In this heartfelt continuation of the Kicking Cancer Cares Show, we explore how connection, music, and community support can create powerful healing moments. Recently, Cheryl Good helped organize a special event in Corvallis for three incredible individuals, Ben, John, and Mark. The community came together, shared music, lifted spirits, and showed what hope truly looks like when people unite for a common purpose. Music brought comfort and joy. Donations helped ease burdens. And together, everyone demonstrated what Kicking Cancer stands for. Support, encouragement, and the reminder that no one fights cancer alone. Join us as we celebrate the healing power of community when it matters most. 💛🎶

In this inspiring episode of the Kicking Cancer Cares Show, we are joined by Cheryl Good, a valued member of our Board of Directors, to highlight the growth and impact of Kicking Cancer in our communities. Cheryl shares how Baron first connected with her through Go Team Rachel, a moment that helped shape the heart and direction of the organization. From providing encouragement and support to those facing cancer, to expanding into new areas with the mission to empower people to thrive, not just survive, this episode reflects on meaningful progress, community impact, and the continued journey ahead. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation filled with purpose, hope, and ongoing growth. 💛

In this second half, we take a deeper dive into the top ten adaptogens—Ashwagandha, Holy Basil, Rhodiola, Maca, Schisandra, Reishi, Cordyceps, Turkey Tail, Astragalus, and Lion’s Mane—while recognizing that there are many more powerful adaptogens beyond this list. These botanicals can be taken in a variety of forms such as capsules, raw or powdered supplements, tinctures, teas, concentrates, liquid extracts, and quick liquid shots. Each form offers different benefits: some work faster, some work deeper at the cellular level, and some are simply more practical for daily use. Adaptogens assist the body in regulating stress, balancing hormones, strengthening immunity, supporting gut health, improving sleep, aiding detoxification, and especially enhancing lymphatic system function—a critical process that influences nearly everything happening inside the body as it works to maintain homeostasis. When combined with the Five Pillars of Anti-Cancer Living—Eat Well, Move More, Stress Less, Love More, and Sleep More—adaptogens empower the body to restore balance, build resilience, and elevate whole-body wellness.

In this first half of the episode, we focus on Adaptogens and Homeostasis, and how these powerful herbs support the Five Pillars of Anti-Cancer Living: Eat Well, Move More, Stress Less, Love More, and Sleep More. Stress is one of the biggest disruptors of our internal balance, affecting immune function, sleep quality, digestion, hormone regulation, cortisol levels, and the lymphatic system’s ability to detoxify the body. Adaptogens work with the body’s natural processes to regulate stress responses and restore that essential balance—known as homeostasis. When combined with daily habits rooted in proper nutrition, movement, stress management, meaningful connection, and quality sleep, adaptogens strengthen resilience, enhance cellular health, and support the body’s ability to heal, recover, and thrive.

In this second half, Teresa Dinsmore continues her powerful story, sharing the inspirational quotes and lessons that carried her through her cancer journey. During her battle, she also discovered the importance of healthy eating and how nutrition plays a vital role in healing—something she has carried with her to this day. Teresa reminds us that a diagnosis does not define you—and that when you surround yourself with family, friends, and a community that truly cares, there’s incredible strength in that connection. Through faith, perseverance, and gratitude, Teresa proves that no matter how tough the fight, hope never ends.

In this episode, Teresa Dinsmore shares her inspiring journey that began in August 2004 when, at 42 years old, a routine mammogram revealed Stage 1 breast cancer. After a lumpectomy and discovering additional cancer cells, she chose to fight aggressively, undergoing a mastectomy, chemotherapy, and radiation. By early 2006, she was declared cancer-free. Despite a family history of cancer, her genetic test came back negative, leaving her to reflect on possible causes. Now, two decades later, Teresa stands as a beacon of strength, hope, and empowerment—a reminder to never stop fighting.

In the second half, we continue with Nate Edwards’ story as he shares how a follow-up appointment—long after his initial remission—revealed another unexpected diagnosis. Even with a prior negative result, ongoing surveillance through AFP and hCG tumor marker testing, along with advanced imaging, played a critical role in detecting cancer cells that had spread to his lymph nodes. At that point, Nate made the empowering decision to undergo RP-LND surgery instead of chemotherapy, choosing the path he felt best protected his long-term health. His message is clear: stay up on your testing, listen to your body, and always advocate for yourself—especially when it comes to men’s health. Nate has since transformed his experience into purpose through his foundation, CoffeesforCancer, created to remind others that they are never alone in their cancer journey. Sometimes a simple cup of coffee and a moment of connection can change someone’s entire day. You can learn more or support the cause at CoffeesforCancer.com.

In this episode, Nate Edwards joins us to share his powerful journey with embryonal carcinoma, a fast-growing form of testicular cancer most common in younger men. In 2020, Nate received a life-changing diagnosis, but thanks to early detection, doctors caught the cancer before it spread, giving him the best possible chance at healing and recovery. He opens up about the symptoms he noticed, how he pushed for answers, and the emotional strength it took to face this diagnosis head-on. Nate’s story is a powerful reminder that men must listen to their bodies, speak up when something feels wrong, and never delay getting checked, especially during Men’s Health Awareness Month.