Episode 103: Being Brave When Cancer is in the Room (with CJC Lauren Huffmaster)

Being Brave When Cancer Is in the Room | The Cancer Journey Podcast | Episode 103Lauren Huffmaster has been living with metastatic breast cancer since 2015. In the ten years since her diagnosis, she founded Adventure Therapy Foundation, became a speaker and author, and has spent her life building something that gives other people a better experience than she had. In this episode of the Cancer Journey Podcast, she joins Shariann and Alicia to talk about what bravery actually looks like on a cancer journey — and why it doesn't have to feel brave to count.Lauren shares why the early days after diagnosis aren't the time for bravery — and why grief and fear are a completely normal response. She talks about bravery as a choice, not a feeling, and how taking even the smallest intentional step forward is an act of courage. She also opens up about the tension of wanting people to know you're struggling, even when showing up looks like strength from the outside.This conversation also explores Lauren's work at the Cancering Collective — a program inside Adventure Therapy Foundation that helps people living with cancer tell their stories in an empowered way, with writing coaches, trauma writing specialists, and space to be truly seen.If you've ever wondered whether you're being brave enough, this episode is for you.🎙️ Guest: Lauren Huffmaster, Founder of Adventure Therapy Foundation 🔗 adventurefound.orgChapters: 0:00 — Welcome and PESH check-in 1:44 — Meet Lauren Huffmaster 2:45 — What bravery looks like on a cancer journey 4:58 — When bravery isn't available — the early days after diagnosis 7:25 — Where Lauren finds and taps into her bravery 11:30 — Turning suffering outward as a source of strength 15:06 — Why your hardest days may have the most to give 18:12 — Adventure Therapy Foundation and the Cantering Collective 21:09 — The power of story in healing 25:47 — Closing PESH and takeawaysKeywords: cancer journey, cancer coaching, being brave with cancer, emotional side effects of cancer, metastatic breast cancer, cancer survivor podcast, cancer caregiver support, Adventure Therapy Foundation, Lauren Huffmaster, cancer journey podcast, cancer support community, cancer healing#CancerJourney #CancerJourneyPodcast #AdventureTherapyFoundation