The Eye Believe Podcast

Episode 6: Coping with Scanxiety For many cancer patients and survivors, the time leading up to scans can bring overwhelming anxiety — often called scanxiety. In Episode 6 of My 15 Years, Melody opens up about her personal experience with scanxiety over the past 15 years of living with ocular melanoma. She shares the fear, uncertainty, and emotional weight that can come with routine scans, even years after diagnosis. More importantly, Melody talks about how she has learned to cope — offering perspective, strategies, and honest reflections on what has helped her navigate those difficult moments. This episode is for anyone who feels the stress of waiting for results, living between appointments, or carrying the quiet fear that can come with survivorship. You are not alone. 🔔 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/

We’re proud to introduce a new series from the Eye Believe Podcast: Living In The Long Middle, hosted by Danet Peterson. This series is dedicated to exploring the often unspoken reality of living with ocular melanoma—the space between diagnosis and outcome. It’s a place many patients find themselves in for months or years: navigating uncertainty, balancing hope and fear, and continuing to live life while carrying the weight of the unknown. In this debut episode, Danet sits down with Ashley McCrary to talk about the complex emotions of “doing well” while others in the community are not. In light of recent losses, they explore grief, survivor’s guilt, and what it means to lose fellow patients who have become close friends. Ashley shares how she finds strength through her faith, while also acknowledging the difficult and sometimes painful questions that come with it—especially when blessings and outcomes are not equally experienced. This is an honest, compassionate, and ultimately uplifting conversation about resilience, community, and finding strength in the midst of uncertainty. If you’ve ever felt the weight of “living in the long middle,” this conversation is for you. 💙 Article by Janis Chen about living in the long middle: https://www.theguardian.com/society/2026/mar/22/i-have-stage-four-cancer-there-will-be-no-cure-but-death-isnt-necessarily-imminent-this-is-how-it-feels-to-live-in-the-long-middle?CMP=fb_gu&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook#Echobox=1774189536 Ashley's Facebook post- https://www.facebook.com/daveandashley.mccrary/posts/pfbid0vpHCwsAY56ncn5c2gHzG9SCy8rvFxD3QW3J27mWkkyPfVPrJsjGEbkkBiwPJ4ibl?rdid=MzTbn3iV625lmu5h#

In this Eye on the Expert webinar, Eye on CHOPIN: Study Insights & Personalizing Treatment in MUM, three leading U.S. physicians discuss the latest findings from the CHOPIN trial, with results reported in late 2025. This recorded discussion explores how emerging data can support a more individualized approach to treating metastatic uveal melanoma (MUM), helping clinicians and patients make more informed, personalized decisions. In this webinar, experts cover: Key insights and takeaways from the CHOPIN trial How treatment can be tailored based on patient needs and preferences The importance of shared decision-making in MUM care Options for patients who may not be eligible for—or choose not to pursue—certain therapies Whether you are a patient, caregiver, or healthcare professional, this webinar offers valuable perspective on how research is shaping more personalized treatment pathways in uveal melanoma. 🎧 Watch now to learn how CHOPIN trial insights are helping guide the future of MUM care.

In this episode of the Eye Believe Podcast, we’re joined by Adrián Franco, Ph.D., founder of Broken Not Broke, an initiative dedicated to addressing the often-overlooked financial toxicity of childhood cancer. After his son was diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma in 2022, Adrián experienced firsthand the overwhelming financial challenges families face during treatment. In response, he created Broken Not Broke to help connect the dots—serving as a centralized resource that links patients, parents, social workers, and caregivers to organizations offering financial assistance for pediatric cancer families across the United States. In this conversation, Adrián shares: His personal journey as a cancer parent The real impact of financial strain on families How Broken Not Broke functions as a national resource hub Why improving access to financial support is critical for families’ long-term well-being Adrián is also the Executive Director of the Guarini Institute for International Education and Economic Mobility and serves on the Patient and Family Advisory Council for Quality at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. This episode shines a light on an important gap in cancer care—and offers hope, resources, and direction for families who need it most. Check out Broken Not Broke- https://brokennotbroke.org https://youtube.com/@thebrokennotbrokeinterview?si=4h220ZDNSxME3BT7

In this episode of the Eye Believe Podcast, Danet sits down with Dr. Vincent Ma to discuss an emerging and exciting tool in cancer monitoring: ctDNA (circulating tumor DNA)—or as Dr. Ma memorably calls it, “cancer poop.” Dr. Ma breaks down this complex topic in a way that’s easy to understand, explaining: What ctDNA is and how it works How it can be tested and monitored over time How he’s using ctDNA in his practice to better track disease and guide care for his patients This conversation offers a unique look at how innovative science is becoming more accessible—and how tools like ctDNA may help improve early detection, monitoring, and personalized treatment strategies. Whether you’re a patient, caregiver, or simply curious about the future of cancer care, this episode provides valuable insight into a rapidly evolving area of research. Tune in to learn how something as unexpected as “cancer poop” could play an important role in advancing cancer care.

Episode 5: Finding Community & Creating A Cure in Sight A cancer diagnosis can feel incredibly isolating — especially when the disease is rare. In Episode 5 of My 15 Years, Melody reflects on what it was like to search for community after being diagnosed with ocular melanoma 15 years ago, when few resources and support systems existed for patients. She shares the frustration, loneliness, and uncertainty of navigating a rare cancer without a clear network — and how that experience ultimately led her to take action. Out of that need for connection and support, A Cure in Sight was born. In this episode, Melody talks about the importance of community, how far things have come, and why no patient should have to face a diagnosis alone. This episode is for anyone seeking connection, support, or a reminder that community can grow even from the most difficult beginnings.

In this episode of the Eye Believe Podcast, we’re joined by Sheri and Leah Wernecke, the mother-daughter team behind Wernecke Wellness, to talk about the power of nutrition in honor of National Nutrition Month. Drawing from their own health journeys, Sheri and Leah share simple, practical, and actionable tips that can help improve overall health, boost energy levels, and support how we feel day-to-day. Their approach focuses on looking at the body as a whole—going beyond symptoms to understand how nutrition and lifestyle choices can make a meaningful difference. Sheri and Leah founded Wernecke Wellness after their personal health struggles led them to search for deeper answers. Today, they help others take a more holistic approach to wellness by listening closely, identifying root causes, and guiding people toward sustainable health. Whether you’re navigating illness or simply looking to feel better in your daily life, this episode offers approachable guidance and encouraging reminders that small steps can lead to meaningful change.

Ocular melanoma is one of the rarest forms of cancer — and because of that, it’s often misunderstood. In Episode 4 of My 15 Years, Melody talks about some of the most common misconceptions surrounding ocular melanoma, including funding challenges that come with such a rare diagnosis. She also reflects on what advocacy looked like in the early days of her journey, when awareness of ocular melanoma was limited and resources for patients were far fewer than they are today. Melody shares how those early experiences helped shape her commitment to raising awareness and supporting the ocular melanoma community. This episode sheds light on the realities of living with a rare cancer and the importance of advocacy, education, and community. 🔔 Subscribe to follow the full My 15 Years series 💙 Learn more about A Cure in Sight 🤝 Support ocular melanoma research and awareness: https://acureinsight.org/donate/

In this special episode of the Eye Believe Podcast, we bring together six leading experts to discuss newly established consensus guidelines for metastatic uveal melanoma (MUM) surveillance. Through a modified Delphi panel led by the Collaborative Ocular Oncology Group (COOG), 41 experts from more than 25 centers worked to create standardized surveillance recommendations in an area where high-level evidence remains limited. Joining us for this conversation are: Dr. Sunandana Chandra Dr. Juan Alban Dr. Meredith McKean Dr. Jose Lutzky Dr. Scott Walter Dr. Sanjay Chandrasekaran Together, they break down: -How the Delphi process was used to achieve expert consensus -Why risk-stratified surveillance (including molecular markers like GEP and PRAME, chromosomal findings, and clinical tumor features) is central to these recommendations -How standardized monitoring can improve early detection of metastatic disease -The importance of balancing surveillance benefits with potential risks and patient burden This panel represents a major step forward in aligning care practices and providing clearer guidance for patients and providers navigating metastatic risk in uveal melanoma. Whether you are a patient, caregiver, or clinician, this episode offers valuable insight into how expert collaboration is shaping the future of uveal melanoma care.

In this episode of the Eye Believe Podcast, we welcome back returning guest Ashley McCrary, founder of the Eye On Grace Foundation. Ashley joins Danet to share valuable insight into the many resources available to ocular melanoma patients and families navigating diagnosis, treatment, and beyond. While she discusses the mission and support offered through Eye On Grace Foundation, this conversation goes even further—highlighting a wide range of organizations, financial assistance programs, and resources that can help ease the burden patients often face. From travel support and financial aid to community connection and advocacy, Ashley and Danet provide guidance on where to turn and how to access meaningful help during the cancer journey. If you or a loved one are looking for support, this episode offers encouragement, direction, and tangible next steps to ensure you don’t have to navigate ocular melanoma alone. Stay tuned for the full resources guide!

In this episode of the Eye Believe Podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Zack Oakey, a board-certified ophthalmologist and ocular oncologist with extensive training in retinal disease and ocular oncology. Dr. Oakey shares his unique approach to using social media—especially TikTok—to educate patients, combat misinformation, and make complex ocular melanoma topics more accessible. Drawing from his training at institutions including the NIH, UC Irvine, the University of Wisconsin, and the Cleveland Clinic’s Cole Eye Institute, he offers valuable insight into how trusted medical information can reach patients where they already are. This episode blends medical expertise with modern communication, offering both reassurance and actionable information for patients, caregivers, and advocates alike. Tune in to hear how education, accessibility, and innovation can make a real difference in the OM community.

In this episode of the Eye Believe Podcast, we’re joined by Molly Vocino, LCSW, an oncology social worker at the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Jefferson Health in Philadelphia. Molly is passionate about ensuring all people have access to quality healthcare and compassionate support—especially individuals and families navigating serious illness. In this conversation, she helps patients better understand the types of professionals available to support them throughout their cancer journey and how oncology social workers can play a critical role in care. Together, we explore: What oncology social workers do and how they support patients and families How to find and access resources, including financial assistance and practical support Why emotional, social, and logistical care are just as important as medical treatment This episode is a valuable guide for anyone facing cancer who may not know where to turn for help—or what support is available beyond the exam room.

Episode 3: Ocular Melanoma 101 & My Treatment Experience Understanding a rare cancer can feel overwhelming — especially at the moment of diagnosis. n Episode 3 of My 15 Years, Melody breaks down the basics of ocular melanoma (OM 101) in a clear, approachable way. She explains what ocular melanoma is, and how she felt as a newly diagnosed patients. Melody also goes deeper into her personal treatment experience, sharing what plaque brachytherapy was like — from preparing for the procedure to living through treatment and recovery. This episode is designed to help patients, caregivers, and loved ones better understand ocular melanoma, while grounding the information in real lived experience. 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 awareness