Fighting Breast Cancer Is Expensive: Judy Israel Ran 5K During Chemo To Support Free Services
Release Date: 10/18/2024
Greatitude in Action: How One Man Turned Grief Into Giving — and Coconut Water With a Purpose
The Debbie Nigro Show
Hey guys, it’s Debbie Nigro — and today, I want to introduce you to someone whose spirit will stick with you long after you finish reading this. Meet John Chiorando — a brilliant businessman, devoted family man, and philanthropist — and yes, the self-proclaimed “Coconut Commander” behind the fast-growing beverage brand Once Upon a Coconut. But it’s not just about the coconuts. It’s about "Greatitude." Not a typo. It’s the name of John’s new book — a powerful message born from unimaginable heartbreak: the loss of his beautiful daughter, Nina, to a rare form of...
info_outline
Musicians United for ALS: A Star-Studded Night of Hope, Love, and Legendary Talent
The Debbie Nigro Show
Hey guys, Debbie Nigro here — and if you’re anything like me, you’re holding on to hope, love, and music to lift your spirits… in spite of it all. That phrase — “in spite of it all” — felt like the perfect segue into one of the most meaningful and emotional conversations I’ve had in a long time on The Debbie Nigro Show. I had the honor of welcoming the incredible Wayne Warnicke, a legendary music producer who was diagnosed with ALS in 2022, and his powerhouse of a wife, the talented and soulful Vaneese Thomas. Together, they are the heartbeat behind Musicians United...
info_outline
Oakley Bourbon: Woman-Led Brand Making Serious Waves in a Traditionally Male-Dominated Industry
The Debbie Nigro Show
Bourbon, badass women, and a bold new brand shaking up the spirits industry? Now that’s my kind of conversation! Especially during Women’s History Month. On The Debbie Nigro Show, I had the pleasure of chatting with Molly Kingston, the trailblazing founder of Oakley Bourbon—a woman-led brand making serious waves in a traditionally male-dominated industry. And trust me, this story is as smooth and strong as the bourbon itself! A Spirit with Spirit: Inspired by Annie Oakley Molly’s inspiration? None other than the legendary Annie Oakley—the sharpshooter and symbol of female...
info_outline
We Age in Bursts? Ping Pong for Parkinson’s! and FDA Warns Strawberries May Carry Norovirus?
The Debbie Nigro Show
Hey, friends! It’s your favorite delusionally young optimist, Debbie Nigro, back with another Wellness Wednesday where we keep the "live" in alive! If you missed the show, here’s a rapid-fire rundown of what we talked about—because, let’s be honest, I covered a lot. Buckle up! 1. Do We Age in Bursts? Apparently, OMG Yes! Scientists have confirmed what we already suspected—one day, you wake up and bam, you’ve aged five years overnight. Studies show major aging jumps around age 44 and 60 (so if you’re near one of those, hydrate and brace yourself). Researchers...
info_outline
I Smell a Winner! Scent Guru Sue Phillips Named Global Women Peace Ambassador. Ah The Power of Perfume!
The Debbie Nigro Show
Some people walk into a room, and you just know they’re special. They’ve got an energy, a presence—maybe even a signature scent that turns heads. Well, my guest on The Debbie Nigro Show for this special Women's History Month edition is exactly that kind of person. Meet Sue Phillips, the internationally acclaimed fragrance expert, scent therapist, and newly honored Global Women Peace Ambassador! If you love a great success story, the science of scent, and a little inspiration to keep going no matter what life throws your way, this is the episode you need to hear. Sue Phillips:...
info_outline
Breaking Free from Procrastination & Limiting Beliefs with Danita Young
The Debbie Nigro Show
Ever feel like you're stuck in a loop of I’ll do it tomorrow? You're not alone! On this week's Wellness Wednesday episode of The Debbie Nigro Show, we tackled procrastination and the sneaky ways we self-sabotage—especially when it comes to fitness, confidence, and transformation. My fabulous guest, Danita Young, is a transformational coach and cognitive performance expert who knows a thing or two (or a thousand!) about helping people break free from limiting beliefs. From starting as a personal trainer to becoming a national bikini competitor, to creating Booty Bands (yes, you...
info_outline
Keeping The ‘Live’ In Alive! Steps, Sneakers, Skidjoring & Smiles!
The Debbie Nigro Show
Hey friends! On Wellness Wednesday on The Debbie Nigro Show, as always, we covered a LOT—from climbing steps like an Italian grandma climbs hills in the mountains to the latest in fancy sneakers, and even Coca-Cola's new "healthy" soda (who knew?!). Buckle up, because here’s your full recap of this week's shenanigans, wisdom, and wellness tips. Step It Up—Like an Italian Grandmother! I kicked off the show kinda moaning (I hate moaners) about my aching leg muscles. Was feeling every single step in my legs after just visiting my daughter’s house (which, by the way, is...
info_outline
Two Gal Pals Launch National Women’s Pickleball Foundation
The Debbie Nigro Show
Women Are Making Major Moves On The Pickleball Court Move over, fellas! Women are making major moves in pickleball, and The Debbie Nigro Show just got the inside scoop from two powerhouse ladies leading the charge—Alita Friedman and Catherine Barton. If you haven't caught the pickleball bug yet, let me break it down for you: It’s fast, it’s fun, and it’s the ultimate social sport. And now, thanks to these two trailblazers, women finally have their own place in the game with the launch of the National Women’s Pickleball Foundation which joins the National Women’s...
info_outline
Science Says Flowers = Instant Happiness! Give Some and Spread the Smiles!
The Debbie Nigro Show
Flower Power: The Secret to Happiness & Wellness with Jill Brooke Hey there, flower lovers! If you’ve ever stopped to admire a beautiful bouquet or smiled at a fresh bloom, there’s a reason for that—flowers have scientifically proven benefits for our health and happiness! On the latest episode of The Debbie Nigro Show, we dove deep into the magic of flowers with Jill Brooke, founder and editorial director of Flower Power Daily. Jill, a floral historian and wellness advocate, shared some eye-opening insights about how flowers can: Reduce stress by lowering cortisol...
info_outline
Love Doesn't Always Go as Planned / Divorce + Social Media = A Recipe for Trouble!
The Debbie Nigro Show
What NOT to Do on Social Media During a Divorce – Straight Talk with Jill Spielberg Valentine’s Week is all about love, but let’s be real, love doesn’t always go as planned. And when it doesn’t, social media can make things way worse (like Exhibit A in court worse). That’s why I brought in Jill Spielberg, partner in charge of the Family and Matrimonial Law Department at Abrams-Fensterman LLP, to drop some major truth bombs about social media and divorce—what not to do, what could cost you in court, and even how to protect your kids. Biggest Takeaway? STOP...
info_outline“Cancer can be financially toxic to patients”.
Read that powerful line in “The Roslyn News” story about SJJCC’s Stronger Than Cancer 5K to benefit the Nancy Marx Cancer Wellness Center which took place Sept 29th in Long Island, NY.
That why, against all odds, Judy Israel who’s fighting stage 4 metastatic breast cancer found the strength to run again in that race this year.
Judy who’s going through chemo for the third time in her life, has run the 5K for the last 8 years to raise money to help keep all the centers programs and services free! #WPIXNews in NY and the TODAY Show were among the many outlets that featured her story.
The Nancy Marx Cancer Wellness Center center has been a lifeline for Judy through her 3 trips through cancer hell, offering a community of individuals who could relate to her experience, and offering programs, support groups and exercise classes tailored to cancer patients and survivors. Most important their services are free and will remain free as long as their donations continue.
Judy said,
“It’s important because before I found the Nancy Marks Cancer Wellness Center, I had been for a place where I could find people who are going through a similar situation that I was going through where I wouldn't be the only one standing out. It is a safe place. It's a place where you can go and your needs are met.
“There are groups, there are exercise classes, there are walking groups, there are breast cancer groups, there are family support groups, and it's remote and in person. So there's something for everyone. a broader audience because so many people are affected by cancer whether it's the family as a unit or just an individual so we are trying to reach as many people as we can to bring them in and help them you know what are your needs?”
The Nancy Marx Cancer Wellness Center in Long Island also offers remote services that are remote. I asked Judy if they allowed people from other places in the country to access this helpful cancer support community?
Judy said,
“They have to register with in the center, which there's a and which involves making a phone call and registering, and then you will be able to access through the website to navigate to different, you know, there's a schedule available of exercise classes, of different groups at different times.There are caregivers groups, there's men cancer groups, what different needs for different people.”
All cancer patients need emotional and physical support. Trust me I know. I’ve been through cancer twice. I am a grateful survivor and grateful to all who helped me through it. But I’d be lying if I said it didn’t take an emotional and financial toll on my life. Staying alive ain’t cheap.
Judy Israel who I came to know and adore because her sister Ellen Israel is one of my besties from Ithaca College, continues to fight her own cancer battle, while also serving as an ambassador to the center’s advisory board.
Truly gritty of her to be using her experience to support and inspire others while dealing with yet another cancer fight of her own! AMAZING WOMAN.
Lots of emotional personal sharing also went on during this live on air conversation with Judy who’s in chemo again for metastatic breast cancer and for whom chemo will be ongoing this time.
People who’ve been through cancer can speak to each other on a different level of understanding and humor about cancer experiences. Humor is acceptable when it comes from a deeper level of caring because it’s a coping mechanism. (Her sister Ellen and I have both been through breast cancer)
Which is why our conversation took a turn to naming wigs and nailing bucket list items.
On Judy’s Bucket List is a trip up in a Hot Air Balloon (which scares the crap out of me); Driving cross country ( I had some good RV suggestions); and seeing Las Vegas! (I'm game for taking her there. LOL )
I invited Judy to join The Debbie Nigro Show so I can support her and her efforts to support the Nancy Marx Cancer Wellness Center organization which is so important to her and many others.
I hope you’ll take the time to listen to this podcast of our live conversation on The Debbie Nigro Show and shre it with anyone who could benefdit from hearing Judy and from knowing about The Nancy Marx Cancer Wellness Center in Long Island, N.Y.
---
The Debbie Nigro Show airs live weekdays 11-12 noon EST on #WGCH Radio in the NY/CT. OR You can listen from wherever you are in the world on the digital livestream on WGCH.com. Just hit the Listen Live button. Visit DebbieNigro.com for more informaton or to get in touch.