Season 5 Episode 7: Ostomy, Advocacy & Redefining Life After Vulvar Cancer

In this powerful episode of the GOSH Podcast🌟🎙, host Carly sits down with Samantha—recurrent cervical cancer survivor, double ostomate, and fierce advocate for women’s health. From navigating life after multiple surgeries to building a platform that empowers others through storytelling, Samantha shares her unfiltered journey with honesty, humor, and heart. Tune in to hear how she’s turning survivorship into activism, breaking stigma around ostomies, and reminding us all that cancer doesn’t define us—resilience does. 🩵🤍Resources:Samantha's Instagram: @gosamgrowCarly's Instagram Ostomate and the City: @ostomate_and_the_cityFor more information on the Gynecologic Cancer Initiative, please visit https://gynecancerinitiative.ca/ or email us at [email protected] Where to learn more about us: Twitter – @GCI_Cluster Instagram – @gynecancerinitiative Facebook – facebook.com/gynecancerinitiativeTikTok – @gci_gosh

In this episode of the GOSH Podcast, host Carly returns to speak with Ashley Greer, a resilient cervical cancer survivor and passionate advocate. Diagnosed in late 2023, Ashley shares her powerful story of navigating treatment—including chemotherapy, radiation, and multiple surgeries—and how she found strength and purpose through it all. Now cancer-free, Ashley is on a mission to raise awareness about early detection and inspire others with her experience of life after cancer. Tune in for an honest, moving, and empowering conversation. Resources:Ashley's Instagram: @ashleys.pathCarly's Instagram: @ostomate_and_the_cityFor more information on the Gynecologic Cancer Initiative, please visit https://gynecancerinitiative.ca/ or email us at [email protected] Where to learn more about us: Twitter – @GCI_Cluster Instagram – @gynecancerinitiative Facebook – facebook.com/gynecancerinitiativeTikTok – @gci_gosh

In this episode of the GOSH Podcast, we continue our rare cancer series with Carly Allen, a passionate advocate and survivor. 🌟🎙 After a  misdiagnosis, stage 3 vulvar cancer, and a recurrence, Carly underwent life-changing surgery—including an ostomy—that ultimately removed the cancer for good. Now, eight years cancer-free, she shares her journey of resilience, self-love, and advocacy for gynecologic cancer and ostomy awareness. Tune in to hear her powerful story and how she’s redefining survivorship.Resources:Carly's Beyond the Stories Episode: https://youtu.be/mfB4u5LWaAE?si=GZikUJNgnsyplFYHCarly's Instagram Ostomate and the City: @ostomate_and_the_city For more information on the Gynecologic Cancer Initiative, please visit https://gynecancerinitiative.ca/ or email us at [email protected] Where to learn more about us: Twitter – @GCI_Cluster Instagram – @gynecancerinitiative Facebook – facebook.com/gynecancerinitiativeTikTok – @gci_gosh

In this episode of the GOSH Podcast, host Sabine continues our rare cancer series with an esteemed guest, Dr. David Huntsman. 🌟🎙 Dr. Huntsman is a renowned pathologist and clinical molecular geneticist at UBC, as well as the Canada Research Chair in Molecular and Genomic Pathology. As the director of OVCARE, BC’s leading ovarian cancer research team, his groundbreaking work has helped shape the future of ovarian cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Join us as Dr. Huntsman shares his insights on clear cell ovarian cancer, the latest advancements in ovarian cancer research, and the role of the GCI. Don’t miss this expert discussion on the science driving new discoveries in cancer care! Resources:Huntsman Lab - https://www.bccrc.ca/dept/mo/labs/huntsman-lab Donate to the Nancy McKinstry Endowment Fund for Ovarian Cancer at https://donate.bccancerfoundation.com/site/TR?px=2927503&fr_id=4394&pg=personal&s_src=LNY20For more information on the Gynecologic Cancer Initiative, please visit https://gynecancerinitiative.ca/ or email us at [email protected] Where to learn more about us: Twitter – @GCI_Cluster Instagram – @gynecancerinitiative Facebook – facebook.com/gynecancerinitiativeTikTok – @gci_gosh

In this episode of the GOSH Podcast, we kick off our rare cancer series with the inspiring Nancy McKinstry. In 2005, Nancy was diagnosed with clear cell ovarian cancer. Since then, she has embraced her “second life” by championing ovarian cancer research, helping secure $100 million in funding and creating initiatives like the Nancy McKinstry Trainee Excellence Award. Despite a recent recurrence, Nancy continues to make a lasting impact, growing an ovarian cancer research endowment now exceeding $934,000. Her story is one of resilience, generosity, and unwavering commitment to the future of women’s health. Join us as we discuss her journey, the lessons she’s learned, and the legacy she’s building for generations to come. Resources:Donate to the Nancy McKinstry Endowment Fund for Ovarian Cancer at https://donate.bccancerfoundation.com/site/TR?px=2927503&fr_id=4394&pg=personal&s_src=LNY20 For more information on the Gynecologic Cancer Initiative, please visit https://gynecancerinitiative.ca/ or email us at [email protected] Where to learn more about us: Twitter – @GCI_Cluster Instagram – @gynecancerinitiative Facebook – facebook.com/gynecancerinitiativeTikTok – @gci_gosh

On this episode of the GOSH Podcast, we are joined by Golda Arthur, award-winning host of the Overlooked podcast, and her mum Teresa Arthur, whose ovarian cancer journey inspired it all. After Teresa’s diagnosis, the audio diaries she recorded became the foundation for Overlooked, a powerful podcast spotlighting women’s health issues. Golda’s 20-year career as a journalist has taken her from working at CBC and BBC to creating acclaimed shows like Land of the Giants, Today, Explained, and Overlooked. Meanwhile, Teresa has become an advocate in the cancer research community, combining her love of science with her experience as a survivor. Tune in as we explore Teresa’s courageous story and Golda’s mission to amplify women’s voices through storytelling. 🌟🎙 Resources: Overlooked  - https://overlookedpod.com/  For more information on the Gynecologic Cancer Initiative, please visit https://gynecancerinitiative.ca/ or email us at [email protected] Where to learn more about us: Twitter – @GCI_Cluster Instagram – @gynecancerinitiative Facebook – facebook.com/gynecancerinitiativeTikTok – @gci_gosh

Join us for a powerful and inspiring conversation with Dr. Marie-Lyne Alcaraz, a dedicated program manager, and Fiona Barvé, a patient partner at Cancer Research UK Cambridge Centre. Together, they share a firsthand look into how groundbreaking cancer research and personal resilience intertwine. In this episode, Fiona opens up about her journey, detailing how the Patient Partner Involvement (PPI) group became a vital support during her treatment and transformed her experience. Dr. Alcaraz provides insight into how patient perspectives are shaping the future of cancer care, highlighting the immense value of patient voices in research.Tune in to hear how partnerships like these are paving the way for more compassionate, innovative, and effective cancer treatment. 🌟🎙Resources:Cancer Research UK Cambridge Centre - https://www.cruk.cam.ac.uk/To inquire about joining the PPI group, please email [email protected] more information on the Gynecologic Cancer Initiative, please visit https://gynecancerinitiative.ca/ or email us at [email protected] Where to learn more about us: Twitter – @GCI_Cluster Instagram – @gynecancerinitiative Facebook – facebook.com/gynecancerinitiativeTikTok – @gci_gosh

In this episode, we continue exploring the impactful experiences of the seed2STEM program students. seed2STEM program offers paid internships that offer Indigenous youth hands-on opportunities in scientific research. We hear from Maddy, Alyssa and Madi as they share their journeys working in gynecologic cancer research labs. Whether you're interested in science or looking for inspiration, this episode highlights the power of opportunity and growth through mentorship and education. Shana George (the interviewer) - student at Huntsman lab Maddy Testa - student at Huntsman lab Alyssa Campbell - student at Brotto lab Madi Perreault - student at ________lab Resources:seed2STEM program website - https://icord.org/seed2STEM/ _For more information on the Gynecologic Cancer Initiative, please visit https://gynecancerinitiative.ca/ or email us at [email protected]   Where to learn more about us:  Twitter – @GCI_Cluster Instagram – @gynecancerinitiative Facebook – facebook.com/gynecancerinitiativeFor more information on the Gynecologic Cancer Initiative, please visit https://gynecancerinitiative.ca/ or email us at [email protected] Where to learn more about us: Twitter – @GCI_Cluster Instagram – @gynecancerinitiative Facebook – facebook.com/gynecancerinitiativeTikTok – @gci_gosh

Welcome to the first episode of Season 5! We kick off the new season by exploring the experiences of students from the seed2STEM program, the Summer Research Program for Indigenous Youth. It offers paid internships that offer Indigenous youth hands-on opportunities in scientific research. We hear from Shana, Caty and Catalina as they share their journeys working in gynecologic cancer research labs. Whether you're interested in science or looking for inspiration, this episode highlights the power of opportunity and growth through mentorship and education. Shana George - student at Huntsman lab Caty Janze - student at Hanley lab Catalina Claxton - student at Hanley lab Resources:seed2STEM program website -  https://icord.org/seed2STEM/ _For more information on the Gynecologic Cancer Initiative, please visit https://gynecancerinitiative.ca/ or email us at [email protected]   Where to learn more about us:  Twitter – @GCI_Cluster Instagram – @gynecancerinitiative Facebook – facebook.com/gynecancerinitiativeFor more information on the Gynecologic Cancer Initiative, please visit https://gynecancerinitiative.ca/ or email us at [email protected] Where to learn more about us: Twitter – @GCI_Cluster Instagram – @gynecancerinitiative Facebook – facebook.com/gynecancerinitiativeTikTok – @gci_gosh

🚀 A New Chapter Begins! Our newest episode is live! Join the conversation as we celebrate the past and look forward to the future with our new co-host, Anita Wright. As Stephanie will transition into her new role as a Knowledge Exchange Leader for Mental Health and Substance Use at Fraser Health, She'll be moving on from the GOSH podcast.  We want to extend our deepest gratitude to Stephanie for her incredible dedication, passion, and contributions to the podcast. Today, we want to take a moment to reflect on the journey of the GOSH podcast. We'll discuss some of the significant milestones we've reached and the impactful stories our guests have shared. Anita Wright is a 76-year-old cake artist from New Westminster. With more than 600 thousand followers on TikTok, Anita, known as 'TikTok Nana,' has captured hearts with her mesmerizing "acrylic piping art." Once a marketing manager, she found her artistry after retiring and starting her own event business in Toronto. Upon moving to Vancouver in 2017, she ventured into baking custom cakes and shared her creations online. In 2022, Anita received a stage four ovarian cancer diagnosis. She openly communicated this diagnosis to her followers and now uses her platform to document her ovarian cancer journey, aiming to increase awareness about this type of cancer. Mentioned Episodes:Season 2 Episode 7: A Chinese Perspective – Hereditary Cancers, Genetic Testing and Language Accessibility (一個華人對癌症遺傳基因檢測的體驗)Episode 8: On Cancer Survivorship, Sexual Health and MindfulnessSeason 2 Episode 8: A New Gynecologic Cancer Survivorship Clinic in BC---For more information on the Gynecologic Cancer Initiative, please visit https://gynecancerinitiative.ca/ or email us at [email protected] Where to learn more about us: Twitter – @GCI_ClusterInstagram – @gynecancerinitiativeFacebook – facebook.com/gynecancerinitiativeFor more information on the Gynecologic Cancer Initiative, please visit https://gynecancerinitiative.ca/ or email us at [email protected] Where to learn more about us: Twitter – @GCI_Cluster Instagram – @gynecancerinitiative Facebook – facebook.com/gynecancerinitiativeTikTok – @gci_gosh