“Kintsugi” with Tegan O'Neill
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.
Tabitha Holman was diagnosed at 39 with de novo Stage IV breast cancer. Tabitha is an elementary school teacher, and mother of two young boys. At the time of her diagnosis, she was considered too young and low-risk to access a timely mammogram when she found her lump. Now, she is focusing her efforts on advocacy in hopes of improving access to screening, research, and care. In this episode, Tabitha reads her essay “Hair Karma” from Wildfire Journal’s 2025 “Hair” issue. Her piece is about the emotional complexity of losing her hair during chemotherapy - just months after giving birth - and the surprising, full-circle moment that made her stop and wonder. April and Tabitha talk about kindness, having cancer and being post-partum, and advocating for medical care that goes against the standard of care. They also discuss grief and living with MBC.
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.
