The Eye Believe Podcast

In this episode of the Eye Believe Podcast, Danet sits down with Dr. Vincent Ma to discuss an emerging and exciting tool in cancer monitoring: ctDNA (circulating tumor DNA)—or as Dr. Ma memorably calls it, “cancer poop.”   Dr. Ma breaks down this complex topic in a way that’s easy to understand, explaining: What ctDNA is and how it works How it can be tested and monitored over time How he’s using...

Episode 5: Finding Community & Creating A Cure in Sight   A cancer diagnosis can feel incredibly isolating — especially when the disease is rare.   In Episode 5 of My 15 Years, Melody reflects on what it was like to search for community after being diagnosed with ocular melanoma 15 years ago, when few resources and support systems existed for patients.   She shares the frustration, loneliness,...

In this episode of the Eye Believe Podcast, we’re joined by Sheri and Leah Wernecke, the mother-daughter team behind Wernecke Wellness, to talk about the power of nutrition in honor of National Nutrition Month.   Drawing from their own health journeys, Sheri and Leah share simple, practical, and actionable tips that can help improve overall health, boost energy levels, and support how we feel day-...

Ocular melanoma is one of the rarest forms of cancer — and because of that, it’s often misunderstood.   In Episode 4 of My 15 Years, Melody talks about some of the most common misconceptions surrounding ocular melanoma, including funding challenges that come with such a rare diagnosis.   She also reflects on what advocacy looked like in the early days of her journey, when awareness of ocular melan...

In this special episode of the Eye Believe Podcast, we bring together six leading experts to discuss newly established consensus guidelines for metastatic uveal melanoma (MUM) surveillance.   Through a modified Delphi panel led by the Collaborative Ocular Oncology Group (COOG), 41 experts from more than 25 centers worked to create standardized surveillance recommendations in an area where high-lev...

In this episode of the Eye Believe Podcast, we welcome back returning guest Ashley McCrary, founder of the Eye On Grace Foundation.   Ashley joins Danet to share valuable insight into the many resources available to ocular melanoma patients and families navigating diagnosis, treatment, and beyond. While she discusses the mission and support offered through Eye On Grace Foundation, this conversatio...

In this episode of the Eye Believe Podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Zack Oakey, a board-certified ophthalmologist and ocular oncologist with extensive training in retinal disease and ocular oncology.   Dr. Oakey shares his unique approach to using social media—especially TikTok—to educate patients, combat misinformation, and make complex ocular melanoma topics more accessible. Drawing from his trainin...

In this episode of the Eye Believe Podcast, we’re joined by Molly Vocino, LCSW, an oncology social worker at the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Jefferson Health in Philadelphia.   Molly is passionate about ensuring all people have access to quality healthcare and compassionate support—especially individuals and families navigating serious illness.   In this conversation, she helps pa...

Episode 3: Ocular Melanoma 101 & My Treatment Experience   Understanding a rare cancer can feel overwhelming — especially at the moment of diagnosis.   n Episode 3 of My 15 Years, Melody breaks down the basics of ocular melanoma (OM 101) in a clear, approachable way. She explains what ocular melanoma is, and how she felt as a newly diagnosed patients.   Melody also goes deeper into her persona...

In this powerful episode of the Eye Believe Podcast, we are honored to be joined by Allan Finnegan—a reverend, comedian, and former Britain’s Got Talent finalist—who is living with metastatic ocular melanoma.   Allan shares an extraordinary, hope-filled conversation about life, faith, purpose, and finding light even in the most difficult seasons. With honesty, warmth, and humor, he reflects on wha...

A cancer diagnosis doesn’t just affect the body — it touches every part of life.   In Episode 2 of My 15 Years, released during Mental Health Month, Melody opens up about the emotional reality of the months following her ocular melanoma diagnosis. She shares the fear, grief, and isolation she experienced, how her marriage began to fall apart, and the complex ways she related to her family during t...

Episode 1: My Diagnosis Fifteen years ago, Melody heard the words that would change her life forever: you have ocular melanoma. In the first episode of My 15 Years, Melody — founder and president of A Cure in Sight — shares an overview of her diagnosis and the moments surrounding it. From the initial symptoms and medical appointments to the shock, fear, and uncertainty that followed, this episode...

In this episode of the Eye Believe Podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Hadfield, a medical oncologist treating uveal melanoma patients in the Northeast, for an in-depth discussion of the most important takeaways from ESMO 2025. Dr. Hadfield breaks down key study results and emerging data from major trials, including the CHOPIN Trial, Immatics Trial, IDEAYA Trial, and more—offering expert insight into wha...

In this episode of the Eye Believe Podcast, we’re joined by Sophie Cantu, who shares her personal experience participating in a TIL (Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocyte) clinical trial for ocular melanoma.   After previous treatments were unsuccessful, Sophie enrolled in the TIL trial—and saw encouraging results, including tumor shrinkage. She speaks candidly about what led her to the trial, what the ex...

Mental Health With A Dash Of Humor with Frank King | The Eye Believe Podcast   In this powerful episode of the Eye Believe Podcast, we sit down with Frank King, the Mental Health Comedian, for an honest, eye-opening, and surprisingly hopeful conversation about mental health.   Frank shares practical guidance on how to start conversations about mental health, key signs to look for in people experie...

In this episode of the Eye Believe Podcast, we are joined by Carol McColl, an ocular melanoma patient of more than seven years, who offers a powerful and deeply human perspective on collective grief and collective hope.   Carol shares how community and connection play a vital role in navigating the grief and loss that often accompany an OM diagnosis. Through shared experiences, meaningful conversa...

In this powerful episode of the Eye Believe Podcast, we’re joined by Megan Morelli, who shares the story of her mother, Tami Sulistyo, an ocular melanoma patient whose legacy continues to inspire meaningful change.   Following Tami’s passing, Megan and her family found purposeful ways to honor her life, strength, and impact—including the creation of the Tami Sulistyo Memorial Research Grant. Throu...

🎙️ Steps For Sight 2026 with Kristen MacDonald | The Eye Believe Podcast   In this episode of the Eye Believe Podcast, we’re talking all about Steps For Sight 2026, A Cure In Sight’s annual fundraiser supporting the ocular melanoma community and funding research toward a cure.   Steps For Sight runs January 1–31, and participants commit to walking 7,000 steps a day to honor the 7,000 people diagno...

In this inspiring episode of the Eye Believe Podcast, we welcome author and advocate Rachel Sindaco, whose journey through Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Ocular Melanoma (OM) reshaped her life in unimaginable ways—and ultimately saved it. Rachel maintains a remarkable positive outlook, openly sharing how she considers herself lucky to have MS. It was her MS diagnosis that led to increased medical mon...

👁️ Eye on COOG – Special Eye Believe Mini-Seminar (Recording) 📅 Recorded on December 6, 2025 🔗 Learn more or register for future events: https://www.acureinsight.org/education-events If you missed the live session — or want to watch it again — you're in the right place! This recorded webinar breaks down the latest updates from COOG 2 uveal melanoma studies and explains what they mean for GEP res...

Welcome to Session 1 of the Eye Believe Survivorship Seminar 2025! This 8:00 AM session features renowned ocular oncologist Dr. MATERIN (Duke Health) as he presents “Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow in Ocular Melanoma.” In this powerful opening session, Dr. Materin walks attendees through: 🔹 The history and evolution of ocular melanoma care 🔹 Current diagnostic tools, treatments, and patient mana...

Eye On Research | Session 2: Adjuvant Therapies – What’s New Today? (And What Can You Do About It!?) Join us for Session 2 of Eye On Research, presented by A Cure In Sight 💙. In this insightful session, top experts in the field—Dr. Carvajal, Dr. Lutzky, and Dr. Kahn—discuss the latest developments in adjuvant therapies for ocular melanoma. 🕦 Time: 11:30 AM EST 👩‍⚕️ Speakers: Dr. Carvajal Dr. Lu...

In this episode, we interview Danny Powell, an ocular melanoma (OM) patient whose tumor was identified early thanks to his eye doctor noticing a change and acting quickly. Danny explains his diagnosis, his treatment with brachytherapy, and how he later discovered that his grandmother also had OM—an extremely rare family connection. This prompted genetic testing, which revealed that Danny carries a...

🎧 Eye Believe Podcast | Giving Your Diagnosis Direction with Chris Brotherston & Mike Cornell Getting an ocular melanoma diagnosis can feel overwhelming — but finding clarity, support, and direction can make all the difference. 💙 In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Chris Brotherston and Mike Cornell, two OM patients who share how they took charge of their journeys by turning uncertai...

🎙️ Men’s Health Panel Discussion — A Special Episode for Men’s Health Month In this powerful new episode from A Cure in Sight, we bring together an expert panel for an honest, insightful conversation in honor of Men’s Health Month. Our guests open up about the unique challenges men face in prioritizing their health—both mental and physical. Together, we explore: Men’s Health & OM: Why early de...