Living La Vida Loca: Navigating Cancer with Heart

How do you find hope when you're diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and the odds seem stacked against you? When back pain kept Nick Pifani awake for three straight nights in early 2017, he drove himself to the ER expecting medication and a ride home. Instead, a doctor walked in and turned off the television. Nick knew something was wrong. Days later, he received a life-changing diagnosis: Stage 3, inoperable pancreatic cancer. A husband, father of two, lifelong runner, and Ironman triathlete, Nick brought a marathoner's mindset to his cancer journey. He focused on one goal at a time, built a medical team he trusted, and advocated for genetic testing that helped shape his treatment plan. Nick joins host Darcie Wells to share the challenges of chemotherapy, the importance of asking questions, and how his mother's cancer journey helped prepare him for his own. He also opens up about the loneliness of cancer, even when surrounded by loving family and friends. Today, Nick is a pancreatic cancer survivor and CanCare volunteer, turning his experience into hope for others. His story is a reminder that you don't have to face cancer alone, and even on the hardest days, tomorrow can bring new hope. Highlights:  03:00 – How a mother's legacy can shape our response to adversity.  14:23 – What it means to take an active role in your cancer care.  19:02 – Simple ways to feel more prepared for medical appointments.  25:13 – Finding the right words when talking to children about cancer.  29:24 – Why emotional support matters even when family and friends are close. Mentioned Resources: CanCare- www.cancare.org About the Guest: Nick Pifani is a husband, father of two, Fortune 200 executive, marathoner, Ironman triathlete, and Stage 3 pancreatic cancer survivor. Diagnosed in 2017 and facing the odds pancreatic cancer usually carries, Nick pursued aggressive, targeted treatment and qualified for the surgery he was certain would save him. A longtime advocate with PanCAN and PurpleStride, he has recently joined the CanCare volunteer family.

Listener Advisory: This conversation touches on sensitive topics, including sexual assault. Please take care while listening, and feel free to pause or skip ahead whenever you need. How do you find the courage to ask for help and rediscover joy after a breast cancer diagnosis? At 35, Shannon Donahoe-Simpson was raising one-year-old twins when she was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer, a rare and aggressive form of the disease. Now a TEDx speaker, storyteller, and advocate for wholehearted living, Shannon shares how one of the hardest seasons of her life became the start of a profound personal transformation. Through chemotherapy, a double mastectomy, and the challenges of caring for her young family, Shannon learned the power of community, emotional healing, and allowing others to help. She opens up to Darcie Wells about the childhood trauma she began to confront during her cancer journey and the healing she found through counseling, support groups, and honest conversations. Her experiences also shaped how she advocated for her son as he navigated autism. Today, Shannon helps women find the courage to choose joy, even after deep pain and loss. Her story is a reminder that healing doesn't have to happen alone, asking for help is an act of bravery, and hope can begin with one small step forward. Highlights:  Why receiving help can be harder than offering it.  How shared experiences can ease feelings of isolation.  The connection between vulnerability and personal growth.  Learning to release control when life feels uncertain.  Making room for grief without closing the door to joy. Mentioned Resources: CanCare- www.cancare.org Shannon’s Website -https://shannondonohoesimpson.com/ About the Guest: Shannon Donohoe-Simpson is a TEDx speaker, storyteller, breast cancer survivor, and self-proclaimed joy bringer from Vancouver Island, Canada. In 2009, a year after welcoming twins and at just 35, she was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive breast cancer. Today, she helps women become brave enough to choose joy and step fully into authentic, wholehearted living.