The Eye Believe Podcast

Finding Hope Abroad: Navigating Clinical Trials Internationally | The Eye Believe Podcast

In this heartfelt episode of the Eye Believe Podcast 🎙️, brought to you by A Cure In Sight 💙, we meet Shana Bar, an international patient from 🇨🇦 Canada, who shares her journey living with metastatic uveal melanoma.

Shana opens up about her experience on a clinical trial 🔬—the hope it’s brought, the encouraging news she’s received, and how her outlook on life has evolved along the way 🌈. But she also speaks candidly about the emotional side of survivorship—the gratitude and the guilt that can come with doing well while others in the community face harder outcomes 💔.

✨ This conversation is a moving reminder of the complexity of healing, the importance of compassion, and the power of community support 🤝.

🎧 Listen now to Shana’s story of resilience, honesty, and hope that shines through every word.

#EyeBelievePodcast #ACureInSight #UvealMelanoma #ClinicalTrials #Hope #PatientStories #OcularMelanoma

Choosing To Be A Voice For Ocular Melanoma with Allie Dashow | The Eye Believe Podcast

In this inspiring episode of the Eye Believe Podcast 🎙️, brought to you by A Cure In Sight 💙, we hear from Allie Dashow, a young and passionate ocular melanoma patient who has turned her diagnosis into a mission to raise awareness and make a difference.

Now three years into her journey, Allie reflects on where she is today—how she’s grown, found strength, and become an advocate and voice for others facing OM 🌈.

From her personal experiences to her work within the larger melanoma community, Allie’s story is one of courage, purpose, and using her voice to create change 🎤. ✨

Allie's story is a powerful reminder that sharing our stories can inspire others, foster connection, and drive hope forward 💫.

Link to her story in the Daily Mail: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-15153837/dry-eyes-dismissed-symptoms-diagnosed-rare-cancer.html

Article on melanoma.org https://melanoma.org/news-press/i-had-dry-eyes-and-dismissed-my-symptoms-then-i-was-diagnosed-with-a-six-in-one-million-disease/

Connect with Allie here-- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allie_dashow37?igsh=MWR0dzJzamIzNjE4dg==

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/16Up8dxTJR/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Podcast interview: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-eye-believe-podcast/id1580434627?i=1000583540686

Eye on Mental Health: https://youtu.be/olZCAam3vn8?si=CnJzBg6herXUHINb

#EyeBelievePodcast #ACureInSight #OcularMelanoma #Hope #PatientStories #Advocacy #MelanomaAwareness

How To Leverage AI In Your Diagnosis Journey with Chris Donaldson | The Eye Believe Podcast

How To Leverage AI In Your Diagnosis Journey with Chris Donaldson | The Eye Believe Podcast

Meet Chris Donaldson, an ocular melanoma (OM) patient and AI professional who’s redefining what it means to take control of your health journey.

When faced with conflicting medical opinions at the onset of his diagnosis, Chris turned to a tool far more powerful than Google—artificial intelligence—to help guide his decisions and find clarity in the chaos.

In this inspiring episode, Chris shares how AI played a pivotal role in his diagnosis and ongoing care, helping him access cutting-edge information, discover new treatment options, and feel empowered throughout his metastatic OM journey.

Join us as we explore:

💡 How AI is transforming the patient experience

💬 The emotional and practical realities of life with ocular melanoma

❤️ Finding empowerment and hope through technology

🎙️ Tune in to hear how curiosity, innovation, and resilience come together in Chris’s story.

 

BONUS- Download the A Cure In Sight App now! https://apps.apple.com/us/app/a-cure-in-sight/id6748178227

 

#EyeBelievePodcast #ACureInSight #OcularMelanoma #AIInHealthcare #PatientStories #Hope #Empowerment

The Emotional Side of Men’s Health With Pervis Taylor | The Eye Believe Podcast

November is Men’s Health Month, and we’re diving into a topic that doesn’t get talked about enough — the emotional side of men’s health.

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Pervis Taylor, award-winning life coach, author, and mental health advocate, to explore how men can better navigate the challenges of emotional well-being, especially in the face of serious diagnoses like ocular melanoma.

Pervis shares his insights on breaking stigma, building resilience, and learning to express and process emotions in healthy, empowering ways. His compassionate and practical approach reminds us that strength begins with self-awareness — and that healing is both physical and emotional.

Join us as we discuss:

💬 Why men often struggle to talk about emotions

🧠 Tools for emotional wellness and self-awareness

❤️ How vulnerability can lead to healing and hope

🎙️ Tune in for a heartfelt, honest conversation that every man—and everyone who loves one—should hear.

 

#EyeBelievePodcast #ACureInSight #MensHealthMonth #MentalHealthMatters #OcularMelanoma #PervisTaylor #MensMentalHealth #EmotionalWellness #Hope #Empowerment

Palliative vs Hospice Care with Suzanne O’Brien | The Eye Believe Podcast

November is National Hospice and Palliative Care Month. Join A Cure in Sight, an ocular melanoma foundation, for an insightful conversation with Suzanne O’Brien, RN, on the important distinctions between palliative care and hospice care.

In this episode, Suzanne sheds light on the significant gaps in end-of-life education that leave many families overwhelmed and unsupported during some of the most challenging moments of their lives.

As the Founder & CEO of Doulagivers Institute, Suzanne B. O’Brien has dedicated her life to increasing access to high-quality end-of-life education and compassionate care. Drawing from her firsthand experience at the bedside of more than 1,000 patients as a hospice nurse and palliative care professional, she has created free trainings and resources to empower both caregivers and practitioners worldwide.

https://doulagivers.com/

💙 Learn more about end-of-life support, education, and the mission to ensure no one faces this journey alone.

Men’s Health Panel Discussion — A Special Episode for Men’s Health Month

🎙️ Men’s Health Panel Discussion — A Special Episode for Men’s Health Month In this powerful new episode from A Cure in Sight, we bring together an expert panel for an honest, insightful conversation in honor of Men’s Health Month. Our guests open up about the unique challenges men face in prioritizing their health—both mental and physical. Together, we explore: Men’s Health & OM: Why early detection, awareness, and open dialogue matter more than ever Advocacy in Action: How men can use their voices to push for research, support, and better outcomes The Patient Registry & Bio Bank: What these vital resources mean for the future of OM research—and how patients can contribute to accelerating breakthroughs This candid discussion shines a light on the importance of men showing up for themselves, their families, and their communities. Whether you’re a patient, caregiver, advocate, or ally, this episode offers valuable perspectives, practical insights, and a renewed sense of connection. Tune in and join us as we honor Men’s Health Month with empathy, information, and hope.

Giving Your Diagnosis Direction with Chris Brotherston & Mike Cornell | The Eye Believe Podcast

🎧 Eye Believe Podcast | Giving Your Diagnosis Direction with Chris Brotherston & Mike Cornell

Getting an ocular melanoma diagnosis can feel overwhelming — but finding clarity, support, and direction can make all the difference.

💙 In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Chris Brotherston and Mike Cornell, two OM patients who share how they took charge of their journeys by turning uncertainty into purpose. From navigating initial shock to making informed decisions and finding community through A Cure In Sight, Chris and Mike’s stories remind us that no one has to face this diagnosis alone.

Tune in as we explore:

💬 How to find guidance and confidence after diagnosis

🤝 The power of patient connections and shared experience

💡 Practical advice for navigating care and emotional healing

🎙️ Whether you’re newly diagnosed or supporting someone who is, this episode offers hope, direction, and a reminder that there’s strength in shared stories.

 

Please check out-

-Mike's episode on Why Participate in Clinical Trials: https://youtu.be/s_XAOsZBE0w

-Chris' episode on his journey with Daro as part of a men's health panel - https://youtube.com/live/RCrjZrC7g7Q

#EyeBelievePodcast #ACureInSight #OcularMelanoma #PatientStories #Hope #Empowerment #CancerAwareness #GivingYourDiagnosisDirection

Can Ocular Melanoma Be Hereditary? Danny Powell’s Story & the BAP1 Gene | The Eye Believe Podcast

In this episode, we interview Danny Powell, an ocular melanoma (OM) patient whose tumor was identified early thanks to his eye doctor noticing a change and acting quickly. Danny explains his diagnosis, his treatment with brachytherapy, and how he later discovered that his grandmother also had OM—an extremely rare family connection. This prompted genetic testing, which revealed that Danny carries a BAP1 gene mutation. He discusses what that means for his ongoing care, his decision to join a clinical study, and the importance of regular surveillance scans. Whether you're an OM patient, caregiver, or medical professional, this episode provides practical insight into early detection, genetic risk factors, and patient involvement in research.

Eye On Research | Session 2: Adjuvant Therapies – What’s New Today? (And What Can You Do About It!?)

Eye On Research | Session 2: Adjuvant Therapies – What’s New Today? (And What Can You Do About It!?)

Join us for Session 2 of Eye On Research, presented by A Cure In Sight 💙. In this insightful session, top experts in the field—Dr. Carvajal, Dr. Lutzky, and Dr. Kahn—discuss the latest developments in adjuvant therapies for ocular melanoma.

🕦 Time: 11:30 AM EST
👩‍⚕️ Speakers:

• Dr. Carvajal

• Dr. Lutzky

• Dr. Kahn

✨ Topics Covered:

• What’s new and emerging in adjuvant therapies 🔬

• The science behind current treatment strategies 🧬

• Practical steps patients and clinicians can take today 💡

This session dives deep into the evolving landscape of ocular melanoma research, offering valuable insights for patients, caregivers, and medical professionals alike.

🎧 Stay informed. Stay empowered. Tune in to learn what’s next in ocular melanoma treatment innovation.

#EyeOnResearch #ACureInSight #OcularMelanoma #AdjuvantTherapies #CancerResearch #ClinicalTrials #Hope

Eye Believe Survivorship Seminar 2025 | Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow in Ocular Melanoma

Welcome to Session 1 of the Eye Believe Survivorship Seminar 2025!

This 8:00 AM session features renowned ocular oncologist Dr. MATERIN (Duke Health) as he presents “Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow in Ocular Melanoma.”

In this powerful opening session, Dr. Materin walks attendees through:

🔹 The history and evolution of ocular melanoma care

🔹 Current diagnostic tools, treatments, and patient management approaches

🔹 What’s ahead in research, technology, and survivorship support

🔹 How patients, caregivers, and advocates can navigate their journey with greater confidence

 

This presentation is part of A Cure In Sight’s Eye Believe Survivorship Seminar 2025, a full-day event bringing together experts, survivors, caregivers, and advocates to empower the ocular melanoma community with knowledge, resources, and hope.

 

About the Speaker – Dr. MATERIN Dr. MATERIN is a leading specialist in ocular oncology at Duke Health, recognized for his expertise in ocular melanoma diagnosis, treatment, and long-term patient care. His commitment to innovation and compassionate medicine has had a profound impact on the OM community.

 

About A Cure In Sight A Cure In Sight (ACIS) is dedicated to supporting those affected by ocular melanoma through education, patient services, advocacy, and funding research aimed at improving outcomes and finding a cure. Learn more or get involved: https://acureinsight.org