A Conversation with Matthew Zachary
From Now What? With Carole Zimmer by Carole Zimmer
June 9, 2026 · 46 min
About this episode
Matthew Zachary shares his journey as a cancer survivor and patient advocate, discussing his memoir and the importance of supporting young adults with cancer.
For Matthew Zachary, the subject of cancer is up close and personal. He was diagnosed with a rare brain tumor at the age of 21. Having survived the odds, Zachary became a patient advocate, founding a non-profit called Stupid Cancer which supports young adults with the disease. Zachary celebrated the publication of his memoir We the Patients, by sitting down at the piano on the stage of Manhattan's Merkin Hall and playing a concert. The event marked the 30 years that have passed since Zachary's cancer diagnosis. We talk about family, wellness and how to be a healthcare revolutionary. "Now What?" is produced with the help of Steve Zimmer, Lucy Little and Jackie Schwartz. Audio production is by Nick Ciavatta.
People in this episode
Host: Carole Zimmer
Guest: Matthew Zachary
Topics covered
- cancer advocacy
- patient experience
- healthcare revolution
- memoir
- wellness
- family
Keywords
- cancer
- advocacy
- brain tumor
- patient support
- memoir
- wellness
- healthcare
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Stupid Cancer
Books & works: We the Patients
Places: Manhattan, Merkin Hall
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