An Open Letter to My Daughter, Layke
Gillian Lichota was diagnosed at 35 and 40—first with Stage III and later with Stage IV breast cancer. She is a mother, mountain climber, adventure travel enthusiast, and the founder and CEO of the iRise Above Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering and supporting young women through breast cancer. In this episode, Gillian reads her essay “An Open Letter to My Daughter, Layke,” from the 2024 “Mothers & Daughters” issue of Wildfire Journal.
Tegan O'Neill was diagnosed at 27 with Stage I Triple Negative breast cancer.She is a clinical social worker who finds meaning in helping herself and others heal through movement, dance, reading, and writing. In this episode, Tegan reads her essay “Kintsugi” from the 2025 “Hair” issue of Wildfire Journal. Her piece is about experiencing a ritual of burning her own hair—a haunting remnant of chemotherapy—in the company of two close friends. April and Tegan will talk about the alchemy of pain into beauty, being vulnerable with friends, and advice for making rituals. Wildfire Journal.
Shannon Gottesman was diagnosed at age 40 with hormone positive, Stage III breast cancer. She is the Vice Chancellor at the University of Pittsburgh, a traveler, an advocate, and mom of two boys. In this episode, Shannon reads her essay “On This Mat” from the 2024 “Body” issue of Wildfire Journal.
Judith Cookis Rubens was diagnosed at 45 with Stage II, HER2+ breast cancer. She is a freelance journalist living in North Carolina with her husband and twin sons. Judith enjoys writing about her local community, parenting, arts, theater, and education topics. In this episode, Judith reads her essay “Dancing Myself Back to Life” from the 2024 “Body” issue of Wildfire Journal. Her piece is about the power of movement—not just as exercise, but as a way to reclaim the body after cancer. April and Judith will discuss returning to dance as an adult, as well as dance and music as a healing. They will also discuss Judith’s experience as a journalist writing memoir.
