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Combating Cancer

Combating Cancer

Written by: Gwen Kelly
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Join Gwen Kelly, Host and Founder of Combating Cancer, a podcast focused on strength, resilience, and hope. Creating a space where people can share their personal cancer journeys—whether that involves navigating treatment, celebrating remission, or honoring the memory of a loved one.2025 Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Turning the Tide: Dave McKeag on Overcoming Pancreatic Cancer
    Jan 14 2026

    Episode 36- Show Notes:

    In this episode of Combating Cancer, host Gwen Kelly welcomes Dave McKeag, a pancreatic cancer survivor and her former middle school principal. Dave shares his personal journey from his diagnosis in October 2021 through his treatment and recovery, emphasizing the importance of a positive attitude, physical fitness, and a robust support network. The discussion highlights Dave's experiences with chemotherapy, the Whipple surgery, and his approach to staying active and engaged despite the challenges of cancer. Dave's story is one of resilience, determination, and hope, offering valuable insights and inspiration for anyone affected by cancer.

    Discussed in this episode:

    • Welcome to Combating Cancer
    • Introducing Our Special Guest: Dave McKeag
    • Dave's Life Before Diagnosis
    • The Diagnosis and Initial Treatment
    • Facing the Challenges of Cancer
    • The Importance of Attitude and Support
    • The Whipple Surgery Experience
    • Life After Cancer: Staying Active and Positive
    • Final Thoughts and Advice
    • Closing Remarks

    More from Gwen:

    Get in touch with our team for sponsorship inquiries or guest host submissions: gkelly@assethr.com

    Follow and join the community:

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CombatingCancer

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/combating-cancer/

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BwfwuJT81/?mibextid=wwXIfr

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/combatingcancer_?igsh=azNjM3RlcmJwcWxn

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    26 mins
  • Embracing Life's Paradoxes: Gratitude Amidst Grief
    Jan 7 2026

    Episode 35- Show Notes:

    In this heartfelt episode of Combating Cancer, host Gwen Kelly shares her personal journey with stage three astrocytoma brain cancer, diagnosed at the age of 19. Gwen emphasizes the emotional weight of living with cancer, touching on the simultaneous existence of gratitude and grief. She provides a raw and unfiltered look at the complexities of surviving cancer, highlighting the importance of allowing oneself to feel and process emotions without a strict timeline. Gwen hopes to create a space where listeners, whether patients or caregivers, feel seen, understood, and less alone in their experiences.

    Discussed in this episode:

    • Welcome to Combating Cancer
    • Personal Cancer Journey
    • Purpose of the Podcast
    • Who This Episode is For
    • The Weight of Grief and Survival
    • The Complexity of Emotions
    • Reflections and Realizations
    • Living with Tension
    • No Right Way to Process Cancer
    • Final Thoughts and Encouragement

    More from Gwen:

    Get in touch with our team for sponsorship inquiries or guest host submissions: gkelly@assethr.com

    Follow and join the community:

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CombatingCancer

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/combating-cancer/

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BwfwuJT81/?mibextid=wwXIfr

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/combatingcancer_?igsh=azNjM3RlcmJwcWxn

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    11 mins
  • From Diagnosis to Determination: Nolan's Narrative
    Dec 31 2025

    Episode 34- Show Notes:

    In this episode of Combating Cancer, host Gwen Kelly shares her personal journey with Astrocytoma brain cancer and introduces special guest Nolan Hsu. The conversation covers Nolan's diagnosis with grade two oligodendroglioma, their mutual experiences with treatment protocols, and the challenges faced during chemotherapy and radiation. They also discuss the origins and mission of the Brain Cancer Research Alliance (BCRA), highlighting their efforts to fund novel treatments for brain cancer. The episode emphasizes the importance of community, caregivers, and maintaining hope while managing the various hurdles associated with cancer treatment.

    Discussed in this episode:

    • Welcome to Combating Cancer
    • Meet the Guest: Nolan Hsu
    • Nolan's Diagnosis and Initial Reactions
    • Treatment Journey and Challenges
    • The Role of Caregivers and Community
    • Brain Cancer Research Alliance
    • Final Thoughts and Upcoming Events

    More from the BCRA:

    Website: https://thebcra.org

    Blloming Minds: A Gala For Brain Cancer Research: https://event.auctria.com/4c88f5ce-464f-4179-b1d1-a6ea3b94af81/

    Upcoming Events: https://thebcra.org/events-1

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/braincancerresearchalliance/

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/braincancerresearchalliance/

    More from Gwen:

    Get in touch with our team for sponsorship inquiries or guest host submissions: gkelly@assethr.com

    Follow and join the community:

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CombatingCancer

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/combating-cancer/

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BwfwuJT81/?mibextid=wwXIfr

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/combatingcancer_?igsh=azNjM3RlcmJwcWxn

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    29 mins
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