"Every story is unique, and every journey matters."

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, host Adrion Bell and co-host Michael H. Cole host an unforgettable, deeply moving conversation with Georgia-based patient advocates and long-term survivors, LaVerne Gaither and Marquita Bass. LaVerne opens up about her 23-year survival story after a Stage 4 diagnosis that metastasized to her lungs, discussing the spiritual power of community prayer and her dedicated volunteering mission.

Marquita shares her 14-year path overcoming aggressive triple-negative breast cancer, the process of recognizing emotional triggers, and why it is critical for patients to establish a dedicated support "tribe."

Tune in to discover practical guidance on:

• Navigating a new health diagnosis and choosing the right doctor.

• Understanding your physical risk factors, including genetics and dense breast notification letters.

• How families can provide tangible, stress-free support during chemotherapy and other treatments.

• Why you must trust your instincts and become a bold health advocate.

• Supporting crucial bipartisan policies like the Metastatic Breast Cancer Access to Care Act.

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

• Marquita Bass's Book: "Orange is the New Pink" (Available on Amazon)

• Advocacy Network: National Breast Cancer Coalition (NBCC)

Don't miss an episode! Search for AARP Georgia's Red Clay Talks on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite listening app to make sure your money, health, and happiness thrive as long as you do.

• Medicare: Medicare.gov
• Georgia SHIP: shiphelp.org
• CMS Atlanta Regional Office: roatl@cms.hhs.gov
• AARP Medicare information: aarp.org/medicare

September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, and in this episode of Georgia Red Clay Talks, hosts Adrion Bell and Michael H. Cole welcome Dr. Yasin Bhanji, urologist with Georgia Urology, for an important conversation about prostate cancer screening, early detection, and men's health.

Dr. Bhanji explains who should be screened, how PSA testing works, why family history matters, and why African American men face a higher risk of developing aggressive prostate cancer. He also discusses advances in MRI technology, treatment options for enlarged prostate (BPH), common warning signs, and the facts behind concerns about treatment and quality of life.

Listeners will come away with practical information that can help them make informed decisions about their health and understand why early detection remains one of the most effective tools for fighting prostate cancer.

For more information, visit Georgia Urology, the American Urological Association, or the Prostate Cancer Foundation

In this episode of the Georgia Red Clay Talks, hosts Adrion Bell and Michael H. Cole chat with Matt Scheib of The Falling Class. Matt teaches older adults how to safely fall at ⁨@atlantajudomidtown⁩ . Visit www.thefallingclass.com for class information.

Actress Karen Ceesay, who also serves as president of the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA), talks about her career and the resilience it takes to succeed in any profession.

Hosts Adrion Bell and Michael H. Cole interview DaShaun "Guru of Abs" Johnson on fitness for older adults and how it benefits your physical and mental health.

AARP Georgia celebrated Heart Healthy Month this February with special guest Dr. Jayne Morgan, a research cardiologist. Dr. Morgan will highlight women's heart health and dispel common myths surrounding the leading cause of death among women.