someday getting back there one day and fishing on the Campbell River and surfing in Tofino.  Apologies for the technical difficulties including the do...

I sit down with Maggie Muir, high school Spanish teacher and marathon runner who is looking to raise awareness for lynch syndrome as a number of her family members have been affected, including her father who had kidney cancer and melanoma.  As a recently diagnosed previvor, I think you'll love her energy, but if you run with her, she may talk your ear off.  Pets dogs and loves ice cream.     

All Lynch Syndrome people can check out Connect My Variant.  I sit down with Dr. Brian Shirts, Professor of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology from University of Washington.  We discuss tumor sequencing, germline testing, cascade screening and the Connect My Variant Project.  Connect My Variant is graciously funded by the Brotman Baty Institute for Precision Medicine.  Interestingly enough, family...

Sat down with Reija Kime who is womb cancer survivor with Lynch Syndrome who is Cycling for Cancer across Europe.   Reija is giving back for her care at Royal Marsden before going back to her mother country Finland.  I learned that Lynch Syndrome has colors.  Who knew?

Dave sits down with Dr Don Dizon and discusses social media, clinical outcomes and survivorship, sexual health after cancer and of course lynch syndrome.  We really talk about quality of life, and how it's not always tied to the clinician's office.  I'm still not on TikTok, but I'm getting closer.   

Sunday morning conversation with Maureen O'Brien, author and Lynch Syndrome cancer survivor.  We talk about the stress of living with Lynch, life in general, and finding the focus that keeps you going.    Favorite quote - The passion of the scientist and the precision of the poet.  Maureen turned to the psalms to see her through.  Life is a series of pivots and changes.  

My conversation with Dr Eduardo Vilar Sanchez from the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center about Living with Lynch Syndrome, immunotherapy and the Naproxen study.  Of course we talk Real Madrid, MD Anderson, the Houston Dynamo, and fellow colleagues in CGAIGC and the return to conferences in person.  Stick around for the shoutouts and name-dropping.  

I talk with Amy Hart, the Barefoot Professional about her experience with Lynch Syndrome, her surgery during Covid and being a colon cancer survivor with an ostomy.  We also discuss messaging and perception as a survivor, especially on social media.  

My conversation with Rick Boland, lynch syndrome patient, author of Cancer Family  professor, and physician.   Rick talks about his. Lynch Syndrome research over the years including into Microsatellite Instability.  My favorite part is how proud he is of the next generation Matt and Patrick and how they've become researchers and oncologists as well.    

My conversation with Natya Porter, Lynch Syndrome previvor, talking about her family history with cancer both in Eastern Europe, the Soviet Union and in America.  Initially, she was tested for BRCA and was relieved for many years thinking she was in the clear.  As a fashion designer, I did manage to make Natya laugh imagining me wrapped in lycra and flannel.  We both share the love of the wrap-dre...

My conversation with Sara Riordan, board certified genetic counselor and current President of the National Society of Genetic Counselors.  We discuss HR 2144, the Access to Genetic Counselor Services Act, currently before Congress and getting involved.  We also  discuss tumor biomarker testing, lynch syndrome, MSI, and the role of the genetic counselor in tumor boards and educating physicians.