Facing Cancer, Finding Love

How do you turn unbearable loss into lasting impact? Andrea Wilson Woods, patient advocate, speaker, and founder of Blue Fairy: The Adrienne Wilson Liver Cancer Association, shares the powerful legacy of her sister Adrienne’s book, I’d Rather Be Dead Than Deaf: A Young Woman’s Journey with Liver Cancer. What began as one young woman’s journal became a voice for thousands facing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)—one of the world’s deadliest yet most preventable cancers. As Adrienne’s guardian and caregiver, Andrea faced a system unprepared to support young adults with cancer. Out of that heartbreak came Blue Fairy, now a national nonprofit providing education, advocacy, and emotional support for HCC patients and their families. Andrea explains how today’s targeted and immunotherapies are changing outcomes, why patient stories matter, and how caregivers can stay organized and hopeful through chaos. This episode is a tribute to Adrienne’s courage and to every family walking the same path. It’s a reminder that even in the hardest moments, advocacy, love, and education can create real change—and that hope always has another chapter. Highlights: 00:42 – The story behind I’d Rather Be Dead Than Deaf
Hear how Adrienne Wilson’s journals became a powerful book that gives a voice to young adults facing liver cancer. 02:15 – Why Andrea founded Blue Fairy
Learn how one sister’s loss inspired a national nonprofit that now educates, advocates, and supports HCC patients and families. 04:12 – Understanding hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)
Discover what makes HCC one of the deadliest cancers—and why prevention and early screening are key. 06:45 – Today’s breakthroughs in liver cancer treatment
Andrea explains how targeted therapies and immunotherapies are improving both survival and quality of life. 09:03 – A caregiver’s turning point
Find out how Andrea went from feeling powerless to becoming her sister’s strongest advocate and a voice for others. 11:20 – The Blue Fairy approach to advocacy
See how education, storytelling, and community support drive real change in awareness and policy. 13:47 – Caregiver tools that make a difference
Learn Andrea’s practical “binder system” for keeping records, test results, and notes organized through treatment. 16:02 – Palliative care vs. hospice—knowing the difference
Hear Andrea’s clear explanation of these two terms and how each can improve quality of life at different stages. 18:25 – Why stories save lives
Understand how personal stories like Adrienne’s can move doctors, influence research, and inspire others to seek help sooner. 21:05 – Finding hope after loss
Andrea shares what healing looks like after grief—and how Blue Fairy continues Adrienne’s legacy through education and compassion. Mentioned Resources: CanCare- www.cancare.org Book – www.cancare.org/hopebook Blue Farey - https://www.bluefaery.org/

How do you choose hope when your diagnosis says stage four? Kristina Keller is a single mother, speaker, and author of Touch Your Ta-Tas!: My Story of Faith, Hope, and Healing Through Stage 4 Breast Cancer. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in February 2024, and within weeks, scans revealed spots on her liver. She pressed pause on a planned double mastectomy, sought further opinions, and chose a path rooted in prayer, research, and self-advocacy. Her book title carries a life-saving reminder: do your monthly self-breast exams. This conversation centers on practical hope. Kristina explains how prayer became the foundation of her journey and how she chose physicians who would partner with her, even as she explored some unconventional therapies. She shares why being transparent with your oncologist matters, what questions to ask, and how understanding treatments can lower fear. You’ll also hear how counseling helped her talk with her son, why community care makes the road feel lighter, and how simple acts like creating a trust can be a loving step for any parent. Finally, she returns to the habit that might have changed everything: a regular self-exam and listening to your body. Kristina’s message is simple—pray, ask for help, learn your options, and keep believing for better days. Hope grows when you take part in your own healing. Highlights: 01:42 — Self-advocacy and self-exams. Practical steps to be your own health advocate and make monthly self-breast exams routine. 03:17 — From shock to a plan. How to move from the initial diagnosis call to grounded next steps. 04:42 — Talking with your kids. Ways to share facts with reassurance and keep communication open at home. 05:59 — Family support that helps. How child- and family-focused counseling (like Wonders & Worries) can guide hard conversations. 07:43 — Prayer as an anchor. A simple faith practice to steady emotions and decisions during treatment. 09:11 — Second opinions done right. Why comparing perspectives expands options and confidence in your care plan. 10:54 — Integrative choices with transparency. How to discuss complementary approaches openly with your medical team. 12:14 — Make early detection a habit. The case for monthly self-breast exams and listening closely to your body. 22:56 — Share to strengthen community. Turning quick Facebook updates into a story that brings support—and a book. 35:04 — A hope routine you can use. Pray, ask clear questions, research your options, and participate fully to reduce fear. Mentioned Resources: CanCare- www.cancare.org Book – www.cancare.org/hopebook