An Unexpected Life

An Unexpected Life Tue, 02 Jun 2026 05:05:17 -0400 https://clairemariefoundation.org en-us © 2026 An Unexpected Life yes Support this Podcast 17cb0a72-a3c7-5df9-be4b-4a7a9409cad7 podcast@clairemariefoundation.org The Claire Marie Foundation episodic false Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) melanoma, young adult, adolescent The Claire Marie Foundation podcast@clairemariefoundation.org https://storage.buzzsprout.com/wzyq1wpjpfxg4d1c1zg3ggnt0tc0?.jpg An Unexpected Life https://clairemariefoundation.org Marianne Banister Up Your Skin Game! Guest: Dr. Eva Simmons-O'Brien Up Your Skin Game! Guest: Dr. Eva Simmons-O'Brien UV damage is sneaky! Even with daily sunscreen use, you could be exposing your skin to sun damage and increasing your risk of melanoma in ways you never imagined!

For instance, did you know that your mode of travel, that refreshing margarita or even your over-the-counter painkiller can cause damage in the sun? How about the fact that you can burn through your clothes? Class is in session! Dropping today, our latest episode of An Unexpected Life Podcast.

Claire Marie Foundation Chief Medical Advisor and Dermatologist Eva Simmons-O’Brien joins us with insights and simple solutions to make sure you are sensationally sun-safe!

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

✅ How to find the UV Index for your area

✅ Hidden Travel Sun Risks

✅ How to Keep From Burning Through Your Clothes

✅ Reality of “Margarita Burn” and Other Food Risks

✅ Drugs That Enhance Sun Sensitivity.

✅ Benefits of UPF 50 Clothing, Heliocare & SunPowder

✅ Melanoma Does Not Discriminate: Why Everyone is at Risk.

✅ Hormones and Genetics; Other Factors That Put You At Risk

Links

🔶 The Margarita Burn and Other Risks bit.ly/4usJ9bf

🔶 People of Color Do Get Melanoma bit.ly/4dS73qx

🔶 Why is Melanoma Striking So Many Young Men? bit.ly/42KhSF2

🔶 Risk of Tanning Beds: bit.ly/4t280kr

🔶 Heliocare https://heliocare.com/

🔶 SunPowder https://drinksunpowder.com/

🔶 The Risks of Spray Sunscreen bit.ly/4cmxTEi

🔶 Teen Cancer America; Support for Teens and Young Adults: https://teencanceramerica.org/

🔶 Ulman Foundation; Support for Teens and Young Adults: https://ulmanfoundation.org/

Claire Marie Foundation Mission

“ The Claire Marie Foundation provides clarity and hope in the fight against adolescent and young adult melanoma through awareness, education and prevention.

Follow and Connect

🔶 www.clairemariefoundation.org

🔶 Send us a text

🔶 Send us a text

Support the show

]]> UV damage is sneaky! Even with daily sunscreen use, you could be exposing your skin to sun damage and increasing your risk of melanoma in ways you never imagined!

For instance, did you know that your mode of travel, that refreshing margarita or even your over-the-counter painkiller can cause damage in the sun? How about the fact that you can burn through your clothes? Class is in session! Dropping today, our latest episode of An Unexpected Life Podcast.

Claire Marie Foundation Chief Medical Advisor and Dermatologist Eva Simmons-O’Brien joins us with insights and simple solutions to make sure you are sensationally sun-safe!

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

✅ How to find the UV Index for your area

✅ Hidden Travel Sun Risks

✅ How to Keep From Burning Through Your Clothes

✅ Reality of “Margarita Burn” and Other Food Risks

✅ Drugs That Enhance Sun Sensitivity.

✅ Benefits of UPF 50 Clothing, Heliocare & SunPowder

✅ Melanoma Does Not Discriminate: Why Everyone is at Risk.

✅ Hormones and Genetics; Other Factors That Put You At Risk

Links

🔶 The Margarita Burn and Other Risks bit.ly/4usJ9bf

🔶 People of Color Do Get Melanoma bit.ly/4dS73qx

🔶 Why is Melanoma Striking So Many Young Men? bit.ly/42KhSF2

🔶 Risk of Tanning Beds: bit.ly/4t280kr

🔶 Heliocare https://heliocare.com/

🔶 SunPowder https://drinksunpowder.com/

🔶 The Risks of Spray Sunscreen bit.ly/4cmxTEi

🔶 Teen Cancer America; Support for Teens and Young Adults: https://teencanceramerica.org/

🔶 Ulman Foundation; Support for Teens and Young Adults: https://ulmanfoundation.org/

Claire Marie Foundation Mission

“ The Claire Marie Foundation provides clarity and hope in the fight against adolescent and young adult melanoma through awareness, education and prevention.

Follow and Connect

🔶 www.clairemariefoundation.org

🔶 Send us a text

🔶 Send us a text

Support the show

]]> The Claire Marie Foundation Buzzsprout-19256692 Tue, 02 Jun 2026 05:00:00 -0400 2001 2 5 full false Beyond AI / New Tech That Targets Melanoma with Guest Dr. Diane Orlinsky Beyond AI / New Tech That Targets Melanoma with Guest Dr. Diane Orlinsky When it comes to health, it seems everyone is looking for the next best thing! Some advances can save pain and money. Others may score high on the “hot tech” meter, but fall short in effectiveness. What works and what doesn’t, when it comes to tech in melanoma diagnosis? In this episode, Marianne Banister turned to Dermatologist and Medical Advisor to the Claire Marie Foundation, Dr. Diane Orlinsky, M.D., F.A.A.D to help us sort it all out!

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

✅ How a new genetic test can determine the aggressiveness of melanoma and if it will spread.

✅ How a new AI device can help physicians in rural areas pinpoint melanoma risk.

✅ The ineffectiveness of whole body mole mapping and high out-of-pocket costs.
✅ Dermascopy versus new technology. Which is best?

✅ Are genomic home-testing skin strips effective in diagnosing melanoma and skin cancer?

✅ What age should you begin annual skin checks?

✅ How to advocate for yourself with a dermatologist

✅ How to find a gold-standard dermatologist

Links

🔶 Decision DX-Melanoma Test https://www.castlebiosciences.com/melanomatest

🔶 DermaSensor: https://www.dermasensor.com/

🔶 How Dermatologists Use Dermascopy: bit.ly/4dD6VtZ

🔶 DermTech: https://dermtech.com/

🔶 ExoPatch: bit.ly/3RzcnGI

🔶 ChatGPT is Not A Dermatologist: bit.ly/4pwklfT

🔶 How To Find The Best Dermatologist: bit.ly/3Pzccuk

Claire Marie Foundation Mission
“ The Claire Marie Foundation provides clarity and hope in the fight against adolescent and young adult melanoma through awareness, education and prevention.

Follow and Connect
🔶 www.clairemariefoundation.org
🔶 IG www.instagram.com/clairemariefoundation/
🔶 Facebook www.facebook.com/ClaireMarieFoundation
🔶 LinkTree https://linktr.ee/unexpectedlife

🔶 Send us a text

Support the show

]]> When it comes to health, it seems everyone is looking for the next best thing! Some advances can save pain and money. Others may score high on the “hot tech” meter, but fall short in effectiveness. What works and what doesn’t, when it comes to tech in melanoma diagnosis? In this episode, Marianne Banister turned to Dermatologist and Medical Advisor to the Claire Marie Foundation, Dr. Diane Orlinsky, M.D., F.A.A.D to help us sort it all out!

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

✅ How a new genetic test can determine the aggressiveness of melanoma and if it will spread.

✅ How a new AI device can help physicians in rural areas pinpoint melanoma risk.

✅ The ineffectiveness of whole body mole mapping and high out-of-pocket costs.
✅ Dermascopy versus new technology. Which is best?

✅ Are genomic home-testing skin strips effective in diagnosing melanoma and skin cancer?

✅ What age should you begin annual skin checks?

✅ How to advocate for yourself with a dermatologist

✅ How to find a gold-standard dermatologist

Links

🔶 Decision DX-Melanoma Test https://www.castlebiosciences.com/melanomatest

🔶 DermaSensor: https://www.dermasensor.com/

🔶 How Dermatologists Use Dermascopy: bit.ly/4dD6VtZ

🔶 DermTech: https://dermtech.com/

🔶 ExoPatch: bit.ly/3RzcnGI

🔶 ChatGPT is Not A Dermatologist: bit.ly/4pwklfT

🔶 How To Find The Best Dermatologist: bit.ly/3Pzccuk

Claire Marie Foundation Mission
“ The Claire Marie Foundation provides clarity and hope in the fight against adolescent and young adult melanoma through awareness, education and prevention.

Follow and Connect
🔶 www.clairemariefoundation.org
🔶 IG www.instagram.com/clairemariefoundation/
🔶 Facebook www.facebook.com/ClaireMarieFoundation
🔶 LinkTree https://linktr.ee/unexpectedlife

🔶 Send us a text

Support the show

]]> The Claire Marie Foundation Buzzsprout-19237720 Mon, 25 May 2026 12:00:00 -0400 1527 2 4 full false Kids Count Too! The Fight Against Children’s Cancer ( Guests Tasha Museles / Dr. Robyn Gartrell) Kids Count Too! The Fight Against Children’s Cancer ( Guests Tasha Museles / Dr. Robyn Gartrell) Hey everyone! In this week’s episode, we are worked up a bit. Nearly 400,000 children and adolescents will be diagnosed with cancer globally this year.

That means every three minutes, a parent is told their child has cancer. Still, only 4% of federal funding goes to research pediatric cancers; 96% are designated to save adult lives. And with ongoing cuts instigated by the Trump administration, it’s getting even worse.

This week, we dive deep into the fight for children’s cancer funding. Why is it so challenging, and what can be done? Our guests are Tasha Museles, President of the Children’s Cancer Foundation, and Dr. Robyn Gartrell M.D., a Pediatric Oncologist and Research Physician with Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

✅ Why children are excluded from drug trials and why that’s problematic.

✅ What Pharma has to do with it! How pharmaceutical companies prioritize adult cancers where there is higher profitability.

✅ The value and challenge of philanthropy. Why nonprofit and private donors are essential.
✅ What are “Life Years Lost” and its impact on children.

✅ The future of research for pediatric and adolescent cancers.

✅ What you can do.

Links

🔶 Research IS the Answer / Children’s Cancer Foundation: bit.ly/4ezRl4t

🔶 More Than Physical / The Mental Impact of Childhood Cancer: https://bit.ly/42TPBvu

🔶 Remember: Kids Count Too / Fight for Cancer Research: bit.ly/4dzWC9Z

🔶 Teen Cancer America; Support for Teens and Young Adults: https://teencanceramerica.org/

🔶 Ulman Foundation; Support for Teens and Young Adults: https://ulmanfoundation.org/

Claire Marie Foundation Mission

“ The Claire Marie Foundation provides clarity and hope in the fight against adolescent and young adult melanoma through awareness, education and prevention.

Follow and Connect

🔶 www.clairemariefoundation.org

🔶 Send us a text

🔶 Send us a text

Support the show

]]> Hey everyone! In this week’s episode, we are worked up a bit. Nearly 400,000 children and adolescents will be diagnosed with cancer globally this year.

That means every three minutes, a parent is told their child has cancer. Still, only 4% of federal funding goes to research pediatric cancers; 96% are designated to save adult lives. And with ongoing cuts instigated by the Trump administration, it’s getting even worse.

This week, we dive deep into the fight for children’s cancer funding. Why is it so challenging, and what can be done? Our guests are Tasha Museles, President of the Children’s Cancer Foundation, and Dr. Robyn Gartrell M.D., a Pediatric Oncologist and Research Physician with Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

✅ Why children are excluded from drug trials and why that’s problematic.

✅ What Pharma has to do with it! How pharmaceutical companies prioritize adult cancers where there is higher profitability.

✅ The value and challenge of philanthropy. Why nonprofit and private donors are essential.
✅ What are “Life Years Lost” and its impact on children.

✅ The future of research for pediatric and adolescent cancers.

✅ What you can do.

Links

🔶 Research IS the Answer / Children’s Cancer Foundation: bit.ly/4ezRl4t

🔶 More Than Physical / The Mental Impact of Childhood Cancer: https://bit.ly/42TPBvu

🔶 Remember: Kids Count Too / Fight for Cancer Research: bit.ly/4dzWC9Z

🔶 Teen Cancer America; Support for Teens and Young Adults: https://teencanceramerica.org/

🔶 Ulman Foundation; Support for Teens and Young Adults: https://ulmanfoundation.org/

Claire Marie Foundation Mission

“ The Claire Marie Foundation provides clarity and hope in the fight against adolescent and young adult melanoma through awareness, education and prevention.

Follow and Connect

🔶 www.clairemariefoundation.org

🔶 Send us a text

🔶 Send us a text

Support the show

]]> The Claire Marie Foundation Buzzsprout-19200235 Mon, 18 May 2026 22:00:00 -0400 1775 2 3 full false Your Child Has Cancer. Now What? A Parent’s Guide (Guest Cheryl Adams) Your Child Has Cancer. Now What? A Parent’s Guide (Guest Cheryl Adams) You never see it coming. It shatters your world, marking simply the before-and-after. Parenting a child through a cancer diagnosis or other life-threatening illness is an overwhelming journey. It will tax and test the entire family, creating the ultimate balancing act as you ride the rollercoaster of medical, emotional, and academic needs. At the forefront of it all is the never-ending worry that you may lose your treasured child. If you have found yourself in this situation, catch your breath. We’re diving into the hard conversation and advice from those who have been in your shoes.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

✅ How to tell your child the bad news at any age

✅ The value of calmness and an “appointment buddy”

✅ Balancing the needs of siblings and family

✅ Parenting and managing teenage independence during cancer treatment

✅ How to build an academic support system.

✅ Strength of mind and body for the patient and parent

Links

🔶 Parenting Through the Unimaginable: https://bit.ly/4tjCYFe

🔶 More Tips for Parenting Through Cancer: https://bit.ly/3NKeiXH

🔶 Teen Cancer America; Support for Teens and Young Adults: https://teencanceramerica.org/

🔶 Ulman Foundation; Support for Teens and Young Adults: https://ulmanfoundation.org/

Claire Marie Foundation Mission

“ The Claire Marie Foundation provides clarity and hope in the fight against adolescent and young adult melanoma through awareness, education and prevention.

Follow and Connect

🔶 www.clairemariefoundation.org

🔶 www.clairemariefoundation.org

🔶Instagram

🔶 LinkTree

🔶 Send us a text

🔶 Send us a text

Support the show

]]> You never see it coming. It shatters your world, marking simply the before-and-after. Parenting a child through a cancer diagnosis or other life-threatening illness is an overwhelming journey. It will tax and test the entire family, creating the ultimate balancing act as you ride the rollercoaster of medical, emotional, and academic needs. At the forefront of it all is the never-ending worry that you may lose your treasured child. If you have found yourself in this situation, catch your breath. We’re diving into the hard conversation and advice from those who have been in your shoes.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

✅ How to tell your child the bad news at any age

✅ The value of calmness and an “appointment buddy”

✅ Balancing the needs of siblings and family

✅ Parenting and managing teenage independence during cancer treatment

✅ How to build an academic support system.

✅ Strength of mind and body for the patient and parent

Links

🔶 Parenting Through the Unimaginable: https://bit.ly/4tjCYFe

🔶 More Tips for Parenting Through Cancer: https://bit.ly/3NKeiXH

🔶 Teen Cancer America; Support for Teens and Young Adults: https://teencanceramerica.org/

🔶 Ulman Foundation; Support for Teens and Young Adults: https://ulmanfoundation.org/

Claire Marie Foundation Mission

“ The Claire Marie Foundation provides clarity and hope in the fight against adolescent and young adult melanoma through awareness, education and prevention.

Follow and Connect

🔶 www.clairemariefoundation.org

🔶 www.clairemariefoundation.org

🔶 LinkTree

🔶 Send us a text

🔶 Send us a text

Support the show

]]> Buzzsprout-19148703 Mon, 11 May 2026 17:00:00 -0400 1999 2 2 full true Yes, Babies Can Get Melanoma. A Survivor’s Story Yes, Babies Can Get Melanoma. A Survivor’s Story "Don’t worry! Kids don’t get melanoma.” It is a common belief and yet nothing could be further from the truth. 21-year-old Marit Peterson is proof. The University of Texas Senior and future dermatologist was diagnosed with stage 3b melanoma as a tiny baby of 18 months. As she says, it was a quick lesson that life is not fair, and yet any life challenge can bring unexpected blessings.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

✅ The risk of melanoma in children

✅ How Marit handles the shadow of cancer recurrence

✅ The empowerment of advocacy

✅ How Marit shares melanoma awareness and education with friends

✅ The power of pivoting to new adventures in life

✅ The value of advocating for yourself as a patient

Links

🔶 Pediatric Melanoma: https://bit.ly/419S1Wf

🔶 Born With Melanoma: Nora’s Story https://bit.ly/4trCrRI

Claire Marie Foundation Mission

“ The Claire Marie Foundation provides clarity and hope in the fight against adolescent and young adult melanoma through awareness, education and prevention.

Follow and Connect

🔶 www.clairemariefoundation.org

🔶 Send us a text

Support the show

]]> "Don’t worry! Kids don’t get melanoma.” It is a common belief and yet nothing could be further from the truth. 21-year-old Marit Peterson is proof. The University of Texas Senior and future dermatologist was diagnosed with stage 3b melanoma as a tiny baby of 18 months. As she says, it was a quick lesson that life is not fair, and yet any life challenge can bring unexpected blessings.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

✅ The risk of melanoma in children

✅ How Marit handles the shadow of cancer recurrence

✅ The empowerment of advocacy

✅ How Marit shares melanoma awareness and education with friends

✅ The power of pivoting to new adventures in life

✅ The value of advocating for yourself as a patient

Links

🔶 Pediatric Melanoma: https://bit.ly/419S1Wf

🔶 Born With Melanoma: Nora’s Story https://bit.ly/4trCrRI

Claire Marie Foundation Mission

“ The Claire Marie Foundation provides clarity and hope in the fight against adolescent and young adult melanoma through awareness, education and prevention.

Follow and Connect

🔶 www.clairemariefoundation.org

🔶 Send us a text

Support the show

]]> The Claire Marie Foundation Buzzsprout-19111557 Fri, 01 May 2026 20:00:00 -0400 1676 2 1 full false Healing Through the Power of Gratitude (Guest Linda Roszak Burton) Healing Through the Power of Gratitude (Guest Linda Roszak Burton) Is the world closing in around you? Feeling overwhelmed that you can’t catch a break? A good dose of gratitude may be just what you need! Infusing gratitude into your life can boost your immune system, decrease depression, anxiety, even disease and chronic pain and improve your personal relationships as well.

In this episode of An Unexpected Life, Marianne Banister and Executive Wellness Coach Linda Roszak Burton explore some surprisingly scientific and simple ways to imbue the healing power of gratitude into your daily life. It’s a chance to reset your mind, enhance your health, and learn the magic of a Gratitude Cocktail!

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

✅ How to use gratitude as a healing tool

✅ Journaling, visual journaling and gratitude intervention

✅ Dopamine, serotonin and the neuroscience of gratitude

✅ The power and gift of gratitude letters

✅ Ditch the earbuds; the magic of a gratitude walk.

✅ The difference between gratitude and forgiveness

Links

🔶 Healing Through the Power of Gratitude: https://bit.ly/4eqTkWv

🔶 Retrain Your Brain Through Gratitude: https://bit.ly/44eHSse

🔶University of Florida / Gratitude, Body & Soul: https://bit.ly/4ljGF9V

🔶Contact Linda Roszak Burton: linda@accordanthealth.com

Claire Marie Foundation Mission

“ The Claire Marie Foundation provides clarity and hope in the fight against adolescent and young adult melanoma through awareness, education and prevention.

Follow and Connect

🔶 Support the show

🔶 Send us a text

🔶 Send us a text

Support the show

🔶 Send us a text

Support the show

]]> Is the world closing in around you? Feeling overwhelmed that you can’t catch a break? A good dose of gratitude may be just what you need! Infusing gratitude into your life can boost your immune system, decrease depression, anxiety, even disease and chronic pain and improve your personal relationships as well.

In this episode of An Unexpected Life, Marianne Banister and Executive Wellness Coach Linda Roszak Burton explore some surprisingly scientific and simple ways to imbue the healing power of gratitude into your daily life. It’s a chance to reset your mind, enhance your health, and learn the magic of a Gratitude Cocktail!

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

✅ How to use gratitude as a healing tool

✅ Journaling, visual journaling and gratitude intervention

✅ Dopamine, serotonin and the neuroscience of gratitude

✅ The power and gift of gratitude letters

✅ Ditch the earbuds; the magic of a gratitude walk.

✅ The difference between gratitude and forgiveness

Links

🔶 Healing Through the Power of Gratitude: https://bit.ly/4eqTkWv

🔶 Retrain Your Brain Through Gratitude: https://bit.ly/44eHSse

🔶University of Florida / Gratitude, Body & Soul: https://bit.ly/4ljGF9V

🔶Contact Linda Roszak Burton: linda@accordanthealth.com

Claire Marie Foundation Mission

“ The Claire Marie Foundation provides clarity and hope in the fight against adolescent and young adult melanoma through awareness, education and prevention.

Follow and Connect

🔶 Support the show

🔶 Send us a text

🔶 Send us a text

Support the show

🔶 Send us a text

Support the show

]]> The Claire Marie Foundation Buzzsprout-17549517 Wed, 23 Jul 2025 16:00:00 -0400 2061 [nil, nil] 1 8 false The Long Game; Fertility Preservation and Cancer (Guests Megan Scherer & Kara Bendle) The Long Game; Fertility Preservation and Cancer (Guests Megan Scherer & Kara Bendle) When a child, teenager or young adult is diagnosed with cancer, the overwhelming response is to jump into treatment as soon as possible to blast it out of the body. But before diving into treatment, it’s equally important to take a moment, step back and consider the long game; the quality of that young person’s life once the cancer is gone.

In this episode of An Unexpected Life, Marianne Banister dives into the world of Fertility Preservation with two experts who are helping young cancer survivors create families. Thanks to huge advances in medicine, even newborn cancer patients can now preserve their chance to have their own children one day! Our guests are Megan Scherer of Worth the Wait Charity and Kara Bendle of the Cleveland Clinic’s AYA Fertility Preservation Program.

It’s fascinating and vital information for any parent or future parent to know!

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

✅ Fertility Preservation Options

✅ Earliest age available for preservation

✅ How to manage preservation options with cancer treatment options

✅ Funding and financial support options

✅ Alternative pathways to parenthood for cancer survivors

Links

🔶 Preserving Fertility in Children and Teens: https://bit.ly/4nihztS

🔶 Fertility Preservation Program / Cleveland Children’s: https://bit.ly/4kW49SO

🔶 Worth the Wait: https://worththewaitcharity.com/

🔶All Paths Family Support Group: https://allpathsfb.org/support/

Claire Marie Foundation Mission

“ The Claire Marie Foundation provides clarity and hope in the fight against adolescent and young adult melanoma through awareness, education and prevention.

Follow and Connect

🔶 Support the show

🔶 Send us a text

🔶 Send us a text

Support the show

🔶 Send us a text

Support the show

]]> When a child, teenager or young adult is diagnosed with cancer, the overwhelming response is to jump into treatment as soon as possible to blast it out of the body. But before diving into treatment, it’s equally important to take a moment, step back and consider the long game; the quality of that young person’s life once the cancer is gone.

In this episode of An Unexpected Life, Marianne Banister dives into the world of Fertility Preservation with two experts who are helping young cancer survivors create families. Thanks to huge advances in medicine, even newborn cancer patients can now preserve their chance to have their own children one day! Our guests are Megan Scherer of Worth the Wait Charity and Kara Bendle of the Cleveland Clinic’s AYA Fertility Preservation Program.

It’s fascinating and vital information for any parent or future parent to know!

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

✅ Fertility Preservation Options

✅ Earliest age available for preservation

✅ How to manage preservation options with cancer treatment options

✅ Funding and financial support options

✅ Alternative pathways to parenthood for cancer survivors

Links

🔶 Preserving Fertility in Children and Teens: https://bit.ly/4nihztS

🔶 Fertility Preservation Program / Cleveland Children’s: https://bit.ly/4kW49SO

🔶 Worth the Wait: https://worththewaitcharity.com/

🔶All Paths Family Support Group: https://allpathsfb.org/support/

Claire Marie Foundation Mission

“ The Claire Marie Foundation provides clarity and hope in the fight against adolescent and young adult melanoma through awareness, education and prevention.

Follow and Connect

🔶 Support the show

🔶 Send us a text

🔶 Send us a text

Support the show

🔶 Send us a text

Support the show

]]> The Claire Marie Foundation Buzzsprout-17472665 Wed, 09 Jul 2025 16:00:00 -0400 1656 [nil, nil] 1 7 false Listen to THAT Voice; When You Know Best! (Guest Elea Vander Burgh) Listen to THAT Voice; When You Know Best! (Guest Elea Vander Burgh) Here’s a thought that may seem strange; you can disagree with your doctor. Sure, they have the diplomas on the wall and you’re the one in the paper gown, but remember; the doctor works for you!

In this episode of our podcast An Unexpected Life, you’ll meet
melanoma survivor Elea Vander Burgh. As a 17 year old high school student, Elea
stubbornly stood her ground when her dermatologist brushed aside a questionable mole as nothing. Elea demanded it be removed. The result; a melanoma diagnosis that possibly saved her life.

Now a student at Baylor University, Elea shares her inspirational story with
Marianne to illustrate the challenge and power of self advocacy at
any age, the importance of shopping for a good dermatologist, and the
magic of developing a good scar story!

What You’ll Learn in This Episode
✅ Why it’s important to listen to your inner voice.
✅ The value of advocacy and saying no!
✅ The hallmarks of a gold star dermatologist.
✅ The importance of finding a medical “team” post diagnosis.
✅ Sharing your story with friends.

Links
🔶 Screening to Save Your Life! How to Find the Best Dermatologist https://bit.ly/44dYnWO
🔶 The Difference Between Melanoma and Skin Cancer: Awareness That Could Save Your Life. https://bit.ly/45hm6q7
🔶 Education to Save Young Lives / The Basics of AYA Melanoma https://bit.ly/3ZVYqDx

Want to hear more episodes of An Unexpected Life? Find them here: https://clairemariefoundation.org/podcast/

Claire Marie Foundation Mission

“ The Claire Marie Foundation provides clarity and hope in the fight against adolescent and young adult melanoma through awareness, education and prevention.

Follow and Connect

🔶 Support the show

🔶 Send us a text

Support the show

🔶 Send us a text

Support the show

]]> Here’s a thought that may seem strange; you can disagree with your doctor. Sure, they have the diplomas on the wall and you’re the one in the paper gown, but remember; the doctor works for you!

In this episode of our podcast An Unexpected Life, you’ll meet
melanoma survivor Elea Vander Burgh. As a 17 year old high school student, Elea
stubbornly stood her ground when her dermatologist brushed aside a questionable mole as nothing. Elea demanded it be removed. The result; a melanoma diagnosis that possibly saved her life.

Now a student at Baylor University, Elea shares her inspirational story with
Marianne to illustrate the challenge and power of self advocacy at
any age, the importance of shopping for a good dermatologist, and the
magic of developing a good scar story!

What You’ll Learn in This Episode
✅ Why it’s important to listen to your inner voice.
✅ The value of advocacy and saying no!
✅ The hallmarks of a gold star dermatologist.
✅ The importance of finding a medical “team” post diagnosis.
✅ Sharing your story with friends.

Links
🔶 Screening to Save Your Life! How to Find the Best Dermatologist https://bit.ly/44dYnWO
🔶 The Difference Between Melanoma and Skin Cancer: Awareness That Could Save Your Life. https://bit.ly/45hm6q7
🔶 Education to Save Young Lives / The Basics of AYA Melanoma https://bit.ly/3ZVYqDx

Want to hear more episodes of An Unexpected Life? Find them here: https://clairemariefoundation.org/podcast/

Claire Marie Foundation Mission

“ The Claire Marie Foundation provides clarity and hope in the fight against adolescent and young adult melanoma through awareness, education and prevention.

Follow and Connect

🔶 Support the show

🔶 Send us a text

Support the show

🔶 Send us a text

Support the show

]]> The Claire Marie Foundation Buzzsprout-16867172 Thu, 19 Jun 2025 01:00:00 -0400 1959 [nil, nil] 1 6 false My Anxiety Has Anxiety! (Guest April Moran) My Anxiety Has Anxiety! (Guest April Moran) Is your head spinning? Your heart racing? Does life feel out of control?

Join the club! In this chaotic world anxiety is at an all-time high. But don’t lose hope - help is here!

In this episode, Marianne Banister talks with Anxiety Expert and Cognitive Behavioral Therapist April Moran, about how you can add some calm to your life with easy practical tips. Enhance your body and mind connection for your overall health and wellness. It’s especially important for those fighting cancer or other chronic conditions.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

✅ The toxic impact of stress hormones on your body

✅ The link between anxiety and cancer

✅ Easy techniques to calm your mind and body

Links

🔶 Stress and Cancer: bit.ly/4kVuDV3

🔶 Cortisol and Cancer: bit.ly/4kWDeXA

🔶 Anxiety Ruining Your Vibe? https://bit.ly/4j1GvTx

Claire Marie Foundation Mission

“ The Claire Marie Foundation provides clarity and hope in the fight against adolescent and young adult melanoma through awareness, education and prevention.

Follow and Connect

🔶 Support the show

🔶 Send us a text

Support the show

🔶 Send us a text

Support the show

]]> Is your head spinning? Your heart racing? Does life feel out of control?

Join the club! In this chaotic world anxiety is at an all-time high. But don’t lose hope - help is here!

In this episode, Marianne Banister talks with Anxiety Expert and Cognitive Behavioral Therapist April Moran, about how you can add some calm to your life with easy practical tips. Enhance your body and mind connection for your overall health and wellness. It’s especially important for those fighting cancer or other chronic conditions.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

✅ The toxic impact of stress hormones on your body

✅ The link between anxiety and cancer

✅ Easy techniques to calm your mind and body

Links

🔶 Stress and Cancer: bit.ly/4kVuDV3

🔶 Cortisol and Cancer: bit.ly/4kWDeXA

🔶 Anxiety Ruining Your Vibe? https://bit.ly/4j1GvTx

Claire Marie Foundation Mission

“ The Claire Marie Foundation provides clarity and hope in the fight against adolescent and young adult melanoma through awareness, education and prevention.

Follow and Connect

🔶 Support the show

🔶 Send us a text

Support the show

🔶 Send us a text

Support the show

]]> The Claire Marie Foundation Buzzsprout-16867169 Wed, 04 Jun 2025 19:00:00 -0400 1744 [nil, nil] 1 5 false Be Sensationally Sun Safe! (Guest Dr. Marguerite Germain) Be Sensationally Sun Safe! (Guest Dr. Marguerite Germain) SPF, UPF, Heliocare (trademark), dermascopy. What the ??? Sometimes it feels a PhD is needed just to prep for a day in the sun. There are so many myths, truths and little known facts about sun safety coming at us it can be overwhelming. Relax! We’ve got the skinny on your skin!

In this episode of An Unexpected Life, Marianne Banister explores some surprisingly simple ways to be sensationally sun safe this summer - and every day of the year for that matter! Renown dermatologist Dr. Marguerite Germain, M.D. is our guest and she is a wealth of information!

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

✅ The best choices when it comes to sunscreen

✅ Value of UPF 50 clothing and where to find it

✅ Hidden sun risks

✅ Affects of sun, alcohol and your skin

✅ Little known tricks to protect your skin

✅ Why screening is as important as sunscreen

Links

🔶 Why You Need Sun Safe Clothing: https://bit.ly/42qGBP6

🔶 Little Known Tricks to Sun Safety: bit.ly/4cGxQmy

🔶 The Risk of Spray and Aerosol Sunscreens: https://bit.ly/4cmxTEi

🔶 Reef Safe Sunscreen Guide: https://bit.ly/ClaireMarieFoundation

Claire Marie Foundation Mission

“ The Claire Marie Foundation provides clarity and hope in the fight against adolescent and young adult melanoma through awareness, education and prevention.

Follow and Connect

🔶 Support the show

🔶 Send us a text

Support the show

🔶 Send us a text

Support the show

]]> SPF, UPF, Heliocare (trademark), dermascopy. What the ??? Sometimes it feels a PhD is needed just to prep for a day in the sun. There are so many myths, truths and little known facts about sun safety coming at us it can be overwhelming. Relax! We’ve got the skinny on your skin!

In this episode of An Unexpected Life, Marianne Banister explores some surprisingly simple ways to be sensationally sun safe this summer - and every day of the year for that matter! Renown dermatologist Dr. Marguerite Germain, M.D. is our guest and she is a wealth of information!

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

✅ The best choices when it comes to sunscreen

✅ Value of UPF 50 clothing and where to find it

✅ Hidden sun risks

✅ Affects of sun, alcohol and your skin

✅ Little known tricks to protect your skin

✅ Why screening is as important as sunscreen

Links

🔶 Why You Need Sun Safe Clothing: https://bit.ly/42qGBP6

🔶 Little Known Tricks to Sun Safety: bit.ly/4cGxQmy

🔶 The Risk of Spray and Aerosol Sunscreens: https://bit.ly/4cmxTEi

🔶 Reef Safe Sunscreen Guide: https://bit.ly/ClaireMarieFoundation

Claire Marie Foundation Mission

“ The Claire Marie Foundation provides clarity and hope in the fight against adolescent and young adult melanoma through awareness, education and prevention.

Follow and Connect

🔶 Support the show

🔶 Send us a text

Support the show

🔶 Send us a text

Support the show

]]> The Claire Marie Foundation Buzzsprout-16867164 Thu, 15 May 2025 07:00:00 -0400 1758 [nil, nil] 1 4 false Melanoma Never Discriminates (Guest Jacqueline Smith) Melanoma Never Discriminates (Guest Jacqueline Smith) There are a lot of mistaken notions about melanoma out there. Among the deadliest is the idea that people of color cannot develop melanoma and other skin cancers. Nothing is further from the truth.

In this episode, Jacqueline Smith shares her story of surviving stage three melanoma twice – all before the age of 26 - and her transformative journey into an unexpected life. Today, Jacqueline is a D.C. based leader in melanoma patient advocacy as well as a wife and mother. Listen as Jacqueline shares her inspirational story with Marianne Banister, illustrating that melanoma can strike anyone of any age, any gender and any race. Melanoma never discriminates!

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

✅ Why the risk of death from melanoma is higher for people of color

✅ Why you need to see a dermatologist - not a general practitioner for diagnosis

✅ The power of pivoting to new adventures in life

✅ The value of advocating for yourself as a patient

Links

🔶 Melanoma Does Not Discriminate https://bit.ly/3HW90m7

🔶 Jacqueline’s Story; When it Comes to Melanoma - Expect the Unexpected https://bit.ly/3unJtbw

🔶 Melanoma & Skin of Color - Melanoma Research Alliance https://bit.ly/4iGTk5P

Claire Marie Foundation Mission

“ The Claire Marie Foundation provides clarity and hope in the fight against adolescent and young adult melanoma through awareness, education and prevention.

Follow and Connect

🔶 Send us a text

Support the show

🔶 Send us a text

Support the show

]]> There are a lot of mistaken notions about melanoma out there. Among the deadliest is the idea that people of color cannot develop melanoma and other skin cancers. Nothing is further from the truth.

In this episode, Jacqueline Smith shares her story of surviving stage three melanoma twice – all before the age of 26 - and her transformative journey into an unexpected life. Today, Jacqueline is a D.C. based leader in melanoma patient advocacy as well as a wife and mother. Listen as Jacqueline shares her inspirational story with Marianne Banister, illustrating that melanoma can strike anyone of any age, any gender and any race. Melanoma never discriminates!

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

✅ Why the risk of death from melanoma is higher for people of color

✅ Why you need to see a dermatologist - not a general practitioner for diagnosis

✅ The power of pivoting to new adventures in life

✅ The value of advocating for yourself as a patient

Links

🔶 Melanoma Does Not Discriminate https://bit.ly/3HW90m7

🔶 Jacqueline’s Story; When it Comes to Melanoma - Expect the Unexpected https://bit.ly/3unJtbw

🔶 Melanoma & Skin of Color - Melanoma Research Alliance https://bit.ly/4iGTk5P

Claire Marie Foundation Mission

“ The Claire Marie Foundation provides clarity and hope in the fight against adolescent and young adult melanoma through awareness, education and prevention.

Follow and Connect

🔶 Send us a text

Support the show

🔶 Send us a text

Support the show

]]> The Claire Marie Foundation Buzzsprout-16867163 Thu, 01 May 2025 01:00:00 -0400 1617 [nil, nil] 1 3 false She Was Expecting a Baby - Not Melanoma (Guest Jamie Martell) She Was Expecting a Baby - Not Melanoma (Guest Jamie Martell) Pregnancy. It’s one of the most thrilling and stressful times in a couple’s life. So many changes that lie ahead! So many things to worry about for both a healthy baby and mom. But did you know for some women, hormonal changes that bring a new life can also trigger melanoma?

In this powerful conversation, Jamie Martell, a young mom from Maryland, opens up with Marianne Banister about how not one - but two melanoma diagnosis - left her fighting for her life during pregnancy. It’s a story of courage, love and joy which should benefit any expectant mom.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

✅ Why melanoma can develop in pregnancy

✅ The need to get a skin screening during pregnancy

✅ The link between pregnancy and previous melanoma diagnosis

✅ The value of functional health in wellness

✅ The life saving role of medical research

Links

🔶Jamie’s Story: Pregnancy, Hormones and Melanoma https://bit.ly/3yWH505

🔶Melanoma During Pregnancy: What it Means For You and Your Baby https://bit.ly/4kZ1Dvs

🔶 Choosing For You and Baby: The Best Sunscreens for Pregnant Moms https://bit.ly/3FzpstB

Claire Marie Foundation Mission

“ The Claire Marie Foundation provides clarity and hope in the fight against adolescent and young adult melanoma through awareness, education and prevention.

Follow and Connect

🔶 Send us a text

Support the show

🔶 Send us a text

Support the show

]]> Pregnancy. It’s one of the most thrilling and stressful times in a couple’s life. So many changes that lie ahead! So many things to worry about for both a healthy baby and mom. But did you know for some women, hormonal changes that bring a new life can also trigger melanoma?

In this powerful conversation, Jamie Martell, a young mom from Maryland, opens up with Marianne Banister about how not one - but two melanoma diagnosis - left her fighting for her life during pregnancy. It’s a story of courage, love and joy which should benefit any expectant mom.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

✅ Why melanoma can develop in pregnancy

✅ The need to get a skin screening during pregnancy

✅ The link between pregnancy and previous melanoma diagnosis

✅ The value of functional health in wellness

✅ The life saving role of medical research

Links

🔶Jamie’s Story: Pregnancy, Hormones and Melanoma https://bit.ly/3yWH505

🔶Melanoma During Pregnancy: What it Means For You and Your Baby https://bit.ly/4kZ1Dvs

🔶 Choosing For You and Baby: The Best Sunscreens for Pregnant Moms https://bit.ly/3FzpstB

Claire Marie Foundation Mission

“ The Claire Marie Foundation provides clarity and hope in the fight against adolescent and young adult melanoma through awareness, education and prevention.

Follow and Connect

🔶 Send us a text

Support the show

🔶 Send us a text

Support the show

]]> The Claire Marie Foundation Buzzsprout-16867162 Thu, 17 Apr 2025 01:00:00 -0400 1408 [nil, nil] 1 2 false My Friends Got Zits. I Got Melanoma (Guest Dr. Morganna Vance) My Friends Got Zits. I Got Melanoma (Guest Dr. Morganna Vance) In this first episode of An Unexpected Life, host Marianne Banister shares the story of her 14-year-old daughter, Claire’s, diagnosis of adolescent melanoma. It upturned not only Claire’s life, but that of her entire family. Everyone was blindsided by the fact that Claire’s cancer was triggered by hormonal changes rather than the “too much exposure to the sun.”

Listen in to discover why Claire’s diagnosis was not rare, but in fact part of a newly noted epidemic of melanoma in adolescents and young adults. Marianne sits down with renown oncologist Dr. Morganna Freeman Vance, to share how melanoma in young people is often overlooked, ignored and, most importantly how best you can protect those you love.

Its invaluable information for parents, grandparents and anyone 13 to 30 who want to live their best life in a sun safe way!

What You’ll Learn in this Episode

✅ Melanoma is the second most common cancer in adolescents and the most common cancer in young adults under 30,

✅ Melanoma can be triggered in young people by genetics and hormonal changes in puberty, pregnancy, including hypothyroidism.

✅ Why melanoma is different in young people than older adults.

✅ The importance of skin screenings and sun safe behavior for young people.

✅ Melanoma vaccines on the horizon.

Links:

🔶Don’t Get Blindsided! Your Thyroid and Melanoma. https://bit.ly/46MWVcS

🔶More Evidence of Why Melanoma Is of Special Risk to Young People https://bit.ly/3kJLP5m

🔶Claire’s Story / Children’s Cancer Foundation https://bit.ly/3FOdOrI

🔶Education to Save Young Lives; Basics of AYA Melanoma https://bit.ly/3ZVYqDx

Claire Marie Foundation Mission

“The Claire Marie Foundation provides clarity and hope in the fight against adolescent and young adult melanoma through awareness, education and prevention.”

Follow and Connect

🔶 www.clairemariefoundation.org

🔶 Instagram.com/clairemariefoundation

🔶 Facebook.com/ClaireMarieFoundation

🔶 Donate to our foundation

🔶 Send us a text

Support the show

🔶 Send us a text

Support the show

]]> In this first episode of An Unexpected Life, host Marianne Banister shares the story of her 14-year-old daughter, Claire’s, diagnosis of adolescent melanoma. It upturned not only Claire’s life, but that of her entire family. Everyone was blindsided by the fact that Claire’s cancer was triggered by hormonal changes rather than the “too much exposure to the sun.”

Listen in to discover why Claire’s diagnosis was not rare, but in fact part of a newly noted epidemic of melanoma in adolescents and young adults. Marianne sits down with renown oncologist Dr. Morganna Freeman Vance, to share how melanoma in young people is often overlooked, ignored and, most importantly how best you can protect those you love.

Its invaluable information for parents, grandparents and anyone 13 to 30 who want to live their best life in a sun safe way!

What You’ll Learn in this Episode

✅ Melanoma is the second most common cancer in adolescents and the most common cancer in young adults under 30,

✅ Melanoma can be triggered in young people by genetics and hormonal changes in puberty, pregnancy, including hypothyroidism.

✅ Why melanoma is different in young people than older adults.

✅ The importance of skin screenings and sun safe behavior for young people.

✅ Melanoma vaccines on the horizon.

Links:

🔶Don’t Get Blindsided! Your Thyroid and Melanoma. https://bit.ly/46MWVcS

🔶More Evidence of Why Melanoma Is of Special Risk to Young People https://bit.ly/3kJLP5m

🔶Claire’s Story / Children’s Cancer Foundation https://bit.ly/3FOdOrI

🔶Education to Save Young Lives; Basics of AYA Melanoma https://bit.ly/3ZVYqDx

Claire Marie Foundation Mission

“The Claire Marie Foundation provides clarity and hope in the fight against adolescent and young adult melanoma through awareness, education and prevention.”

Follow and Connect

🔶 www.clairemariefoundation.org

🔶 Instagram.com/clairemariefoundation

🔶 Facebook.com/ClaireMarieFoundation

🔶 Donate to our foundation

🔶 Send us a text

Support the show

🔶 Send us a text

Support the show

]]> The Claire Marie Foundation Buzzsprout-16866376 Wed, 26 Mar 2025 16:00:00 -0400 2245 [nil, nil] 1 1 false