The Science of Hope

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.

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 Health Uncensored with Dr. Drew Pinsky, along with 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