The Science of Hope

What helps a caregiver stay steady when cancer changes everything? Caregivers carry so much of the emotional weight of cancer, yet their needs are often overlooked. In this powerful episode, Darcie Wells joins the Community Oncology Alliance with host Rose Gerber for a conversation that shines a light on the unseen side of caregiving and the hope that grows when no one has to carry the burden alone. Rose, a long-term breast cancer survivor, and Darcie talk about why caregivers deserve as much care, compassion, and emotional support as the person going through treatment. They discuss the role of trained peer volunteers and how emotional support changes the caregiving experience for both the patient and the family. Darcie reflects on caring for her mother, stepfather, and grandmother as each faced cancer, all from a distance. She remembers wanting to help but not knowing where to turn, and later realizing how much a companion with lived experience would have eased the fear and isolation. Her message is clear. Your role matters. Caring for yourself strengthens the care you give. Hope grows when someone walks beside you with understanding. Highlights: • Learn why caregivers often hide their stress and how that impacts the support system. • Hear how CanCare trains volunteers to provide safe, compassionate emotional space. • Understand why relationship-based matching helps caregivers feel seen and understood. • Discover simple communication habits that help caregivers support loved ones. • Gain insight into long-term caregiving needs and why support must adapt over time. Mentioned Resources: CanCare- www.cancare.org Book – www.cancare.org/hopebook COA - communityoncology.org About the Guest: Rose Gerber is a long-term breast cancer survivor and host of the Community Oncology Alliance podcast. Diagnosed while raising young children, Rose’s journey through treatment shaped her calling to ensure that others facing cancer are supported, informed, and heard. Today, she leads patient advocacy and education for the Community Oncology Alliance, managing the COA Patient Advocacy Network and working alongside oncologists, nurses, survivors, and policymakers across the country. Her work has taken her to Washington, D.C., national media platforms, and community cancer centers nationwide, empowering patients and protecting access to community-based cancer care.

How do you hold on to hope when cancer returns years later? Meet Don, a two-time thyroid cancer survivor, CanCare volunteer, and ministry leader whose journey runs on faith, family, and service. His first diagnosis came at 22 after a biopsy led him from strep throat checks to major surgery in New England; years later, as a husband and father, he faced cancer again in Houston. Through both chapters, Don anchored to prayer, community, and a growing conviction that every day is a gift. He shares how a frightening diagnosis reshaped his priorities, deepened his relationship with God, and opened the door to unexpected love as he reconnected with Jeanette, now his wife of 34 years. Don’s “but God” turning point led to action. He began encouraging fellow patients at the hospital, then launched a church ministry called HOPE—Healing Others through Prayer and Evangelism. Today, as a trained CanCare volunteer and Ambassador, he walks beside others so no one faces cancer alone. Listeners will hear practical ways to find courage, invite support, and keep perspective when responsibilities feel heavy. Don’s message is simple and strong: you are not alone, hope is real, and better days are ahead. Highlights: [02:42] – Finding strength through faith after a shocking diagnosis
Don shares how a simple sore throat led to a cancer diagnosis at 22 and how prayer, family, and his church community grounded him when everything changed. [07:12] – What happens when you discover God is truly enough
During his second diagnosis years later, Don explains how his faith deepened and how he learned to trust God’s plan even when fear and uncertainty returned. [14:58] – Why hope is more than wishful thinking
Don defines hope as “confident expectation” and shows how perspective and purpose can replace fear, even when circumstances don’t change. [21:10] – Turning pain into purpose through service
After finding healing, Don began visiting other patients, then launched HOPE—Healing Others through Prayer —to help others walk through cancer with support and faith. [28:55] – The lasting power of connection and laughter
Don and Darcie reflect on how encouragement, humor, and community keep hope alive, proving that no one should ever face cancer alone. About the Guest: Don Williamson is a 2x cancer survivor, loving husband, father, and man of faith. First diagnosed at just 22 years old with Stage III thyroid cancer, Don’s journey through cancer strengthened his faith and led him to a love story he never expected. Years later, as a husband and father, he faced cancer again, which led him to create a ministry for others facing cancer. Today, Don shares his story to inspire others and volunteers with CanCare to support those who are walking a path he understands well.