Episode 31

The Sound of Healing

with Sandy Duarte

Award-winning artist and cancer survivor Sandy Duarte opens up about how cancer disrupted every part of her life but ultimately became a profound teacher. She shares the raw, yet beautiful truth of her experience, from the shock of diagnosis to the transformation that followed.

Through deep reflection, Sandy shares how cancer became an awakening and reshaped what it truly means to be alive for her. The insights she gained, many of which are captured in her book, offer an invitation to live with presence, listen inward, and return to the heart of what matters.

We also explore Sandy’s unique perspective on healing, including the role sound played in her recovery. With vulnerability and depth, Sandy reminds us that there is meaning and room for growth in all chapters of life.  

Whether you are navigating cancer yourself, supporting a loved one, or simply seeking a more intentional way to live, Sandy’s story will leave you feeling grounded, hopeful, and deeply seen.

Mentioned Resources:

CanCare- www.cancare.org

About the Guest:

Sandy Duarte is a non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma Stage 4 survivor, award-winning actress, writer, yogi, and sound healer.  She’s the author of The Cancer Ramblings and also the Program Director for the Global Sound Bath initiative. Sandy uses her voice and story to bring hope, connection, and meaning to others.

Explore other Podcast Episodes

Ep 34

Don’t Look Past the Headlights: Taking cancer one step at a time

with Dr. Bonnie Hubert
What do you do when cancer treatment ends but the fear, uncertainty, and questions remain? Licensed therapist Dr. Bonnie Hubert from the Memorial Hermann Canopy Cancer Survivorship Center joins host Darcie Wells to explore why emotional support is essential for cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers. She shares how counseling, peer mentors, and creative outlets can ease fear of recurrence, reduce isolation, and bring strength after treatment. Bonnie’s calling began when she cared for her mother during ovarian cancer treatment and noticed a gap between medical plans and emotional care. Later, as a BRCA2 previvor, she chose preventive surgeries to lower her own risk. These experiences give her a unique perspective that blends compassion with professional insight. In this episode, she explains how to manage uncertainty with her “don’t look past the headlights” approach, focusing on what can be handled today rather than being overwhelmed by the future. She also highlights the healing power of hopeful stories and the free programs at Canopy and CanCare that provide comfort and community. Bonnie’s message is clear: no one has to face cancer alone. With support, resilience grows, and hope remains. Highlights: [00:00] Welcome & Guest Intro – Meet Dr. Bonnie Hubert, therapist at Memorial Hermann Canopy Cancer Survivorship Center. [02:09] From Counselor to Caregiver – How her mother’s ovarian cancer shifted Bonnie’s career focus. [04:09] The Hidden Gap in Cancer Care – Why ringing the bell doesn’t mean the journey is over. [07:14] Becoming a BRCA2 Previvor – Bonnie’s personal decision for preventive surgeries and how it shaped her outlook. [11:56] What Canopy Provides – Free counseling, groups, and community for survivors and caregivers. [13:49] Emotional Support in Action – Common struggles and why counseling brings relief. [19:05] It’s Just a Conversation – Removing stigma around counseling and therapy. [20:22] Power of Peer Mentors – How CanCare volunteers and survivor mentors offer unique hope. [26:28] Don’t Look Past the Headlights – A practical tool for managing uncertainty day by day. [30:14] Post-Traumatic Growth – How reframing the past with compassion creates space for growth. [33:14] Closing Message of Hope – Bonnie’s reminder that resilience grows when you tap into the right support. Mentioned Resources: CanCare- www.cancare.org www.cancare.org/hopebook About the Guest: Dr. Bonnie Hubert is a licensed therapist with the Canopy Cancer Survivorship Center at Memorial Hermann, where she supports cancer patients and their loved ones. Inspired by her mother’s cancer journey and her own experience as a “previvor,” Bonnie brings both professional expertise and personal understanding to her work. At Canopy, she provides counseling and leads support groups, helping people navigate fear, isolation, and life after treatment with compassion and care.