Go the Extra Mile Podcast

This episode is a departure from our typical conversations, and features Joey Ann Fowkes, an Estate & Gift Planning professional and cancer survivor who spent more than 12 years at the American Cancer Society. Joey Ann talks about the importance of having a will and how to think creatively about legacy giving. Connect with an ACS Estate & Gift Planning Director to learn more, here: https://www.cancer.org/donate/planned-giving/estate-gift-planning-directors.html, or utilize ACS partner "Giving Docs" to get started on your will.

DetermiNation athlete Becky Chanoux brings a unique and scientific perspective to the podcast. Becky not only works to end cancer as we know it for everyone in her personal life as a volunteer and fundraiser for the American Cancer Society, Becky is also a PhD in cancer biology, who has worked in research labs and as a medical writer and strategist, translating the most high level science into language the lay person can understand and apply. Becky also noticed a family history of cancer that raised red flags for her. She shares a bit with us about her Lynch Syndrome diagnosis, which is a relatively common but lesser known condition that puts her at a higher risk of cancer, and what knowing about Lynch Syndrome means for her, and the small things she does each day to stack the odds in her favor.

This episode is so much fun to kick off summer because it'll indulge your wanderlust and inspire you to dream big. Allen Schatz had already been running for five years when, at a Philadelphia Marathon Expo, he found out about Marathon Tours and the idea to run a half marathon on every continent was born. Allen takes a really easy going approach to running and has a few stories and adventures up his sleeve to share, too. In this conversation, hear how Allen found DetermiNation, why running and fundraising is "the least he can do," and where running has taken him since 2013, both literally and figuratively. You can follow his adventures and buy his book at www.allenschatz.com.

Hear from super-volunteer and Philadelphia Bike-A-Thon devotee Meghan McCormack about how she brings her talent to the American Cancer Society in sweat-equity and passion. Learn Meghan's tips for getting involved with cycling in an approachable, affordable way, and how volunteering for the American Cancer Society -- both locally and nationally -- has changed her life for the better. In this conversation we talk impact and the mantra: if you can, you must. Meghan encourages everyone to ride Bike-a-Thon, by signing up at acsbike.org.

In this conversation you’ll meet the resilient and joyful Krissie Pannullo. We’ll talk about meeting her husband Dan, his devastating cancer diagnosis, and his tragic passing that made Krissie a widow at just 35 years old. It’s heavy stuff, but here’s the thing: this is a woman who, facing impossible circumstances, has embraced life and pursued creativity alongside her grief, and can say today, she is happy. This is our first "Endurance Series" episode, so it's longer than the others, and focuses more on Krissie's experience than the specifics of her DetermiNation participation. That said, we think you'll find yourself inspired, and encourage you to also follow along at @krissiegrams, or by joining Krissie for a run with the Phoenixville Beer Runners.

Join us for a conversation with Richard Anderson, a group fitness instructor and athlete who’s charisma and sense of humor is magnetic. Richard is on a quest to run each of the six World Marathon Majors in memory of his mother who passed from cancer five years ago. Between memories that will make you laugh and cry, Richard shares advice he's learned on his six-star journey, and how to successfully fundraise for the ACS mission season after season. Follow Richard on Instagram @ripeanderson or check out any number of classes he teaches at Life Time Princeton, New Jersey or support his fundraising at www.acsdetermination.org/broadstreet.

Today we welcome Jenn Kaliser, a RunDisney athlete who has raised $40,000 for ACS in memory of her late grandfather and carrying on a family legacy of fundraising for cancer causes. Jenn shares some outstanding advice about how to tell your story, matching gifts, and setting and crushing goals -- both training and fundraising! She utilizes the run-walk-run method, a strategy that, instead of slowing her down, has lead her to PRs at every distance this year, and one you should really consider, especially if you're new, returning from injury, or looking for a gentler style for your body. Find Jenn on Instagram @frankieandlilysmom or Facebook at Jenn Kaliser, or support her fundraising at www.main.acsevents.org/goto/jkaliser.

In this episode, we talk community with longtime participant and top fundraiser, Leslie Giotti. In a very transitional stage of life, Leslie knew she needed community and accountability to achieve her health and fitness goals. 9 years later, the Drexel Hill Runs community boasts nearly 500 members, and Leslie has welcomed countless friends and neighbors to participate with DetermiNation through the club. Hear about the friendship that inspired her participation with ACS and how she honors loved ones and strangers alike, each time she hits the road. Friend Leslie on Facebook: Leslie Pavese Giotti; Join Drexel Hill Runs on Facebook; Support Leslie's Fundraising: www.acsdetermination.org/broadstreet

Learn more about the Go The Extra Mile podcast before jumping into our first conversation.

In this episode, James Waddington kicks things off, sharing his why, and talking through how he went from “I’ll do this once,” to running three races in a year for DNation. From joining to honor his late father and an aunt recently diagnosed, to sharing openly about his own cancer diagnosis and making it a personal goal to speak to one group a month to spread the word about the importance of cancer screening. James is a man who makes time to train after long days teaching 8th grade social studies in Camden, NJ, and spending time with his family, hitting the streets of his Pennsylvania neighborhood late at night to get a run in. He’s a community leader in his school, neighborhood, and church, and we are so proud to call him an ambassador for the American Cancer Society and our DetermiNation program. Follow James on Facebook: James B. Waddington James ForA Cause on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/Em2n22YHVXF Support James' Fundraising: www.acsdetermination.org/broadstreet