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A Cure In Sight (ACIS) is a nonprofit organization committed to improving the lives of those affected by ocular melanoma. Through education, patient support programs, advocacy, and research funding, ACIS works to raise awareness and accelerate progress toward better treatments and outcomes.
The Eye Believe Podcast, hosted by A Cure In Sight, brings together patients, caregivers, researchers, and medical professionals to share stories, discuss advances in ocular melanoma research, and highlight the strength of the community. The podcast’s mission is to inform, inspire, and give a voice to those impacted by ocular melanoma.
Episodes
27 minutes ago
27 minutes ago
In this episode of What's Up, Doc? on the Eye Believe Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Miguel Materin, a leading ocular oncologist and retina specialist, for a conversation that goes beyond medicine.
Dr. Materin shares insights into his recent transition from Duke University to Northwell Health, what inspired the move, and what it means for patients seeking ocular melanoma care. We also discuss his approach to treating ocular melanoma, the importance of personalized patient care, and how he works alongside patients and families facing a rare cancer diagnosis.
But this series is about more than credentials and clinical expertise. Get to know Dr. Materin on a personal level as he reflects on his journey into medicine, the experiences that shaped his career, and the passions that drive his work today.
Whether you're a patient, caregiver, advocate, or healthcare professional, this episode offers a unique opportunity to connect with one of the experts helping lead the way in ocular melanoma care.
🎧 Listen, learn, and get to know the people behind the white coats.
Learn more about A Cure In Sight: https://acureinsight.org
Thank you to our sponsors for making this possible!
- Ideaya Biosciences
- Delcath Systems
- Aura Biosciences
- Castle Biosciences
- Immunocore
- Natera
Rare Cancer. Resilient Hope. Revolutionary Research.
#OcularMelanoma #EyeBelievePodcast #WhatsUpDoc #MiguelMaterin #NorthwellHealth #OcularOncology #RareCancer #EyeCancer #ACureInSight
7 days ago
7 days ago
In this episode of Living in the Long-Middle, we welcome back Sam Franklin for a deeply personal conversation about life, survivorship, and what it means to truly live while facing cancer.
Sam’s story reminds us that how we approach the “living” part of the long-middle matters. He reflects on the thoughts, emotions, and lessons that have shaped his journey since being diagnosed with metastatic ocular melanoma in 2019.
Now, as Sam shares that his chapter as a cancer patient is nearing its end, he offers a perspective that is both honest and inspiring. While this moment has arrived sooner than he hoped, it is also far later than he ever imagined when metastatic disease was first discovered.
Through vulnerability, wisdom, and grace, Sam discusses finding meaning in the time between diagnosis and uncertainty, the importance of connection, and the value of living fully in the face of difficult realities.
Whether you are a patient, caregiver, family member, or healthcare professional, Sam’s story is a powerful reminder that every day matters.
Thank you to our sponsors for making this possible!
Learn more about A Cure In Sight and our programs:
https://acureinsight.org
Rare Cancer. Resilient Hope. Revolutionary Research.
#OcularMelanoma #LivingInTheLongMiddle #CancerSurvivorship #ACureInSight #MetastaticCancer #CancerPodcast #PatientStories #HopeAndResilience
Thursday Jun 04, 2026
Thursday Jun 04, 2026
In Episode 10 of My 15 Years, Melody shares the story behind the creation of Lookin' For A Cure 5K and how a small community event grew into an important tradition for the ocular melanoma community.
She talks about what inspired the first race, the work that goes into organizing an event year after year, and why bringing patients, caregivers, families, and supporters together matters so much.
Of course, not every year has gone according to plan.
Through the challenges, surprises, and memorable moments, the mission has remained the same: bringing hope, awareness, and community to those affected by ocular melanoma.
Whether you've participated in a Lookin' For A Cure 5K, volunteered, donated, or are hearing about it for the first time, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to keep the event going and why it continues to make a difference.
Rare Cancer. Resilient Hope. Revolutionary Research.
🔔 Subscribe to follow the full My 15 Years series
💙 Learn more about A Cure in Sight
🤝 Support ocular melanoma research and patient support: https://acureinsight.org/donate/
Monday Jun 01, 2026
Monday Jun 01, 2026
In this episode of the Eye Believe Podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Kristie Nguyen to talk about protecting your eyes and preparing for a safe, healthy summer season. ☀️🕶️
As National Sunglasses Day approaches on June 27th, Dr. Nguyen shares practical tips for maintaining eye health during the summer months and explains why protecting your eyes from UV exposure is so important.
In this conversation, we discuss:
- The importance of wearing quality sunglasses
- How UV exposure can impact eye health
- Summer eye safety tips for everyday life
- What to look for when choosing sunglasses
- Simple habits that can help protect your vision long-term
Whether you’re spending time outdoors, at the beach, on the water, or just enjoying the sunshine, this episode offers helpful reminders for keeping your eyes healthy and protected all summer long.
🔗 Learn more about Dr. Kristie Nguyen:
https://www.drkristienguyen.com
https://www.instagram.com/dr.kristienguyen/?hl=en
https://www.kazokulunettes.com
🎧 Tune in for an informative and timely conversation about eye safety, prevention, and why awareness looks good on everyone. 💙
Monday May 25, 2026
Monday May 25, 2026
In this episode of the Eye Believe Podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Julia Brechbiel, Clinical Psychologist at Fred Hutch for an important conversation about mental health and cancer.
Dr. Brechbiel shares practical, compassionate guidance for patients and caregivers navigating the emotional impact of serious illness. Together, we discuss where to start when seeking mental health support, how to recognize signs of PTSD and emotional distress, and the many benefits therapy can provide throughout the cancer journey.
Whether you’re newly diagnosed, living in survivorship, or supporting a loved one, this conversation offers reassurance, validation, and actionable advice for taking care of your mental health along the way.
🎧 Tune in for a thoughtful and empowering discussion about healing, support, and the importance of caring for both mind and body. 💙
Thursday May 21, 2026
Monday May 18, 2026
Monday May 11, 2026
Monday May 11, 2026
In this episode of the Eye Believe Podcast, we’re joined by Wendy Carpenter, a metastatic ocular melanoma patient who is currently NED (No Evidence of Disease).
Wendy shares her personal experience using ctDNA (circulating tumor DNA) testing as part of her ongoing surveillance and care. She discusses how this blood-based testing helps monitor disease activity, informs conversations with her medical team, and provides another tool for navigating life after treatment.
In this conversation, Wendy opens up about:
- What ctDNA testing is and how it works
- How she incorporates ctDNA into her surveillance plan
- The emotional realities of monitoring after metastatic disease
- Living with hope, uncertainty, and gratitude as an NED survivor
This episode offers a patient-centered perspective on an evolving area of cancer care and highlights how new technologies are helping empower patients in their journeys.
🎧 Tune in for an honest and hopeful conversation about survivorship, monitoring, and living beyond metastatic ocular melanoma. 💙
Thursday May 07, 2026
Thursday May 07, 2026
Episode 8: Grief, Survivor’s Guilt & Finding Joy Again
Grief after cancer isn’t always visible.
In Episode 8 of My 15 Years, Melody opens up about the many forms of grief that followed her ocular melanoma diagnosis — the loss of who she was before cancer, the loss of certainty about the future, and the loss of relationships that changed along the way.
She also speaks honestly about survivor’s guilt and the emotional complexity of moving forward while watching others in the cancer community face difficult outcomes.
Through reflection and lived experience, Melody shares how she has learned to cope with these feelings over the past 15 years, and the perspective that has helped her continue healing.
But this episode also ends with hope.
Melody reflects on what brings her joy today — the connections, friendships, and support she has found within the ocular melanoma community. What once began in isolation eventually became a source of deep purpose, belonging, and love.
This episode is for anyone carrying grief, navigating survivorship, or searching for light after loss.
Rare Cancer. Resilient Hope. Revolutionary Research.
🔔 Subscribe to follow the full My 15 Years series
💙 Learn more about A Cure in Sight
🤝 Support ocular melanoma research and patient support: https://acureinsight.org/donate/
Monday May 04, 2026
Monday May 04, 2026
In this episode of the Eye Believe Podcast, Transforming Patient Care in the West, we’re joined by Dr. Inderjit Mehmi from The Angeles Clinic.
Dr. Mehmi shares insight into how care for ocular melanoma patients is evolving, including both standard of care treatments and the clinical trials currently available at his institution.
He discusses how these options can provide patients with access to emerging therapies while continuing to deliver high-quality, individualized care.
📍 Contact Information for Dr. Mehmi
📞 310-231-2176
This episode offers valuable perspective for patients and caregivers looking to better understand their options and the future of ocular melanoma care.
🎧 Tune in to learn how innovation and access are helping shape treatment pathways in the western United States. 💙