Jennifer Gordon was diagnosed at 44 with Stage II breast cancer. She is a writer, artist, coach, advocate, dragon boater and sexual wellness coach. In this episode, Jennifer reads her essay “A Mother’s Work is Never Done ” from the 2024 “Mothers & Daughters” issue of Wildfire Journal. Her piece is about role reversal —where a daughter becomes both patient and protector and a mother steps in as a cancer caregiver during the pandemic. April and Jennifer will discuss the emotional aftermath of cancer coupled with the pandemic, writing for personal healing, and the reciprocation of love between mother and daughter. They will also talk about sexual wellness and breast cancer.
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Raina Kerman was diagnosed at 45 with Stage II, Triple Negative breast cancer. Raina is a dog-loving, fantasy-reading, fitness enthusiast living in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. In this episode, Raina reads her essay “I Wish I Cared Less” from the 2025 “Hair” issue of Wildfire Journal. Her piece is about the painful, exhausting, and at times almost comically intense world of cold capping, and what it looks like to want something so badly—not just hair, but agency, normalcy, identity—and to have to let it go. April and Raina discuss the act of surrendering, family support, maintaining appearances, and the language used around breast cancer.
Bethany Zoe was diagnosed with Stage II breast cancer at age 40. She is an aspiring conservationist with a master’s degree in Wildlife and Environmental Sustainability and finds joy and healing in caring for animals. In this episode, Bethany reads her essay “Shampoo Commercial Dreams” from the 2025 Hair issue of Wildfire Journal. Her piece explores her experience with cold capping, identity, resilience, and the ways we cling to what keeps us feeling most like ourselves—especially when cancer threatens to strip that away. April and Bethany also discuss imposter syndrome in cancer, writing from a wound versus a scar, and how to decide when and with whom to share your story.
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.
