Believe in Progress: an AACR Foundation Podcast

Believe in Progress: an AACR Foundation Podcast


040: Shining Brightly Against Cancer - Howard Brown’s Next Chapter

February 05, 2025

Howard Brown is living proof that resilience is more than a mindset—it’s a survival strategy. As a two-time stage IV cancer survivor, tech entrepreneur, author, and fierce advocate for research, Howard has spent decades turning adversity into action. But today, he faces his toughest battle yet.


Since we last spoke with Howard (on Episode 003 of Believe in Progress), he has endured an intense chemotherapy regimen, 38 blood and platelet transfusions, and the grueling road to a stem cell transplant. Yet through it all, his determination remains unshaken.


If you’re looking for inspiration, resilience, and a reminder of the power of human determination, this episode is for you. Howard Brown isn’t just a two-time stage IV cancer survivor—he’s an advocate, a successful entrepreneur, and a relentless optimist who has turned his battle with cancer into a mission to help others. But now Howard needs your help. Howard’s journey is one of perseverance, grit, and the unwavering belief that beating cancer is a team sport. Since our original conversation, Howard has faced new challenges, including an intense chemotherapy regimen and 38 blood and platelet transfusions. But despite the obstacles, his spirit remains unbreakable.


In this episode, you’ll hear Howard’s inspiring story: his battles with stage IV cancer, his advocacy for cancer research, and his philosophy of shining brightly in the face of adversity. And now, as he prepares for the crucial next step in his cancer battle: a donor-match stem cell transplant, he needs our support more than ever.


This episode isn’t just a story about surviving cancer—it’s about the power of research, advocacy, and hope. If you need a reminder of the human spirit’s ability to fight, adapt, and inspire, this is it.


In this Episode you will hear:

  • The latest chapter in Howard’s relentless fight against cancer
  • His reflections on mental toughness, teamwork, and the crucial role of cancer research
  • How YOU can be part of the lifesaving mission to advance cancer research and support patients like Howard
  • Following the update from Howard, a special re-airing of the original Episode 003 of Believe in Progress


Every minute of this episode reinforces why we can’t stop fighting for cancer research. Whether you're a survivor, a caregiver, a medical professional, or someone seeking inspiration, Howard’s story will stay with you.


Take action today: Donate to Howard’s GoFundMe (link below) or support the AACR Foundation at aacr.org. Because cancer doesn’t wait—and neither can we.


Additional Resources and Links

  • Howard’s GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/hbstrong-support-howard-brown-3rd-cancer-aml
  • Howard’s Book Shining Brightly: https://www.amazon.com/Shining-Brightly-resilience-entrepreneur-interfaith/dp/1641801468
  • Howard’s Podcast Shining Brightly: https://www.shiningbrightly.com/news/categories/podcasts
  • Donate to AACR to support lifesaving cancer research: AACR.org/Donate


How You Can Help in the Fight Against Cancer  

  • Subscribe: Never miss an episode! Subscribe to the Believe in Progress podcast on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform.  
  • Share: Spread hope and awareness by sharing this episode with family, friends, and anyone facing challenges.  
  • Donate: Join the fight against cancer by making a donation to the AACR at AACR.org/Donate.


Every contribution, share, and act of advocacy makes a difference. Let’s stand with Howard and fuel the fight against 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.


Production Credits


Host: Mitch Stoller

Guest(s): Howard Brown

Executive Producer: Anthony Lopes

Executive Producer: Michael Leary

Associate Producer: Heather Holland

Director: Anthony Lopes

Creative Director/Director of Photography: Michael Leary

Editor: Michael Leary


This episode is produced by CollegeCast LLC.