Life On Pause is a podcast for and by young adults living with cancer. Each month, young adult cancer patients from Penn State Health share honestly about their cancer diagnosis, treatment and life afterwards. As cancer causes the group to reflect on issues both large and small, surprisingly relatable stories and themes emerge. From relationships to body functions, nothing is off the table.
Recent Episodes
July 22, 2025
Healing Through Hoofbeats: Paige’s Story of Strength and Therapeutic Horsemanship
Paige, a 15-year-old from Pennsylvania, was diagnosed with Burkitt’s leukemia at stage 3. After spending seven months in the hospital undergoing intensive treatment, she found herself withdrawn and unsure—until she met a hors...
July 1, 2025
Cancer Camp Changed My Life: AYA Survivors Share the Power of Connection
Emma, Lucas, Ariana, and Casey open up about what it’s really like to attend a cancer camp as a young adult. From fears about fitting in to late-night laughs and life-changing conversations, they share the moments that made t...
June 10, 2025
Mason’s Mission: Fighting Cancer Across Continents
Mason, a 21-year-old from Iran, shares his remarkable story of fighting neuroblastoma for more than a decade. Diagnosed at age 7, Mason has faced multiple relapses, treatment resistance, and devastating setbacks—including the...
May 30, 2025
Drawing Through the Darkness: Maya’s Story of Art & Healing
Maya , a young cancer patient and gifted artist, shares how drawing became her outlet during treatment for acute myeloid leukemia. Inspired by animator Vivienne Medrano, Maya dove into digital art to escape the fear and isola...
May 9, 2025
“I Thought I Was Dying” – Maya on Cancer, Panic Attacks, and Finding Hope
Maya, a 15-year-old high school student, shares the deeply personal story of how her childhood fear of getting cancer became real. Diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), she takes us through the moment she first felt sy...
May 6, 2025
Preserving Parenthood: Fertility Options for Young Cancer Patients
In this episode of Life on Pause , we explore a critical—but often overlooked—aspect of cancer care: fertility preservation. Joined by Dr. Mindy Christianson, a national expert in reproductive endocrinology from the Cleveland...
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