More Than a Diagnosis: Living Fully With CLL
CareCast: The CLL Society Podcast
Release Date: 08/21/2025
Anchored in Knowledge: Navigating CLL at Sea
CareCast: The CLL Society Podcast
In this episode of the CLL Society Carecast, we’re joined by Ed McNichol — whose career as a deep-sea imaging specialist often takes him out to sea for extended periods. Ed shares his story of navigating life’s unpredictable tides — balancing the demanding realities of his profession with the challenges of a CLL diagnosis. While frequently away from home, Ed found stability and empowerment through shared decision-making with his healthcare team and by connecting with CLL Society’s support groups, which he fondly describes as a “knowledge...
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The Power of Community in CLL
CareCast: The CLL Society Podcast
In this heartfelt episode, we’re joined by Yvonne and her daughter, Noni, who open up about how a CLL diagnosis reshaped their family dynamic and strengthened their connection. Together, they share what it’s been like to navigate shifting relationships with friends and loved ones while learning to adjust to life’s new realities. Through the camaraderie and understanding found in support groups, Yvonne found a sense of belonging—and Noni witnessed firsthand the power of community. Inspired by her mother’s resilience and the compassion of others, Noni chose to pursue a career in social...
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Turning Diagnosis into Strength: A Firefighter’s Journey with CLL
CareCast: The CLL Society Podcast
In this episode, we’re joined by Henry Olvera, a former firefighter whose life took an unexpected turn after being diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Throughout his career, he relied on information to save lives, and that same mindset became essential when facing his own diagnosis. Determined not to let CLL define him, he quickly learned the importance of self-advocacy. He shares how he confronted systemic barriers, researched his options, and pushed to receive the right tests and care. For him, information wasn’t just power—it was survival. Listeners will hear how his...
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More Than a Diagnosis: Living Fully With CLL
CareCast: The CLL Society Podcast
In this episode, we dive into the powerful journey of Lexii Freitas, a young adult and mother facing CLL. Lexii shares with our moderator and CLL Society staff member, Sarah Castro, the raw reality of receiving a lifechanging diagnosis and how she has learned to navigate it with both courage and determination. She shares her experience with the isolation that can come when friends can’t fully relate, and the conscious choice to not let CLL define her identity. Through resilience, self-advocacy, and taking necessary precautions, she’s found ways to protect her health while continuing to...
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Balancing Life, Fitness, and CLL: A Smart Patient's Story
CareCast: The CLL Society Podcast
In this inspiring episode of CareCast, lifelong athlete Ashley Montulli joins CLL Society’s Development Director—and fellow CLL patient—Ron Katz for a powerful conversation on navigating life with CLL while balancing motherhood, fitness, and wellness. Ashley shares how staying active and making smart adjustments to her routine have helped her cope with lifestyle changes brought on by her diagnosis. Together, they dive into the importance of having the right information and advocating for yourself as a patient—because Smart Patients Get Smart Care. Don’t miss this motivating...
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Finding Hope Beyond Your Diagnosis
CareCast: The CLL Society Podcast
In the first episode of the second season of CareCast: The CLL Society Podcast, our moderator, Doreen Zetterlund, is joined by Rabbi Rebecca Kamil—a chaplain with over 10 years of experience—to discuss the emotional and spiritual challenges faced by CLL/SLL patients throughout their journey. During the conversation, Rabbi Kamil reflects on her own experiences supporting those affected by CLL/SLL.
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Lifestyle, Mindset, and Community: A Holistic Approach to CLL
CareCast: The CLL Society Podcast
In this discussion with CLL patient Peter Titlebaum, we explore the connection between lifestyle choices and non-medical approaches to managing chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), with a particular focus on their impact on mental health. Peter is a lifelong athlete, college professor at the University of Dayton, an active member of a CLL Society Support Group, and has been living with CLL since 2018. Peter reflects on his personal experience, highlighting how physical activity has positively influenced his mental health. He also shares how cultivating the right mindset and...
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Supporting Loved Ones Through CLL: A Care Partner’s Journey
CareCast: The CLL Society Podcast
Approximately 53 million Americans serve as care partners to a loved one, with about 6 million of them providing care to individuals diagnosed with cancer. Susan Bottega is one of these dedicated care partners, supporting her husband since his diagnosis of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) in 2010. She reflects on the emotional impact of the initial diagnosis, the importance of becoming well-informed about CLL as a care partner, and how advocating for her husband has shaped their journey with the disease. Susan also touches on the vital role of mental health and having a strong support...
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Coping with Watch and Wait and the Delay in Starting Treatment for CLL
CareCast: The CLL Society Podcast
It is estimated that between 75% and 95% of people diagnosed with CLL do not immediately start treatment. Instead, they follow the standard of care approach known as Active Observation, also called Watch and Wait, Watch and Worry, or Active Surveillance. When receiving a diagnosis of cancer, it can be confusing and a source of anxiety to hear that you will not be given treatment right away. This is where the emotional rollercoaster with CLL begins for many patients. In this episode, Dr. Brian Koffman is joined by guest Rick Conner, who has been on Active Observation since receiving...
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Our Founder's Emotional Journey
CareCast: The CLL Society Podcast
In this inaugural episode of CLL Society’s CareCast Podcast, Executive Director, Carly Harrington is joined by Dr. Brian Koffman, Co-Founder, Chief Medical Officer and Executive Vice President of CLL Society, to discuss his emotional journey with CLL. Dr. Koffman reflects on his initial diagnosis and the impact of having a strong support system and community to help him cope with the emotions he encountered. Listen to Dr. Koffman share insights from his 20-year journey living with CLL, including emotional highs and lows he has experienced, his treatment journey, relapse, and how he has...
info_outlineIn this episode, we dive into the powerful journey of Lexii Freitas, a young adult and mother facing CLL. Lexii shares with our moderator and CLL Society staff member, Sarah Castro, the raw reality of receiving a lifechanging diagnosis and how she has learned to navigate it with both courage and determination. She shares her experience with the isolation that can come when friends can’t fully relate, and the conscious choice to not let CLL define her identity. Through resilience, self-advocacy, and taking necessary precautions, she’s found ways to protect her health while continuing to live fully. Her story highlights the importance of pushing for the right tests, understanding your options, and embracing life’s moments despite uncertainty. Lexii’s story is a testament to strength, hope, and the power of owning your narrative. Whether you’re living with CLL, supporting someone who is, or seeking inspiration, her journey will leave you feeling empowered.