The Cancer Project
by Oklahoma Proton Center
Stay informed and empowered as we explore the intersection of technology and medicine. Tune in for thought-provoking discussions, expert interviews, and practical advice to help you or your loved ones on the journey through cancer treatment and recovery.
Episodes
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You Are Not A Statistic: Keriann Engle's Cancer Journey
In 2019, at just 35 years old, Keriann Engle was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer. An avid runner who had spent years challenging herself through marathons and ultramarathons, Keriann suddenly faced a journey that would change her life. After undergoing a mastectomy, reconstruction,...
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Embracing Humor, Community, & Healing with Julia Johns
When life handed Julia Johns a breast cancer diagnosis, she did what any comedian might do: she turned it into a standup show. Diagnosed in 2022, Julia underwent a mastectomy, chemotherapy, and radiation, finding unexpected ways to process her experience through humor while she was still actively...
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What Comes After Surviving Cancer? Giulia Rozzi On Identity and Healing
Giulia Rozzi has built a career around saying the uncomfortable things out loud, and she brings that same honesty to her experience with breast cancer. After a bilateral mastectomy, radiation, hormone therapy, and multiple reconstruction surgeries, Giulia found herself navigating not only cancer...
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The Survivorship Collective: Healing Beyond Treatment with Anne Hamilton
Anne Hamilton was diagnosed with stage 3C breast cancer at thirty-five years old. Her treatment included chemotherapy, a bilateral mastectomy, radiation, and multiple surgeries. But for Anne, finishing treatment did not mean the cancer journey was over. She found herself facing fear of…
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Clinical Trials, Cancer Research, & Living With Metastatic Breast Cancer with Megan O'Neil
At 30 years old, Megan O’Neil knew something wasn’t quite right when she began experiencing pain in her chest. Due to her young age and overall health as an athlete, her concerns were initially dismissed by doctors. Megan persisted and eventually found a lump, leading to a conversation with her...
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An Ovarian Cancer Journey Of Faith, Hope, & Healing with Anna Focht
n this episode of The Cancer Project, we sit down with ovarian cancer survivor and author Anna Focht. In 2015, what began as a routine annual appointment quickly changed Anna’s life when her doctor discovered a lump during a pelvic exam. Diagnosed with stage three B ovarian cancer, Anna underwent...
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What Cancer Teaches Us About Life, Family, & Planning Ahead with Brooke Unruh
In this episode of The Cancer Project we are joined by Tenaciously Teal Board Chair and attorney Brooke Unruh. Brooke shares how her experiences with her close friend and law partner Anna, her mother’s cancer diagnosis, and her work with Tenaciously Teal have shaped the way she understands…
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From Lymphoma Diagnosis & Treatment to the Wedding Alter with Morgan Lunardi
The time after an engagement is typically filled with excitement, wedding planning, and dreaming about the future. But for Morgan Lunardi and her fiancé, AJ, that exciting chapter quickly took an unexpected turn when Morgan was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma. Shortly after their engagement…
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Dreams Delayed, Not Denied After Breast Cancer Diagnosis at 23 with Valentina Prince
Twenty-three year old Valentina Prince was preparing to start veterinarian school in the fall when she experienced a sudden itch in her breast. Valentina thought nothing of it until she felt a new lump in her breast. She quickly made an appointment to have it looked at and suddenly found herself...
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The Future Of Cancer Treatment: MRI, Proton Therapy, & Artificial Intelligence with Dr. Ali Fatemi
What exactly does a medical physicist do, and how does their work impact a cancer patient's treatment? On this episode of The Cancer Project Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Ali Fatemi, a board-certified medical physicist specializing in radiation therapy and MRI physics, to explore the technology…
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Redefining What It Means To "Beat Cancer" with Elissa Kalver
On this inspiring episode of perseverance and strength, we are joined by metastatic breast cancer thriver Elissa Kalver. Despite no family history of breast cancer, a sudden lump in her breast prompted Elissa to go to the doctor. Elissa shares with The Cancer Project how quickly she had to move...
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From Cancer Care Leader To MDS Blood Cancer Patient with James Williams
This week on The Cancer Project Podcast, we are honored to be joined by former ProCure Treatment Center President and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) cancer survivor, James Williams. In 2012, James and ProCure began the process of opening the ninth proton therapy center in the United States. In…
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The Mission Of Courage Tees: Shirts Designed For Comfort During Cancer Treatment with Katie VanArnam and Casey Glazer
Beginning in second grade, seven year old Katie VanArnam and her family knew something wasn’t quite right after she had been experiencing extensive pain throughout her body. After months of speculation and misdiagnoses, eight year old Katie’s test results revealed it was Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. On...
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Brachytherapy, Prostate Cancer, & Interventional Oncology with Dr. Ajay Bhatnagar
With over twenty years of experience, Dr. Ajay Bhatnagar joins The Cancer Project Podcast to discuss low-dose rate (LDR) Brachytherapy. His practice utilizes this unique procedure to treat localized prostate cancer for patients from all over the country. Dr. Bhatnagar shares where his passion for...
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A Loved One's Glioblastoma Diagnosis: The Journey Of A Caregiver with Peyton Washington
On this sentimental episode of The Cancer Project Podcast, we welcome Peyton Washington! Peyton is the oldest daughter of Jenny Washington, former Vice President of Operations at the Oklahoma Proton Center who passed away from glioblastoma in June 2024. We are honored to have Peyton on our…
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Why Proton Therapy: Oklahoma Football Alum Karl Peter's Story
Pauls Valley native and former Oklahoma Football defensive back Karl Peters comes from a large family and is the second youngest of fourteen children. In this week’s episode of The Cancer Project Podcast, Karl reflects on his many fond memories growing up in a big family including following in…
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In The Middle Of A Miracle: Pediatric Cancer, Philanthropy, & Purpose with Brooklyn Hawkins
In the summer before beginning her senior year of high school, Brooklyn Hawkins began experiencing daily fevers, shortness of breath, and overall physical fatigue. She found herself in-and-out of the doctors office, each time experiencing more concern for her growing symptoms. After continuing to...
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Cancer Diagnosis At Seventeen Weeks Pregnant: A Testimony Of Faith & Family with Priscilla Ballesteros
In this powerful and inspiring episode of The Cancer Project, we are joined by breast cancer survivor Priscilla Ballesteros. At age twenty-eight Priscilla was diagnosed with breast cancer while seventeen weeks pregnant. Priscilla sits down with Host David Raubach to share her testimony and cancer...
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Making Proton Therapy More Accessible: The Logistics & Heart Of Building Proton Therapy Centers with Hadley Ford
With a background in investment banking, Hadley Ford had never heard of proton therapy prior to meeting nuclear physicist Dr. John Cameron. Dr. Cameron was a true pioneer in making proton therapy more accessible to the United States as a groundbreaking cancer treatment. Hadley and Dr. Cameron...
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Reflections of a Retiring Radiation Oncologist with Dr. Mark Storey
In this special episode of The Cancer Project Podcast, Dr. Mark Storey rejoins colleague David Raubach to reflect on his seven years at Oklahoma Proton Center and the next chapter of his career. Dr. Storey joined OPC in 2019 with a clear mission: to advance proton therapy while improving both...
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From Doctor To Patient: A Radiation Oncologist's Cancer Journey with Dr. Jim Gray
Medical Director of Tennessee Oncology Proton Therapy Center, Dr. Jim Gray, has spent decades at the forefront of radiation oncology. In this episode, he reflects on the remarkable evolution of cancer treatment throughout his career—from the days of manually contouring treatment plans in medical...
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The History of Advancement of Radiation Oncology with Marc Mlyn
On this informative episode of The Cancer Project, host David Raubach sits down with longtime industry colleague and friend Marc Mlyn, President of U.S. Operations at RaySearch Laboratories.Drawing on decades of experience in radiation oncology, Marc has a unique ability to translate complex...
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Two Time Cancer Survivor: Morgan Aquino's Journey of Perseverance and Faith
This week, The Cancer Project Podcast is joined by two-time cancer survivor Morgan Aquino.In the fall of 2024, Morgan’s husband insisted she go to the hospital after she began experiencing severe abdominal pain.Doctors quickly discovered a ruptured ovarian cyst and, during the evaluation, found a...
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Photon vs. Proton Therapy For Breast Cancer: The RADCOMP Trial with Dr. Shannon MacDonald
In the second episode of our special two-part series, Dr. Shannon MacDonald rejoins host David Raubach to discuss the RADCOMP trial — the first randomized study comparing proton therapy and traditional photon radiation for breast cancer.With more than 1,200 patients enrolled, the phase III...
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Challenging Telehealth Restrictions: A Free Speech Lawsuit with Dr. Shannon MacDonald
After COVID-19 changed protocols for all day-to-day life, medicine was no exception. In every effort to stop and slow the spread of COVID-19, many medical appointments previously in person turned into virtual visits. This was seen in medicine, school, and life in general. During this period,...
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"Life Is Still Happening": A Country Music Artist's Leukemia Battle with Johnny Woods
Country music singer songwriter Johnny Woods has a beautiful talent for expressing himself through music. Beginning his career in 2020, Johnny released his first single to radio titled, “Hurricane” and landed at #43 on the Texas country music charts. He quickly began paving his own path in the...
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From Mammogram to Treatment: What to Know About Breast Cancer with Breast Surgeon Dr. Stephanie Taylor
The Cancer Project Podcast is joined this week by Breast Surgeon Dr. Stephanie Taylor. In this informative episode, Dr. Taylor answers many frequently asked questions surrounding breast cancer such as: What are the types of breast cancer? How is staging determined? What are standard treatments…
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Mental and Physical Toughness Black Belt and Breast Cancer with Melinda Wilson
Sixth degree black belt Melinda Wilson is no stranger to dedication and perseverance. Her extensive training in martial arts goes back decades, and her love of the sport continues today as an instructor and studio owner. In February of 2022, Melinda was diagnosed with breast cancer. In this...
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Breaking Bad Case Study: Walter White's Diagnosis and Morality with Britney Haynes
The phrase “Breaking Bad” has southern roots and is used to indicate a person has suddenly become reckless, acting out and shifting to immoral character. Today, it is commonly known as the hit tv show about an overqualified high school chemistry teacher who is diagnosed with inoperable lung…
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A Whirlwind Journey: Finding Community and Courage Through Breast Cancer with Lauren Whitaker
When Lauren Whitaker went to her follow-up appointment for what was believed to be a cyst, she had minimal reason for concern. Before leaving the appointment she would be calling her mom to help pick up her two kids from school because she needed a biopsy after the initial ultrasound indicated...
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The Science of Proton Therapy with Medical Physicist Niek Schreuder
In this educational episode of The Cancer Project, we are joined by Niek Schreuder, the Chief Scientific Officer of LEO Cancer Care. Niek received a masters in medical physics from the University of Stellenbosch, South Africa before coming to the United States pursuing proton radiation…
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From Treatment to Harvest: A Farmer's Prostate Cancer Journey with David Bush
Former Oklahoma Proton Center patient David Bush joins the Cancer Project Podcast for a candid conversation about his prostate cancer journey. After being diagnosed in December 2023, David and his wife Melody found themselves asking what options they had for treatment. After a quick internet...
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A Superhero's Cancer Diagnosis: Family, Faith, and Purpose with Caitlin Tharp
In this episode of perseverance and faith, Caitlin Tharp shares her family’s journey after her father’s sudden glioblastoma diagnosis. In this vulnerable episode, Caitlin details the six month period from the day of diagnosis to her father’s passing. Glioblastoma is a malignant brain tumor,...
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In The News: James Van Der Beek and Rising Colorectal Cancer Rates
Cancer advocate and TV personality Britney Haynes rejoins The Cancer Project Podcast in wake of the tragic passing of James Van Der Beek. American actor James Van Der Beek was known for his roles in “Dawson’s Creek” and “Varsity Blues”. James was only one year within screening guidelines when a...
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Innovating Cancer Support: A Patient-Driven Resource with Shannon Miller
After years of experiencing and hearing the same question: How do I help my loved one who has been diagnosed with cancer? Ovarian cancer survivor and seven-time Olympic medalist Shannon Miller, utilized her personal experience to create a new patient-driven resource in cancer support. Last…
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OKC Thunder Beat Reporter: Family, Cancer, Sports with Brandon Rahbar
On this episode of The Cancer Project, David Raubach sits down with Oklahoma City Thunder beat writer Brandon Rahbar for a powerful conversation that goes beyond basketball. From covering one of the NBA’s most exciting teams to witnessing a championship culture up close, Brandon shares what it is...
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Stage 4 Cancer: One Question Saved His Life with Rahul Mahadevan
On this episode of The Cancer Project, David Raubach sits down with Rahul Mahadevan, founder and CEO of We’re in This Together (WiTT), a platform helping cancer patients receive financial and emotional support during treatment. Rahul shares his own stage four prostate cancer diagnosis, the...
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Metastatic Breast Cancer and Thriving with Lindsay Clark
Lindsay Clark was only thirty-three years old when she felt a lump that would change her life. Within weeks, she was diagnosed with stage four metastatic breast cancer that had already spread to her bones and liver. What followed was a whirlwind of biopsies, scans and chemotherapy as she began…
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A Thriver's Story: Stage 4 Ovarian Cancer
Tarah Green is the founder and executive director of Tenaciously Teal, an organization sending care packs to people fighting cancer across Oklahoma and nationwide. In this episode, David Raubach sits down with Tarah to talk about her journey from a stage four ovarian cancer diagnosis to building…
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Oklahoma Cancer Care Support: Housing, Transportation and Hope With Rachel Stratton
David Raubach sits down with Rachel Stratton, Associate Director of the American Cancer Society (ACS). Rachel breaks down what ACS actually does in Oklahoma and why Hope Lodge is one of the most practical resources for patients who travel for treatment. She explains how Hope Lodge runs like a…
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What Every Family Needs to Know About Cancer Screening with Jennifer Watkins
Jennifer Watkins serves as the Chronic Disease Coordinator for the Oklahoma State Department of Health. She works with the Oklahoma Comprehensive Cancer Network to improve prevention, screening, survivorship, and access to care across the state. The discussion dives into the realities many…
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The Data Behind Proton Therapy Outcomes With Jillian Plochocki
David Raubach sits down with Jillian Plochocki, Executive Director of the Proton Collaborative Group. Jillian explains how the world’s largest proton therapy registry was built and why real-world data from more than 40,000 patients is critical to improving cancer treatment outcomes.The…
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Inside Proton Therapy: Precision in Cancer Treatment
The discussion covers the history of the Oklahoma Proton Center from opening in 2009 as one of the first proton centers in the country, to treating more than 6,000 patients from all 50 states and multiple countries. You will learn what proton therapy is, how it works, and why its ability to stop...
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When Cancer Meets the Spotlight: Lessons From Famous Diagnoses With Britney Haynes
David Raubach and Birtney Haynes break down how cancer screening really works and the real world consequences of delaying treatment. The conversation explores the risks and benefits of different screening tools, including PET CT, MRI, and blood-based biomarkers. Explaining why no single test can...
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New Clinical Trial Results: How This Changes Head and Neck Cancer Treatment
This episode of The Cancer Project features a detailed conversation with Dr. John Chang and David Raubach on newly published clinical trial data comparing proton therapy and traditional photon radiation for head and neck cancers. The discussion breaks down what head and neck and oropharyngeal...
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Leadership, Faith, and Purpose: Mike Beckham's Story
In this episode of The Cancer Project podcast, host David Raubach talks with Mike Beckham, co-founder and CEO of Simple Modern. Mike shares his journey from ministry to entrepreneurship, how he built one of the fastest-growing drink-ware brands in the country, and why generosity is the…
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Turning Cancer and Addiction Into a Message of Hope: Stacy and Earle Haggard
In this episode of The Cancer Project, host David Raubach sits down with Stacy and Earle Haggard to discuss their family’s incredible journey. Stacy’s book, ‘French Kissing Cancer,’ shares the heartbreaking story of losing her sister to cancer, the emotional aftermath, and the faith that…
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Making Cancer Care Globally Accessible With Stephen Towe
In this episode of The Cancer Project, host David Raubach sits down with Stephen Towe, CEO and Co-Founder of LEO Cancer Care, to discuss how upright patient positioning is reshaping the future of radiation and proton therapy. Stephen shares his journey from medical physicist to entrepreneur, the...
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The Future of Cancer Treatment
Join host David Raubach and Mevion CEO Tina Yu as they discuss leadership, innovation, and the global future of proton therapy. Learn how Mevion’s FIT system makes advanced cancer care more accessible. Tune in to The Cancer Project Podcast for insight into the science, technology, and humanity...
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Proton Therapy Access That Puts Patients First with Jennifer Maggiore
Jennifer explains the mission of the National Association for Proton Therapy to ensure that every patient has informed access to proton therapy through advocacy, education, and research. The conversation covers insurance barriers, cost-effectiveness, workforce realities, research priorities and…
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About this show
Stay informed and empowered as we explore the intersection of technology and medicine. Tune in for thought-provoking discussions, expert interviews, and practical advice to help you or your loved ones on the journey through cancer treatment and recovery.
Hosted by
Oklahoma Proton Center