Cancer Hope Network: Peer Support with Purpose

Out of Patients with Matthew Zachary

In this episode, host Matthew Zachary dives into the history and mission of Cancer Hope Network (CHN) with Executive Director Beth Blakey and Program Officer Marielle McLeod, a young adult cancer survivor. Founded in 1981, Cancer Hope Network is a vital peer support organization that connects cancer patients and caregivers with mentors who’ve been through similar journeys. Beth and Marielle share insights on the unique value CHN offers, including the impact of one-on-one mentorship and the importance of culturally relevant support for underrepresented communities. Join us for an honest, thoughtful, and occasionally humorous look at how CHN supports patients and caregivers across the cancer journey.

Notable Time Stamps:

0:17 // Matthew introduces Cancer Hope Network and its role in cancer support.

1:09 // Beth Blakey, Executive Director, and Marielle McLeod, Program Officer, join the conversation.

7:27 // Discussion on the legacy of cancer advocacy and CHN’s origin story.

13:28 // Beth’s personal journey to nonprofit leadership after supporting her mother through cancer.

15:06 // Marielle shares her story as a young adult Hispanic cancer survivor and the challenge of

finding culturally specific support.

20:11 // The importance of awareness and access for minority communities in cancer support.

24:04 // Why nonprofit marketing matters: funding, outreach, and equitable resource distribution.

36:08 // How CHN’s mentorship model helps patients find connection and agency during their cancer journey.

37:40 // Final thoughts on peer support as a transformative tool for cancer patients and survivors.

Links and Resources:

- Cancer Hope Network (https://www.cancerhopenetwork.org/)

- Connect with Beth Blakey on [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethblakey1228/)

- Connect with Marielle McLeod on [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariellemcleod/)

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