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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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.
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. Her piece is about the ways motherhood transforms us. April and Gillian will discuss the healing found in witnessing your child’s life, leading your children with intention, the legacy offerings we want for our children, and modeling vulnerability. They will also discuss Gillian’s careers from marine biologist to founder of a nonprofit breast cancer organization.
