The Eye Believe Podcast

In this episode of Living in the Long Middle, part of the Eye Believe Podcast, we share Outliving the Statistics: A Story About Survivor’s Gratitude with Katie Doble. Katie is a metastatic ocular melanoma patient who is now NED (No Evidence of Disease) following TIL (Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocyte) therapy—a reality that brings both hope and complexity. In this deeply honest conversation, Katie opens up about what it means to live in the “long middle” after outliving expectations. She shares her experience with: Survivor’s gratitude and the weight it can carry Survivor’s grief for others in the OM community The emotional complexity of doing well while others are not How her perspective on life, hope, and uncertainty has evolved This episode reflects the heart of Living in the Long Middle—holding space for both joy and grief, hope and heartbreak, all at the same time. Article from Huffpost: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/doctor-cancer-clinical-trials-advocacy_n_646515dbe4b0bfd6447f88df Katie's Blog: https://futurehappyself.com/ UPMC Blog post: https://hillman.upmc.com/cancer-care/melanoma-skin/patient-stories/katie-doble Katie's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ceortman/ 🎧 Tune in for a powerful and moving conversation about resilience, perspective, and what it truly means to outlive the statistics. 💙

In this episode of the Eye Believe Podcast, we’re joined by Brianne Ward and Bev Shaw, two ocular melanoma patients from Canada whose connection turned into something truly powerful. After first meeting online, Brianne and Bev later found themselves as roommates during treatment—a full-circle moment that strengthened their bond and helped them navigate one of the most challenging parts of their journey together. In this heartfelt conversation, they share: -How they first connected within the OM community -What it was like to go through treatment side by side -How their friendship helped them prepare for and get through difficult moments -Why having a support person—or “treatment buddy”—can make such a difference Their story is a powerful reminder that connection matters, and that no one has to go through this journey alone. We hope this episode inspires you to reach out, find your people, and lean on the strength of community. 💙

In this episode of the Eye Believe Podcast, Danet sits down with Kyleigh LiPira from the Melanoma Research Foundation (MRF) and CURE OM to discuss advocacy, education, and community in the ocular melanoma space. Kyleigh shares insights into the work being done to support patients and caregivers, advance research, and create meaningful connections within the OM community. This conversation highlights the importance of staying informed, getting involved, and finding support throughout the cancer journey. 📢 Register Now: 15th Annual Eyes on a Cure Symposium We’re excited to share that registration is now open for the 15th Annual Eyes on a Cure: Ocular Melanoma Patient & Caregiver Symposium, taking place April 17–19, 2026, in Miami, Florida. Held in partnership with the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute and the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, this three-day event brings together patients, caregivers, and leading experts for: -Education on primary and metastatic ocular melanoma -Supportive care and psychosocial wellbeing sessions -Opportunities for connection, community, and fun 🔗 Register today: melanomaevents.org/events/details/melanoma-research-foundation-melanoma-research-foundation-presents-2026-eyes-on-a-cure-ocular-melanoma-patient-amp-caregiver-symposium/ We hope to see you in Miami for this inspiring weekend dedicated to education, support, and community! 💙

Episode 6: Coping with Scanxiety For many cancer patients and survivors, the time leading up to scans can bring overwhelming anxiety — often called scanxiety. In Episode 6 of My 15 Years, Melody opens up about her personal experience with scanxiety over the past 15 years of living with ocular melanoma. She shares the fear, uncertainty, and emotional weight that can come with routine scans, even years after diagnosis. More importantly, Melody talks about how she has learned to cope — offering perspective, strategies, and honest reflections on what has helped her navigate those difficult moments. This episode is for anyone who feels the stress of waiting for results, living between appointments, or carrying the quiet fear that can come with survivorship. You are not alone. 🔔 Subscribe to follow the full My 15 Years series 💙 Learn more about A Cure in Sight 🤝 Support ocular melanoma research and patient support: https://acureinsight.org/donate/

In this Eye on the Expert webinar, Eye on CHOPIN: Study Insights & Personalizing Treatment in MUM, three leading U.S. physicians discuss the latest findings from the CHOPIN trial, with results reported in late 2025. This recorded discussion explores how emerging data can support a more individualized approach to treating metastatic uveal melanoma (MUM), helping clinicians and patients make more informed, personalized decisions. In this webinar, experts cover: Key insights and takeaways from the CHOPIN trial How treatment can be tailored based on patient needs and preferences The importance of shared decision-making in MUM care Options for patients who may not be eligible for—or choose not to pursue—certain therapies Whether you are a patient, caregiver, or healthcare professional, this webinar offers valuable perspective on how research is shaping more personalized treatment pathways in uveal melanoma. 🎧 Watch now to learn how CHOPIN trial insights are helping guide the future of MUM care.

In this episode of the Eye Believe Podcast, Danet sits down with Dr. Vincent Ma to discuss an emerging and exciting tool in cancer monitoring: ctDNA (circulating tumor DNA)—or as Dr. Ma memorably calls it, “cancer poop.” Dr. Ma breaks down this complex topic in a way that’s easy to understand, explaining: What ctDNA is and how it works How it can be tested and monitored over time How he’s using ctDNA in his practice to better track disease and guide care for his patients This conversation offers a unique look at how innovative science is becoming more accessible—and how tools like ctDNA may help improve early detection, monitoring, and personalized treatment strategies. Whether you’re a patient, caregiver, or simply curious about the future of cancer care, this episode provides valuable insight into a rapidly evolving area of research. Tune in to learn how something as unexpected as “cancer poop” could play an important role in advancing cancer care.

In this episode of the Eye Believe Podcast, we’re joined by Sheri and Leah Wernecke, the mother-daughter team behind Wernecke Wellness, to talk about the power of nutrition in honor of National Nutrition Month. Drawing from their own health journeys, Sheri and Leah share simple, practical, and actionable tips that can help improve overall health, boost energy levels, and support how we feel day-to-day. Their approach focuses on looking at the body as a whole—going beyond symptoms to understand how nutrition and lifestyle choices can make a meaningful difference. Sheri and Leah founded Wernecke Wellness after their personal health struggles led them to search for deeper answers. Today, they help others take a more holistic approach to wellness by listening closely, identifying root causes, and guiding people toward sustainable health. Whether you’re navigating illness or simply looking to feel better in your daily life, this episode offers approachable guidance and encouraging reminders that small steps can lead to meaningful change.

In this special episode of the Eye Believe Podcast, we bring together six leading experts to discuss newly established consensus guidelines for metastatic uveal melanoma (MUM) surveillance. Through a modified Delphi panel led by the Collaborative Ocular Oncology Group (COOG), 41 experts from more than 25 centers worked to create standardized surveillance recommendations in an area where high-level evidence remains limited. Joining us for this conversation are: Dr. Sunandana Chandra Dr. Juan Alban Dr. Meredith McKean Dr. Jose Lutzky Dr. Scott Walter Dr. Sanjay Chandrasekaran Together, they break down: -How the Delphi process was used to achieve expert consensus -Why risk-stratified surveillance (including molecular markers like GEP and PRAME, chromosomal findings, and clinical tumor features) is central to these recommendations -How standardized monitoring can improve early detection of metastatic disease -The importance of balancing surveillance benefits with potential risks and patient burden This panel represents a major step forward in aligning care practices and providing clearer guidance for patients and providers navigating metastatic risk in uveal melanoma. Whether you are a patient, caregiver, or clinician, this episode offers valuable insight into how expert collaboration is shaping the future of uveal melanoma care.

In this episode of the Eye Believe Podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Zack Oakey, a board-certified ophthalmologist and ocular oncologist with extensive training in retinal disease and ocular oncology. Dr. Oakey shares his unique approach to using social media—especially TikTok—to educate patients, combat misinformation, and make complex ocular melanoma topics more accessible. Drawing from his training at institutions including the NIH, UC Irvine, the University of Wisconsin, and the Cleveland Clinic’s Cole Eye Institute, he offers valuable insight into how trusted medical information can reach patients where they already are. This episode blends medical expertise with modern communication, offering both reassurance and actionable information for patients, caregivers, and advocates alike. Tune in to hear how education, accessibility, and innovation can make a real difference in the OM community.

Episode 3: Ocular Melanoma 101 & My Treatment Experience Understanding a rare cancer can feel overwhelming — especially at the moment of diagnosis. n Episode 3 of My 15 Years, Melody breaks down the basics of ocular melanoma (OM 101) in a clear, approachable way. She explains what ocular melanoma is, and how she felt as a newly diagnosed patients. Melody also goes deeper into her personal treatment experience, sharing what plaque brachytherapy was like — from preparing for the procedure to living through treatment and recovery. This episode is designed to help patients, caregivers, and loved ones better understand ocular melanoma, while grounding the information in real lived experience. Rare Cancer. Resilient Hope. Revolutionary Research. 🔔 Subscribe to follow the full My 15 Years series 💙 Learn more about A Cure in Sight 🤝 Support ocular melanoma research and awareness

A cancer diagnosis doesn’t just affect the body — it touches every part of life. In Episode 2 of My 15 Years, released during Mental Health Month, Melody opens up about the emotional reality of the months following her ocular melanoma diagnosis. She shares the fear, grief, and isolation she experienced, how her marriage began to fall apart, and the complex ways she related to her family during that time. This episode is an honest conversation about mental health, relationships, and the invisible weight that often follows a life-altering diagnosis — especially when that diagnosis is rare. Looking back 15 years later, Melody also reflects on what she wishes she had known then, offering thoughtful takeaways and perspective shaped by time, healing, and survivorship. This episode is for anyone navigating the emotional aftermath of diagnosis — and for those supporting someone who is. Rare Cancer. Resilient Hope. Revolutionary Research. 🔔 Subscribe to follow the full My 15 Years series 💙 Learn more about A Cure in Sight 🤝 Support ocular melanoma research and awareness

In this episode of the Eye Believe Podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Hadfield, a medical oncologist treating uveal melanoma patients in the Northeast, for an in-depth discussion of the most important takeaways from ESMO 2025. Dr. Hadfield breaks down key study results and emerging data from major trials, including the CHOPIN Trial, Immatics Trial, IDEAYA Trial, and more—offering expert insight into what these findings may mean for patients, caregivers, and the future of uveal melanoma treatment. Links mentioned in this episode Q1 Eye on the Experts Webinar: Eyes on the Chopin Study: What does this mean for patients? https://events.zoom.us/ev/AgpsCnGSA4Hnib_afWXvh5jNq0qqSTvpKhOB8xHg0M9cItAlsoSw~Ah8MbImmpM---YQJIycJ2xa5cdZV0t5y8JSYZGuk2DnZJoO6vsGncOFduA ACIS Physician Finder: https://acureinsight.org/resources/ - click physician finder ACIS Metastatic Treatment Resources (including the July 2025 updated clinical trial summaries of enrolling trials): https://acureinsight.org/metastatic-om/ ASCO Fiber Study 2025: https://ascopubs.org/doi/10.1200/JCO.2025.43.16_suppl.9511 Summary of Studies discussed from attendance at ESMO: (https://acureinsight.org/acis-summary-of-uveal-melanoma-um-presentations-abstracts-and-posters-at-the-annual-meeting-of-the-european-society-for-medical-oncology-esmo-october-17-21-2025-berlin-germany/ ACIS NEWS RELEASES: follow along and subscribe to our newsletter to see the latest updates as we have them. https://acureinsight.org/ocular-melanoma-news/ Whether you’re a patient, advocate, or clinician, this episode provides a clear and accessible overview of the latest research shaping the uveal melanoma landscape. Tune in to learn what’s new, what’s promising, and where the field may be headed next.