Episode 37

The Caregiver Who Sparked a Movement

with Andrea Wilson Woods
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The Caregiver Who Sparked a Movement

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/

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About the Guest:

Andrea Wilson Woods is the founder and president of Blue Faery: The Adrienne Wilson Liver Cancer Association, a nonprofit she created in memory of her sister Adrienne. A cancer caregiver, patient advocate, speaker, podcaster, and award-winning author, Andrea has turned personal loss into a mission of hope, empowering families facing liver cancer through awareness, education, and support.

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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.
Ep 47

Feeding Hope, Finding Strength

with Patrice Surely
What if the key to healing isn’t just treatment, but how you support your body along the way? We are joined by Patrice Surley, oncology nutritionist and functional health expert with over 25 years of experience helping patients strengthen their bodies during cancer care. Patrice blends evidence-based nutrition with whole-person support, working alongside medical teams to improve outcomes and quality of life. Her journey began with her own health struggles, where diet and lifestyle changes made a real difference. That personal turning point shaped her belief that healing starts by meeting each person where they are and helping them take simple, meaningful steps forward. Patrice explains the concept of immuno stress and how factors like poor nutrition, sleep, and emotional strain can weaken the immune system. She shares practical tools such as increasing colorful fruits and vegetables, prioritizing protein, and addressing root causes instead of masking symptoms. Her work focuses on reducing side effects, improving tolerance to treatment, and helping patients feel more in control. Her message is clear and hopeful. Healing takes time. Small changes matter. Stay open, stay consistent, and trust that progress is possible even in the hardest moments. Highlights: How small nutrition changes can unlock big shifts in recovery Why treating root causes can improve cancer treatment outcomes What immuno stress means and how it affects healing How to work with your medical team for whole-person care Why simple habits often outperform complicated health plans Mentioned Resources: CanCare- www.cancare.org Book – www.cancare.org/hopebook Patrice’s website - https://www.patricesurley.com/ About the Guest: Patrice Surley is an oncology nutritionist and functional health expert with more than 25 years of experience helping people heal from the inside out. Her approach is rooted in evidence-based care, but what truly sets her apart is her heart: the way she listens, partners with patients, and helps them understand what their bodies need to restore balance and strength. Patrice works alongside oncologists, functional medicine doctors, and organizations like Do Cancer, helping patients build care teams that support the whole person: body, mind, and spirit.
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