Today on Beating Cancer Daily, Saranne is joined by Kristen Dahlgren, a former NBC and Today show correspondent and leader of the Cancer Vaccine Coalition. Kristen shares her personal and professional journey amidst a challenging battle with Stage IV cancer, discussing her struggles with "chemo brain" and her inspiring role leading the Cancer Vaccine Coalition. From recording under pillows in a Virginia hotel room to recounting recent events like meeting Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, Kristen’s story is one of resilience and hope. Together, Saranne and Kristen shed light on the cognitive effects of chemotherapy, the humor found in adversity, and exciting advancements in cancer vaccine research.

Kristen Dahlgren is a former correspondent for NBC and Today who now devotes her time to advocating for cancer survivors. She leads the Cancer Vaccine Coalition, which focuses on cancer vaccine research and fundraising. Apart from her advocacy work, Kristen is deeply involved in her family’s well-being, balancing multiple responsibilities while leveraging her media expertise to bring attention to critical cancer-related issues.

"It’s crucial to validate each other’s experiences, especially when it comes to something as real and challenging as chemo brain." – Kristen Dahlgren

Today on Beating Cancer Daily:

·     Kristen Dahlgren recounts missing her flight from New York and the forgetfulness linked to chemo brain.

·     "Chemo brain" is now acknowledged as a real, research-supported condition rather than being dismissed as a myth.

·     Sharing personal stories and using humor can help cope with the symptoms of chemo brain.

·     MRI scans may sometimes detect changes related to chemo-brain, showing patterns linked to certain chemotherapeutic agents.

·     Practical solutions like brain exercises, writing things down, and stress relief techniques can manage cognitive impairments.

·     Kristen highlights the launch of the "Give Us a Shot" campaign for breast cancer awareness month.

·     Dietary advice focused on brain health includes avoiding processed foods and following the brain-gut connection discussed by Jacqui Bryan in past episodes.

·     Kristen’s current efforts at the Cancer Vaccine Coalition aim to expedite the availability of cancer vaccines, particularly for breast cancer.

Resources Mentioned:

ComedyCures Foundation 31-Day Tumor Humor Challenge

https://www.comedycures.org/tumor-humor

Guest Contact Information:

Kristen Dahlgren

thecancervaccinecoalition.org

The #1 Rated Cancer Survivor Podcast by FeedSpot and Ranked the Top 5 Best Cancer Podcast by CancerCare News, Beating Cancer Daily is listened to in more than 91 countries on six continents and has over 300 original daily episodes hosted by stage IV survivor Saranne Rothberg!  

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Have a blessed day! Saranne