Welcome back to Warriors Unmasked - The Podcast!

When Shannon Ivey was diagnosed with late-stage colorectal cancer at 42, she was a single mom in a new city with no built-in support system. What followed wasn’t just a medical battle. It was a crash course in self-advocacy, resilience, and learning how to navigate a system that wasn’t designed for someone in her position.

In this episode, Shannon shares what it really looks like to face a life-threatening diagnosis while holding everything else together. From recognizing the symptoms she almost dismissed, to building her own medical team, to making the decision to fight when she wasn’t sure she wanted to, this conversation goes beyond survival. It’s about reclaiming your voice in moments when it matters most.

This is a powerful reminder that even in the most overwhelming situations, you have more agency than you think.

Always in your corner,

Chuck

EPISODE MINUTE BY MINUTE

00:00 Welcome and Episode Introduction
02:00 Life Before Diagnosis and Early Warning Signs
05:00 The Moment Everything Changed
09:30 Navigating Diagnosis as a Single Parent
13:00 Making the Decision to Fight
16:30 Missed Symptoms and Medical Blind Spots
20:00 Why People Avoid Getting Checked
24:00 Breaking Stigma Around Colorectal Cancer
27:30 Building a Medical Team That Works for You
31:00 The Power of Self-Advocacy
34:30 Learning From Others and Finding Support
37:00 Life After Diagnosis and New Purpose
40:00 Shannon’s Book and Message
42:30 Final Reflections and Takeaways

Connect with Shannon Ivey

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yesitsshannonivey

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannon-ivey-mfa-aea-pcc/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shannonmivey

Chuck’s Challenge:

This week, take ownership of one area of your life where you’ve been waiting for someone else to take the lead. Ask questions. Speak up. Advocate for what you need. Even a small step toward self-advocacy can create a powerful shift.