In this episode of the Believe in Progress Podcast, host Mitch Stoller, Chief Philanthropic Officer at the AACR, sits down with Kristen Dahlgren, a former NBC journalist, breast cancer survivor, and dedicated advocate for cancer research. Kristen is now at the forefront of the Cancer Vaccine Coalition, working tirelessly to advance the development of a breast cancer vaccine. Her journey from telling powerful stories at NBC's Today Show and Nightly News to becoming a leader in cancer advocacy is nothing short of inspiring.

Kristen shares her personal story of being diagnosed with breast cancer, the challenges she faced during treatment, and how this life-changing experience transformed her into a passionate advocate for cancer prevention. She discusses the mission and goals of the Cancer Vaccine Coalition and the innovative strategies they are using to accelerate a potential vaccine. Kristen highlights the importance of collaboration and community support in driving this effort forward and offers insights into the future vision for the coalition and how listeners can get involved.

Guest Bios and Links:

Kristen Dahlgren is a cancer survivor, former NBC journalist, and the driving force behind the Cancer Vaccine Coalition. Her advocacy focuses on accelerating research and development of a breast cancer vaccine and supporting cancer survivors through innovation and awareness.

- Learn more about Kristen’s work and the Cancer Vaccine Coalition: CancerVaccineCoalition.org

- Follow Kristen on Twitter: @KristenDahlgren

Episode Highlights:

- Kristen’s Personal Journey: Kristen discusses her diagnosis of breast cancer and how she navigated the challenges of treatment. Her transition from a journalist to an advocate for a breast cancer vaccine is rooted in her desire to drive change and support others facing similar battles.

- The Mission of the Cancer Vaccine Coalition: Kristen outlines the coalition’s primary goals, which include accelerating research, supporting scientific advancements, and fostering collaborations with leading organizations like the AACR.

- Challenges and Triumphs: Kristen shares the obstacles faced in the development of a breast cancer vaccine and the significant milestones achieved by the coalition thus far.

- Community Engagement and Future Directions: Kristen emphasizes the importance of engaging survivors, caregivers, and the broader community in supporting the coalition’s mission. She discusses her vision for the future of the coalition and how listeners can contribute to making the breast cancer vaccine a reality.

To Our Listeners:

Your engagement and support are vital in the fight against cancer. Please consider subscribing to our podcast, sharing this episode, and visiting AACR.org to learn how you can contribute to lifesaving cancer research. Every action counts in our collective effort to make a difference.

Thank you for listening to the Believe in Progress Podcast. Stories like Kristen’s remind us that progress isn’t just about scientific advances; it’s about the people and lives they touch. 

Subscribe for more episodes:

For more inspiring stories and to stay updated on the latest cancer research, subscribe to our podcast and join us as we celebrate the power of progress and the individuals making it happen.

Support cancer research today:

Every donation helps. Visit https://www.aacr.org to learn more and contribute to groundbreaking research by donating at AACR.org/Donate. Let's continue to work towards a world free from cancer.

Cancer Research Saves Lives®

Check out more episodes of Believe in Progress at AACR.org/BelieveInProgress. Listen and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

This episode is produced by CollegeCast LLC.