The Big C

Join us as we talk to Noel Carmona.Noel Angelo Carmona never expected a persistent cough to change his life. But after coughing to the point of unconsciousness, the Hunter Valley husband and father admitted himself to hospital — where he was diagnosed with Thymic Carcinoma, a rare cancer affecting just one in a million people in Australia.In this raw and powerful episode of The Big C Podcast, Noel shares the reality of navigating a cancer so rare there is no clear treatment roadmap. Over the past three years, he has undergone surgery, four types of chemotherapy, immunotherapy, two failed clinical trials, and radiation — all while facing the emotional, physical and financial toll of a system that often leaves rare cancer patients behind.Noel opens up about paying nearly $3,000 every three weeks for treatment not covered by the PBS, the heartbreak of failed clinical trials, and why he’s now using his voice to advocate for better access, awareness, and support for rare cancer patients across Australia.This episode is about resilience, family, mental health, and the fight for a fairer system — even when the odds are one in a million.Some resources below:https://www.rarecancers.org.au/https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1DnJqAiFdw/?mibextid=wwXIfr https://www.facebook.com/share/g/14dybFgPcjV/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Join us as we talk to Dana Shea.At 24 years old, Dana Shea thought the pain she felt after a Pilates class was probably nothing serious. But a visit to the GP quickly turned into scans, emergency surgery, and a life-changing diagnosis — a rare ovarian cancer called an immature teratoma.In this episode, Dana shares the shock of being diagnosed so young, undergoing surgery, and facing three months of chemotherapy with little time to process what was happening.More than a decade later, Dana is cancer-free, a mum of two, and using her experience to help support others navigating life after cancer.This conversation is honest, emotional, and full of hope — touching on fertility, identity, friendship, humour through hard moments, and the importance of listening to your body when something feels “off.”Dana’s story is a powerful reminder that cancer can happen at any age, and that early action can change everything.

Join us as we talk to Anna Lowvey.Anna was a fit and healthy young mum from the Central Coast, NSW who had just celebrated her 30th birthday when her life changed in an instant after a sudden seizure which led to the discovery of a grade 3 astrocytoma. Ten weeks pregnant at the time, she needed to make the hardest decision to terminate the pregnancy in order to begin life-saving treatment.In this episode, Anna shares her journey through emergency brain surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, alongside a rare window of time where she was approved to travel with two months of oral chemo. Anna and her partner bought a caravan and travelled the south coast with their 3 year old daughter, living off-grid and creating meaningful memories together in the midst of uncertainty. This is a story of resilience, motherhood, loss, and what life looks like when treatment ends but you are living with incurable cancer.Some resources below:https://braincancergroup.com.au/https://www.cancer.org.au/types-of-cancer/brain-cancer

Join us as we talk to Jonathan Steffanoni.Jonathan's life changed suddenly after severe headaches and light sensitivity led to a scan revealing a 5cm brain lesion. Within 48 hours, Jonathan was undergoing emergency brain surgery. The diagnosis came after the procedure: incurable brain cancer.In this conversation, Jonathan shares the reality of what followed - from the shock of rapid intervention and diagnosis, to navigating ongoing uncertainty as recent scans suggest possible progression. He speaks openly about the cognitive and emotional changes he’s experiencing, including shifts in memory, identity, and how he moves through everyday life as a father to a young daughter.At the heart of this episode is a deeply human reflection on acceptance. Jonathan explores what it means to step away from the language of “fighting” cancer, and instead find a sense of peace in acceptance, even in the most confronting circumstances. He also sheds light on the unique challenges of brain cancer.This is a conversation about legacy, identity, and honesty in the face of uncertainty. It invites listeners to sit with discomfort, rethink what strength can look like, and understand that there is no single way to face a cancer diagnosis - only what is true for each individual journey.Some resources below:https://www.cancer.org.au/types-of-cancer/brain-cancer

Join us as we talk to Elise Pride.In this episode, Elise shares the story of her sister Jemma - Diagnosed at just 32 with a rare and aggressive Stage 4 non-small cell lung cancer (EGFR Exon 20) despite being a non-smoker, Jem’s journey challenges the stigma often associated with lung cancer.When a life-extending treatment became available at a cost of $20,000 per month and wasn’t yet on the PBS, Jem chose to fight - not just for herself, but for others. She became a fierce advocate for access, using her voice to push for change. The drug was approved just two days after she passed, but her efforts will now help Australians access life-saving treatment.Now, Elise and her family are continuing Jem’s legacy through The Jem Project, launching May 2026 in partnership with Rare Cancers Australia. Built from Jem’s own lived experience, the initiative includes a free online portal, a 450-page journal, and wellness grants designed to support others navigating cancer.This episode is about love, loss, advocacy, and the lasting impact one person can have. Jem’s story is a powerful reminder that even in the hardest moments, your voice can create change far beyond your own life.Some resources below:https://www.rarecancers.org.au/ https://www.mylifehouse.org.au/https://www.instagram.com/strongerwithjem/

Join us as we talk to Sage Wilder.At just 22 years old, Sage was living an active life playing high level football and working in construction when severe pain and unexplained symptoms led to a shock diagnosis — acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). Within hours, his life changed completely.What followed was intensive chemotherapy, a stem cell transplant from his father, and a battle that tested not just his body, but his mindset.Today Sage is in remission, he is a husband, a father, and passionate about helping others find strength through movement and mindset during cancer.This is a powerful and honest conversation about facing an acute lymphoblastic leukaemia diagnosis at 22, enduring intensive treatment, and creating a meaningful life grounded in family, resilience, and purpose.Some resources below:https://www.leukaemia.org.au/https://www.worldsgreatestshave.com/https://www.cancercouncil.com.au/acute-lymphoblastic-leukaemia/https://arrow.org.au/

Nikki and Sam are back with the first episode of Season 3!We catch up on life, share what’s been going on, and get excited about all the amazing things to come this season.

In this bonus recap episode, we catch up on all the recent events - from the McGrath Foundation’s 20 year anniversary breakfast and La Roche Posay’s 50 year celebration to SXSW and the Rare Cancers Australia Long Lunch. It’s been a busy few months filled with connection, purpose, and plenty of in person catch ups with past podcast guests.Special mentions to:McGrath Foundation - https://www.mcgrathfoundation.com.au/La Roche Posay - https://www.laroche-posay.com.au/Skin Check Champions - https://skincheckchampions.com/Rare Cancers Australia - https://www.rarecancers.org.au/Mummy's Wish - https://www.mummyswish.org.au/

In this bonus recap episode, Nikki shares all about the lead up to her wedding - from her amazing hens to an unexpected challenge when her dad needed gallbladder surgery just after arriving from the UK. She reflects on the celebrations with Nick and their loved ones in Fiji, and the moments that made it all so special. Special mentions to:Royal North Shore Hospital - https://www.nslhd.health.nsw.gov.au/RNSH/Pages/default.aspxSofitel Fiji - https://www.sofitel-fiji.com/Virgin Australia - https://www.virginaustralia.com/au/en/Kendell Tyne Photography - https://www.kendelltynephotography.com/Moira Hughes Bridal (Wedding Dress) - https://moirahughes.com.au/Faika Karim (Wedding Eve Dress) - https://www.instagram.com/faikacollection/?hl=enLaher (Rings) - https://laher.co/MJ Bale (Suits) - https://www.mjbale.com/Country Road (Boys Outfits) - https://www.countryroad.com.au/William Lee (DJ) - https://www.instagram.com/djwillfj/?hl=en