With breast cancer awareness month around the corner in October, Pancake Studios had Cancer Focus NI in the podcast studio, filming the first two episodes of “Focus On”, their new podcast series. The series, hosted by Cool FM’s Rebecca McKinney, longtime ambassador for Cancer Focus NI, invites local women to open up about their journey with breast cancer. The first two episodes feature two local women, Elspeth Flenley, and Holly McKeown, speaking candidly about their own experiences;cancer diagnosis, treatment and their lives now. No topic is off limits.
Elspeth, Holly and Rebecca all spoke about their own encounters with breast cancer and Cancer Focus NI’s support services. Elspeth and Holly bravely give a peak behind the scenes into their lives; how they told their families; kept family life going while they were undergoing treatment; medical menopause and more with no topic being taboo.
“I really wish there was something like this local podcast available when I was going through treatment. Talking openly about my cancer diagnosis and everything that followed has really helped me process it, and if I help even one person feel less alone or ask for support when they are struggling, then it’s worth it.” – Holly McKeown
Discussing the recordings of the Focus On podcast, Rebecca said:
“It’s hard to put into words how special it is to sit down with two women who aren’t afraid to share some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives, knowing they might make other women who have been recently diagnosed or had their own experience with breast cancer feel like they are not alone. And that is entirely the point of this podcast. Listening to their stories and how I could relate in my own way with my mum’s breast cancer experience made me realise how this is a resource we are missing.”
The podcast was all shot and edited by Pancake Studios and is the first episode is available to watch on Cancer Focus NI’s youtube channel. Right here!
It is a pleasure to work with the Cancer Focus NI team as they bring their storytelling to a new medium and we are looking forward to working with them again on future episodes. You can help support the charity’s initiatives for these specialist breast cancer services this October by going pink at work, home, school or by signing their online petition, or by joining up for one of Cancer Focus NI’s iconic Pink Runs taking place in Enniskillen, Belfast and Derry/Londonderry. For more details go to their website.
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