Where does the story end? with Emily Voreas
Emily Voreas was diagnosed at 33 with Stage IIIb breast cancer, and also carries the BRCA2 gene. Emily has a Masters in Elementary Education and currently works as a reading interventionist. In this episode she reads her poem “Where does the story end?” from the 2024 “Family” issue of Wildfire Journal. Her poem is about four generations of women and cancer. April and Emily will discuss family cancer legacies, fertility, aesthetic flat closure, and the evolving advocacy in each generation of breast cancer.
In celebration of Pride Month, each Friday in June we’re re-sharing our favorite episodes featuring LGBTQ+ voices from the Wildfire community.
Psychologist and artist, Julia D. Pereira was diagnosed at 32 with Triple Negative breast cancer. In this episode, Julia reads her essay, “Asymmetry,” from Wildfire Journal’s 2024 “Queer in Cancerland” issue. Her writing beautifully explores the theme of uncertainty.
April and Julia discuss the quiet magic found in uncertain moments, finding strength in the unknown, and making empowered decisions in the midst of ambiguity. They also reflect on what it means to find connection and community within breast cancer as a queer person.
Danielle Connor was diagnosed at 48 with Triple Negative breast cancer. She is a wife, mother to a teenage daughter, and a lifelong baker. In this episode, Danielle reads her essay, “My Chemo Companion,” from the 2025 Living Well issue of Wildfire Journal. Her piece invites us into the heart of her kitchen, where grief, survival, and sweetness rise together.
April and Danielle discuss humor and resisting the “Disney Princess mom” narrative, emotional support hobbies, and gratitude. Danielle also talks about her twin sister Nicole’s contrasting cancer experience.
In celebration of Pride Month, each Friday in June we’re re-sharing our favorite episodes featuring LGBTQ+ voices from the Wildfire community.
Stephanie Millett was first diagnosed with Stage III breast cancer at 25, and again at 31 with metastatic breast cancer. Stephanie is a retired hairstylist, writer, and advocate for advancedbreastcancer.net. In this episode, Stephanie shares their essay, “My Life, and Being Wrong,” from Wildfire Journal’s 2022 Legacy Stories issue. Stephanie and April discuss the power of sharing your story through advocacy, the reasons some people choose privacy around their cancer experience, and what it means to model resilience and honesty for our children. They also talk about Stephanie’s future plans to write a book offering practical guidance for others who want to begin telling their own stories.
