Episode 38

Health Uncensored with Dr. Drew

with Dr. Drew Pinsky and Susan Sabo-Wagner
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Health Uncensored with Dr. Drew

After our national spotlight on Health Uncensored with Dr. Drew Pinsky, we’re excited to share the full extended podcast version featuring bonus conversation with Dr. Drew you didn’t see on TV.

Darcie Wells, President & CEO of CanCare, joins Dr. Drew Pinsky on Health Uncensored and Susan Sabo Wagner, VP of Clinical Innovation at American Oncology Network (and a leukemia survivor), to show why emotional support isn’t extra—it's essential to cancer care. Listeners hear how CanCare’s survivor-to-patient matching, now powered by smart tech, brings calm, courage, and practical hope to patients and caregivers nationwide. SEO: emotional support for cancer, peer support, survivorship, American Oncology Network, young adult cancer.  

Susan shares her turning point—diagnosed with AML as a teen and treated with an autologous bone marrow transplant—underscoring why hope and connection matter at every stage. Darcie highlights rising diagnoses among younger adults and how whole-family support can steady spouses, kids, and grandparents when cancer collides with daily life.  

You’ll learn how peer support integrates with clinical care, why navigation and social needs (transportation, food security) affect outcomes, and how stories of long-term survivorship sustain belief on hard days. You’ll also hear how precision medicine changes treatment paths while human connection helps people endure them. The message is simple: you’re not alone, and a survivor can stand beside you—today.

Highlights:

00:00 – The power of human connection in cancer care
Darcie Wells opens with why no one should face cancer alone and how survivor support brings calm during chaos.

02:48 – How CanCare pairs patients with survivors who’ve been there
Learn how CanCare’s matching system works and why sharing lived experience makes emotional healing possible.

04:40 – Technology meets compassion: smarter survivor matching
Darcie explains how new tools and algorithms help CanCare connect patients with the right survivor faster.

05:40 – Building emotional support into oncology care
Susan Sabo Wagner shares how the American Oncology Network partners with CanCare to meet patients’ emotional needs alongside medical treatment.

06:36 – A leukemia survivor’s journey to leadership
Susan recounts being diagnosed with AML as a teen and how that experience shaped her mission to help others through innovation and empathy.

08:05 – Whole-family support: when cancer affects everyone
Darcie and Susan explore how caregivers, spouses, and children need guidance too—and why supporting them improves outcomes.

10:15 – “Having someone who understands is priceless”
Darcie reflects on the life-changing reassurance patients feel when talking to someone who’s walked the same road.

11:34 – Hope as powerful medicine
Darcie shares research showing patients with strong emotional support often experience better survival and recovery.

12:13 – Younger patients, more treatable cancers, new hope
Dr. Drew discusses how rising diagnoses in younger adults are met with advances in precision medicine and targeted treatments.

13:05 – Why connection matters more than ever
The conversation closes with a message that technology and science may guide treatment, but compassion carries people through it.

Mentioned Resources:

CanCare- www.cancare.org

Book – www.cancare.org/hopebook

About the Guest:  

Dr. Drew Pinsky is the host of Health Uncensored with Dr. Drew, where he brings medical insight and heartfelt conversation to today’s most important health topics. A board-certified physician and addiction specialist, Dr. Drew is known for making complex issues relatable and empowering audiences to take charge of their well-being.

Susan Sabo-Wagner is the Vice President of Clinical Innovation at American Oncology Network (AON) and a leukemia survivor.  With over 25 years in oncology care and leadership, she leads clinical strategy, program innovation, and partnerships that elevate patient outcomes nationwide. Her personal experience as a survivor fuels her commitment to advancing compassionate, equitable cancer care.

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Ep 49

Living Fully After Cancer

with Thandi Montgomery
What if cancer became the moment that finally brought you back to life? In this episode, Thandi Montgomery, coach, speaker, and founder of Thandi Monee, shares how a stage one breast cancer diagnosis at age 38 reshaped everything. A busy advertising executive and mom of two, she moved from constant motion to a life grounded in purpose, self-advocacy, and healing. Her journey began with a simple self-exam that led to early detection and a life changing diagnosis. Through four surgeries, 16 rounds of chemotherapy, and 30 days of radiation, she chose to actively partner in her care. She blended traditional treatment with integrative practices like nutrition, acupuncture, and mindfulness. Creativity became her outlet, helping her process fear, reclaim control, and document her experience through writing and film. Thandi introduces her RISE framework, guiding others to recognize what happened, identify needed changes, set a new path, and elevate their voice. She speaks honestly about survivorship, including fear, identity shifts, and the ongoing work of healing. Her story is a reminder that even in the hardest moments, there is space to rediscover who you are and choose how you want to live moving forward. Highlights:  How self-advocacy can change the speed and outcome of your diagnosis  What it looks like to combine medical treatment with holistic healing  How creativity can help you process fear and regain control  Why survivorship is often harder than treatment itself  How to shift from simply existing to living with intention Mentioned Resources: CanCare- www.cancare.org Book – www.cancare.org/hopebook Thandi Montgomery –www.thandimonee.com About the Guest: Thandi Montgomery is a breast cancer survivor, coach, speaker, and founder of Thandi Monee. Through transformational programs, she empowers cancer survivors to thrive and unlock their truth. Her work centers on creativity and community, offering unwavering support and whole-person guidance throughout every stage of the cancer journey. She also partners with DO Cancer to expand access to education and awareness.
Ep 48

Stage III at 43

with Kristy Bradshaw
What does it take to face a cancer diagnosis in your 40s while raising young children? Kristy Bradshaw, MBA graduate from Stanford, former ballerina, and portfolio management professional, shares her stage three colon cancer journey diagnosed at age 43. In this conversation, she opens up about early detection, mental health in cancer, caregiver experiences, and the importance of support systems. Kristy’s turning point came unexpectedly during a routine procedure that revealed cancer despite no symptoms or risk factors. What followed was surgery, chemotherapy, and the emotional weight of navigating uncertainty while parenting three young children. She speaks honestly about the loneliness of diagnosis, the shock of progression to stage three, and the mental strength required to keep moving forward. Throughout her journey, Kristy leaned on faith, family, and community. She highlights practical tools like staying active when possible, maintaining normal routines for her children, and finding small moments of gratitude even during treatment. Her experience later deepened as she stepped into a caregiver role for her father. Her message is simple and powerful. You are not alone. There is support. And even in the hardest moments, hope can still be found. Highlights: • Why early screening matters more than ever for younger adults • How to talk to your children about a cancer diagnosis • What no one tells you about the mental side of treatment • Simple ways to stay grounded during chemo and recovery • How community and shared experience change the journey Mentioned Resources: CanCare- www.cancare.org Book – www.cancare.org/hopebook About the Guest: Kristy Bradshaw is a Stage III colon cancer survivor, former ballerina turned Stanford MBA and portfolio manager whose life took an unexpected turn in 2023 when she received her diagnosis at age 43. A wife, mother of three, community leader, and philanthropist. Since then, she has watched cancer touch the lives of those closest to her, including her father, and has chosen to step forward with her cancer journey. Kristy is the 2026 Chair of CanCare's HOPE Survivorship Luncheon.
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