About this episode

The episode explores the health challenges faced by older women in prison through the story of Michie, who is diagnosed with breast cancer while serving a life sentence.

Michie, an incarcerated woman serving a life sentence at a Pennsylvania prison, learned early on that she needed to advocate for her own health behind bars. Over the decades and as she grew older, she says she witnessed many friends grow ill and die behind bars. Then, in her late 60’s, she discovers that she too has breast cancer. As Michie recounts the challenges of getting older - and sicker - in prison, we explore the particular health challenges that older women face while incarcerated.  This is part two of “Released To Die,” a three-part miniseries that explores what it means to have a chance to die free. Want to support our independent journalism? Join Futuro+ for exclusive episodes, sneak peaks and behind-the-scenes chisme on Suave and all our podcasts futuromediagroup.org/joinplus . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

People in this episode

Guest: Michie

Topics covered

• incarceration
• health challenges
• breast cancer
• older women
• advocacy
• prison life

Keywords

• incarcerated women
• life sentence
• health advocacy
• prison health
• breast cancer
• older inmates

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Futuro Media

Books & works: Suave

Places: Pennsylvania

More episodes of Suave

• Released To Die: Episode 3 · June 30, 2026 · 30 min
• Released To Die: Episode 1 · June 30, 2026 · 30 min

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