{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"","title":"Terminal at 23: How Advocacy Changed the Outcome of Brandi Benson","thumbnail_width":200,"thumbnail_height":200,"thumbnail_url":"https://open-images.acast.com/shows/660d7e37088d5100152d246e/1772031560217-270cbcf3-272b-47b3-87f1-fc4962af055f.jpeg?height=200","description":"

What would you do if you were told you had eight to twelve months to live?

How would you respond if the statistics said you probably wouldn’t survive?

And what if your greatest battle began while you were already serving your country in a war zone?


In this episode of Ask the Patient Advocate Podcast, Dr. Elena Borrelli sits down with Brandy L. Benson — Army veteran, Ewing sarcoma survivor, author, Department of Defense research contributor, and fierce patient advocate — to share a story that redefines resilience.


At just 23 years old, while deployed in Iraq, Brandy discovered a lump in her leg. Within weeks, she was facing a diagnosis of terminal Ewing sarcoma — a rare and aggressive cancer — and given a 15% chance of survival.


Today, more than 17 years later, she is in full remission.


But this episode isn’t just about surviving cancer. It’s about challenging statistics. Rewriting narratives. And discovering the power of advocacy — especially when navigating complex systems like military and VA healthcare.


Brandy shares:

• What it felt like to receive a terminal diagnosis while deployed

• The emotional weight of preparing for death at 24

• How her mother became her fiercest advocate when she couldn’t advocate for herself

• Why rare cancers require second (and third) opinions

• The hidden realities of survivorship — trauma, identity shifts, and financial toxicity

• Why quality of life must be part of every treatment conversation

• How she now contributes to sarcoma research review for the Department of Defense

• The mindset shift that helped her respond better to treatment


If you have questions or topics you'd like us to explore, don't hesitate to reach out to us at advocate@pathwaypa.com. Remember, with the right advocate by your side, managing your health becomes a journey of empowerment and clarity.


For personalized assistance and support, reach out to us and discover how we can help you navigate your path to better health. Call us at (947) 517-8395


Connect with Brandi Benson:        

https://brandilbenson.com/

https://www.instagram.com/resumeadvantage

https://www.facebook.com/brandi.benson.92

https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandilbenson/

https://www.youtube.com/@brandil.benson6432/featured


Connect with Dr. Elena Borrelli:

Instagram: @pathwaypadvocates

Facebook: Pathway Patient Advocates

Youtube: Pathway Patient Advocates

Tiktok: Pathway Patient Advocates

LinkedIn: Pathway Patient Advocates

pathwaypa.com

","author_name":"Elena Borrelli"}