Central’s PRSSA hosts lymphoma podcast

Story by Molly Anderson

The 2022 Central Michigan University’s Public Relations Student Society of America Bateman Competition Team released their podcast “Lymphoma Talks.”

The month-long podcast special features interviews with experts, survivors and loved ones affected by lymphoma.

The first episode aired on Monday, Feb. 7 with Victor Yazbeck, M.D., M.S., an Associate Professor of Medicine at Virginia Commonwealth University and the Director of Lymphoid Malignancies at VCU Massey Cancer Center. He has seen lymphoma’s physical and emotional effects firsthand from a medical perspective.

Dr. Yazbeck specializes in hematology and oncology, with his clinical and research interests focused on lymphoid malignancies. Dr. Yazbeck has received prestigious awards supporting his work from leading cancer organizations.

Erica Campbell was diagnosed with Stage 4 Hodgkin Lymphoma Cancer in March of 2013 at 27 and will be showcased in the second episode.

After surviving her battle with cancer, she decided to dedicate her work to sharing her own story and supporting patients and families that have been affected by lymphoma. Campbell supports patients and survivors as an adolescent and young adult ambassador with the Lymphoma Research Foundation (LRF) and through her cancer support and advocacy group Erica Survived LLC.

Josh Conn is a junior at Central Michigan University studying accounting and finance. Growing up, Josh experienced the trials and tribulations of lymphoma through the diagnosis of several family members.

As a college student, Conn recognizes the importance of educating oneself on the disease and the resources available no matter the age.

The purpose of “Lymphoma Talks” is to educate listeners through engaging conversations regarding lymphoma, spread awareness and guide listeners toward resources found on the LRF website.

The LRF is the nation’s largest nonprofit devoted to eradicating lymphoma through innovative clinical research and serving the lymphoma community by providing endless support and resources.

CMU’s Bateman Competition Team has created the Fire Up Red campaign to raise awareness of lymphoma in the Mount Pleasant community. “Lymphoma Talks” is the first installment of the campaign.

“Lymphoma Talks” will have new episodes weekly on Spotify and Apple Music.