Finding Joy in the Cancer Journey

What does it mean to find joy after a cancer diagnosis? Not just once treatment ends, but in the middle of the journey, when life feels uncertain, when everything has changed, and when hope feels fragile.In this special episode, we revisit moments from past guests who shared how they rediscovered joy in the most unexpected ways. Through movement, laughter, community, and quiet moments of gratitude, each story is a reminder that joy is not something we wait for. It is something we can choose, create, and reclaim.You will hear reflections from:• Rita Villanueva, a breast cancer survivor who brings love and laughter into every room she enters.• Michael Wiesenthal, who found purpose and strength by supporting others through their cancer journeys.• Stephen Brown, whose guiding principles of movement, service, and positivity carried him through.Their voices are different, but the message is the same: joy often lives in the smallest moments, and it is in those moments that hope begins to grow.Mentioned Resources:CanCare- www.cancare.orgAbout the Guests:Rita Villanueva is a breast cancer survivor whose warmth, humor, and faith shine through everything she does. She brings joy and encouragement to others walking the cancer journey, reminding them that life can still be full of love, laughter, and purpose.Michael Wiesenthal is an acute myeloid leukemia (AML) survivor and devoted volunteer. His journey from patient to supporter reflects his belief that healing happens through connection, purpose, and showing up for others.Stephen Brown is a 19-year chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) survivor and Ironman competitor. Diagnosed at 45, he used his endurance mindset to navigate treatment and now advocates for others facing CLL.Love the podcast? You’ll be moved by the book. The Hope in the Face of Cancer book shares inspiring, real stories from survivors, caregivers, and healthcare heroes. Raw, uplifting, and full of heart—for anyone seeking hope and connection. Get your copy: cancare.org/hopebook.About Our Host:Darcie Champagne Wells is the President and CEO of CanCare, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to providing support to the cancer community by pairing cancer patients with survivors. Since joining in November 2020 as the third President & CEO, Darcie has driven significant growth, increasing one-to-one support matches by 45% and healthcare referrals by 66%. In 2022, she initiated the Impact Acceleration Initiative to further expand support for cancer patients and caregivers. Her leadership has earned her recognition as a “Most Admired CEO” and “Woman Who Means Business” by the Houston Business Journal, and national “Fundraiser of the Year” by RAISE. Darcie holds a BS in Business Administration from Louisiana State University and an MBA from the University of Houston.https://www.cancare.org/https://www.facebook.com/CanCareInchttps://www.instagram.com/cancare_incThanks for tuning in to Hope in the Face of Cancer! We’re so glad you’re here. If this episode moved you, inspired you, or brought you a little bit of light, please share it with someone who might need it. Just hit the share button on this page or spread the word on social—your voice helps us reach more hearts. 🎧 Never miss an episode! Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your favorite podcasts to get updates as soon as new episodes drop. ⭐ Help us grow with a quick review If you’re enjoying the podcast, leaving a review on Apple Podcasts goes a long way. It helps others discover the show and reminds us that these stories matter. Take a moment to leave a review—we read every one! 📖 Enjoy the podcast? You’ll love the book. Check out our book, Hope in the Face of Cancer—a powerful collection of real stories from survivors, caregivers, and healthcare heroes. It’s uplifting, raw, and full of heart. Get your copy at cancare.org/hopebook.