Dear Cancer, I'm Beautiful

In this episode of Dear Cancer, I’m Beautiful, we’re talking about beauty, confidence, and self-care with Karissa Bodnar, CEO and Founder of Thrive Causemetics and Bigger Than Beauty Skincare. Her mission goes way beyond makeup—Karissa has created a brand that champions clean beauty, uplifts those affected by cancer, and helps women feel like themselves again. As a breast cancer survivor, I know how powerful beauty and self-care can be during and after treatment. Karissa opens up about the deeply personal reason she started Thrive Causemetics: her friend Kristy, while undergoing cancer treatment, was advised by her oncologist to avoid wearing makeup.   That moment sparked the creation of the now-iconic Kristy Faux lashes— perfect for women who’ve lost their lashes and want to regain a sense of confidence and normalcy. We’ll celebrate the 10-year anniversary of those lashes, talk about why clean beauty matters (especially for those of us going through treatment), how to spot harmful ingredients, and the incredible ways that Thrive Causemetics is giving back to the cancer community—including naming products after survivors. To learn more, follow: @karissabodnar @thrivecausemetics @biggerthanbeautyskincare   Use code CANCERFASHIONISTA at checkout for 20% off your first Thrive Causemetics order.

In this special episode, host Melissa Berry is joined by Harjeet Kaur, a Stage 4 cancer survivor, patient advocate, speaker, influencer, and founder of Chai and Hope, a support community for South Asian cancer patients. Harjeet is dedicated to breaking the stigma around cancer, fertility loss, and hair loss due to treatment—especially within the South Asian community. After her cancer diagnosis and stem cell transplant, Harjeet turned her pain into purpose by breaking down barriers within her own family. While she received love and support, the topic of cancer was never discussed. Harjeet found a way to open up that conversation with her own family and now helps others do the same. We explore the emotional and familial challenges of fertility and hair loss—issues deeply significant in South Asian culture—and how Harjeet overcame these obstacles. She shares how founding Chai and Hope has created a supportive space for South Asian cancer patients. This conversation is about breaking stigma, overcoming family barriers, and finding strength through shared stories.

The Life Saving Power of Self Breast Exams with Jessica Baladad, Founder of Feel For Your Life In this episode, host Melissa Berry welcomes Jessica Baladad, a 6-year breast cancer survivor and passionate advocate for self-breast exams. After a practitioner dismissed a malignant lump as “normal,” Jessica discovered it herself during a routine self-exam—an act that may have saved her life. She went on to create Feel For Your Life, an app designed by a breast cancer survivor to educate and empower women with tools for self-exams, tracking changes, and getting screened.  Tune in for a powerful conversation on self-advocacy, early detection, and why knowing your body and always advocating for yourself can make all the difference.

In this episode of Dear Cancer, I’m Beautiful, we discuss an often-overlooked aspect of cancer care: oral health. Onco-Radioligist Dr. Abida Taher and Pediatric Dentist Dr. Robyn Lesser, the experts behind (un) cancer, join the show to explain why oral care is so important during cancer treatment, how to protect your teeth and gums, and their unique products designed to help maintain oral health. We explore the impact of chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy on oral health, covering common issues like mouth sores, dry mouth, infections, and long-term dental complications. Dr. Taher and Dr. Lesser also discuss why oral health is frequently overlooked in cancer treatment and why that needs to change. They share their unique approach to preventive dental care and the science behind the products they have developed for cancer patients. Tune in for valuable information and practical tips on maintaining your smile, before, during and after cancer treatment!

In this episode of Dear Cancer, I’m Beautiful!, I’m joined by Erica Deligne, style expert, breast cancer survivor, and creator of the Flat, Fierce, and Feminine guide. After opting for aesthetic flat closure,Erica became a passionate advocate for helping women embrace their bodies with confidence and style without reconstruction. Erica shares her personal breast cancer story, the decision to go flat, and the importance of being fully informed about all surgical options. She also offers fashion tips for those who have gone the flat aesthetic closure route, discusses the need for more clothing options, and highlights how style can be a beautiful form of empowerment and self-expression.  We also talk about dating after going flat, how to build confidence in relationships, and the importance of advocacy for flat closure awareness. Tune in for an empowering and inspiring conversation!