Fertility Preservation Decisions, Part 2
About this episode
This episode discusses the importance of fertility preservation decisions for cancer patients, featuring insights from a survivor and medical experts.
Fertility preservation is not always the first thing a family thinks about during a serious illness. But fertility preservation can shape a patient’s future in important ways. In this episode, Tekeima Townsend-Billups, MDiv, and Kari Bjornard, MD, talk with cancer survivor Keragan about her experience of going through fertility preservation years after completing cancer treatment. Keragan was diagnosed with Stage IV Hodgkin lymphoma at 17 years old. Now 25 years old and an emergency room nurse, Keragan shares her journey with fertility after cancer, including what she wishes she had known at the start of treatment. Kari offers insights into risks, timing, and how to talk with your care team. Tekeima guides the discussion that covers the emotional impact of these decisions, differences between male and female patients, and the many ways to build a family. A special thank you to our host, Tekeima Townsend-Billups, senior staff chaplain in Spiritual Care at St. Jude; our expert Kari Bjornard, director of the Fertility Program and assistant member of the Oncology faculty at St. Jude; and St. Jude patient Keragan. This episode was recorded on June 26, 2026. Listen to the first part of…
People in this episode
Host: Tekeima Townsend-Billups
Guests: Kari Bjornard, Keragan
Topics covered
- fertility preservation
- cancer treatment
- emotional impact
- family building
- patient experience
Keywords
- fertility preservation
- cancer survivor
- Hodgkin lymphoma
- emotional impact
- family building
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: St. Jude, St. Jude Care & Treatment, Together by St. Jude ™
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