Hope Forward, a podcast by Rexanna’s Foundation, features real patient stories, expert medical conversations, educational insights, and research updates — bringing together patients, physicians, and advocates united in the fight against lung cancer. Each episode explores real experiences, emerging research, and the work happening every day to shape the future of care.
Join us as we learn, connect, and take action to move Hope Forward.
How to Stay Positive When You Have Cancer (Without Faking It)
#013 Staying positive with cancer doesn’t mean smiling when you’re scared. Host Lisa Spain talks with Anna Jane Daniel, who has been through cancer twice, about the difference between choosing hope, and feeling pressured to be positive. Anna Jane shares what helped on her hardest days: an egg timer for letting yourself be angry or sad, laminated questions in her shower, and a pocket affirmation book made by a friend. They also talk about answering well-meaning comments, asking questions and ...
30 Sept 2026
Lung Cancer Symptoms Under 50: What Doctors Miss | Dr. Eric Singhi
#012 Dr. Eric Singhi, thoracic oncologist, joins host Lisa Spain to discuss Young Onset Lung Cancer in adults under 50 — a group that doesn't qualify for standard screening and is too often diagnosed late. They cover biomarker testing and liquid biopsies, warning signs that get overlooked, and the unique challenges young patients face: talking to kids about a diagnosis, fertility preservation, and navigating career and family in the middle of treatment. Dr. Singhi also talks about practical a...
16 Sept 2026
We Know It Works — Now It's About Access | Dr. Alex Reuben
#011 Dr. Alex Reuben, an immunologist with experience studying cancer's relationship with the immune system, joins Lisa Sain to explain how the immune system recognizes cancer, why immunotherapy doesn't work for every patient, and where engineered cell therapy is headed next. He also shares how philanthropic funding — including support from Rexanna's Foundation — has helped accelerate early-stage research that traditional funding often can't reach. Houston Lone Star Huddle - Sept. 19, 2026 ht...
26 Aug 2026
She Was Told to Get Her Affairs in Order — Then She Started a Movement
#010 In this episode of the Hope Forward Podcast, host Lisa Spain sits down with Heidi Onda, founder of the White Ribbon Project, to talk about her stage 3A terminal lung cancer diagnosis — and how she turned fear, stigma, and a simple white ribbon into an international symbol of hope. Heidi shares what it was like to hear the words "get your affairs in order," the second opinion that changed everything, and how her story has grown into a movement inspiring communities around the world to ret...
12 Aug 2026
10 Most Important Things Every Cancer Patient Should Know
#009 Lisa Spain shares the 10 most important things every cancer patient should know — lessons shaped by 20 years of walking alongside patients and families since losing her friend Rexanna to lung cancer. From asking for a second opinion to accepting help, grieving what's changed, and finding hope in uncertainty, this episode offers honest, hard-earned guidance for anyone facing a diagnosis. 📒 Show Notes & Resources 📒 Contact Rexanna’s Foundation https://rexannasfoundation.org/contact/ ...
29 Jul 2026
Dr. Jay Zhang on AI, Genomics & Prevention in Lung Cancer
#008 Dr. Jay Zhang, a thoracic oncologist and a professor of genomic medicine, joins Lisa Spain to talk about genomics, AI, and the future of lung cancer prevention. Dr. Zhang explains how tumor genetics guide treatment decisions, shares insights from his brain metastases research, and discusses how AI-powered "digital twins" are helping predict patient outcomes. He also breaks down promising mRNA vaccine research aimed at preventing lung cancer before it becomes invasive — work he calls one...
8 Jul 2026
What Do You Say When Someone You Love Has Cancer?
#007 A cancer diagnosis affects more than the patient—it impacts everyone who loves them. But when someone you care about has cancer, what do you say? What do you do? And how can you truly help? In this episode of the Hope Forward Podcast, Lisa Spain shares lessons learned from 20 years of supporting cancer patients and their families. She offers practical guidance for caregivers, family members, and friends on how to provide genuine emotional support, communicate with compassion, and be pre...
24 Jun 2026
I Never Thought I Could Get Lung Cancer | Samantha's Story
#006 Samantha did everything right -- regular screenings, healthy lifestyle, and a non-smoker. Then she was diagnosed with lung cancer. In this conversation, Samantha opens up about the misconceptions surrounding lung cancer, why biomarker testing is important, the power of second opinions, and how community has carried her through the hardest moments. 📒 Show Notes & Resources 📒 Contact Rexanna’s Foundation https://rexannasfoundation.org/contact/ Follow Rexanna’s Foundation https://i...
10 Jun 2026
Dr. Don Gibbons on Lung Cancer Breakthroughs: KRAS, Immunotherapy, and Patient Advocacy
#005 In this episode of the Hope Forward Podcast, Lisa Spain sits down with Dr. Don Gibbons to discuss the latest breakthroughs in lung cancer research, including KRAS-targeted therapies, immunotherapy, brain metastases, and the critical role of patient advocacy. A powerful conversation filled with hope, insight, and the future of cancer treatment. 📒 Show Notes & Resources 📒 Register for the Houston Lone Star Huddle Up 2026 https://e.givesmart.com/events/N43/ Contact Rexanna’s Foundation ...
26 May 2026
You Have Cancer—Now What? Finding Your Voice After Diagnosis
#004 A cancer diagnosis can leave patients and caregivers feeling overwhelmed, unheard, and unsure of what comes next. In this episode of Hope Forward, Lisa Spain shares practical ways to advocate for yourself, ask better questions, stay organized, and build a care team that truly supports you. From navigating second opinions to protecting your mental health and inner circle, this conversation is about helping you find your voice and move forward with clarity, confidence, and hope. 📒 Show Not...
22 Apr 2026
More Than a Golf Tournament: How We Raised $83,000 for Lung Cancer Research
#003 In this episode, Lisa Spain and Lindsey Vaughn recap the first ever Carr & Jacobi Classic golf tournament—sharing key moments, the impact behind the event, and how it raised over $83,000 for lung cancer research. A powerful look at community, purpose, and making a difference. 📒 Show Notes & Resources 📒 ⛳️ Want information about next year’s golf tournament? Use the contact link below and add the word “Golf” in the comments section. Contact Rexanna’s Foundation https://rexannasf...
29 Mar 2026
The Truth About Cancer Survival Rates (It’s Not What You Think)
#002 Cancer death rates are declining—and that’s not by accident. In this episode of Hope Forward, Lisa Spain, Executive Director of Rexanna’s Foundation, breaks down the truth about cancer survival rates—and why the data is more hopeful than most people realize. Over the past three decades, cancer death rates have dropped significantly. You’ll learn how research, early detection, precision medicine, and clinical trials are driving real progress, leading to longer survival and better qualit...
23 Mar 2026
This Is Why We Had to Create This
#001 A cancer diagnosis can leave you feeling overwhelmed, uncertain, and searching for answers. This episode introduces Hope Forward, a podcast from Rexanna's Foundation created to provide clear information, real conversations, and meaningful support for patients, caregivers, and families. Learn why this podcast exists and how it's designed to help you move forward with confidence, connection, and hope. 📒 Show Notes and Resources 📒 ✅ Contact Rexanna's Foundation https://rexannasfoundation...
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Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
3 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
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