Cancer Survivor Awareness Month: Miranda and Teresa Kruse’s journey

As part of Cancer Survivor Awareness Month, America’s Work Force Union Podcast featured Miranda Kruse, a cancer survivor, and her mother, Teresa Kruse, a caregiver and fellow survivor, who shared their experiences with cancer diagnosis and treatment. They discussed the importance of early detection, the challenges of recovery and their involvement with Color Health's Cancer Connect program, which provides mental health support for cancer patients and survivors.

Miranda was diagnosed with Stage III tongue cancer in 2021. She emphasized the importance of seeking medical attention promptly when health concerns arise. She described the physical and emotional toll of her treatment, including surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. Teresa, who survived uterine cancer nearly two decades earlier, shared how her daughter's diagnosis affected her mentally and emotionally, highlighting the need for caregiver support.

Both women praised Color Health's Cancer Connect program for its peer-led mental health support groups. Color Health is a cancer-focused digital healthcare solution with an in-house medical team licensed to provide care in all 50 states. The program offers a toolkit of cognitive behavioral therapy techniques, helping participants manage anxiety, depression and other mental health challenges associated with cancer diagnosis and treatment. Miranda and Teresa now serve as peer coaches for the program, using their experiences to help others navigate the emotional aspects of cancer survivorship.

Finally, the Kruses stressed the importance of mental health support throughout the cancer journey, from diagnosis through survivorship. They highlighted how the Cancer Connect program provides lifelong access to support groups and teaches practical skills for managing stress, anxiety and negative thought patterns. The mother-daughter duo emphasized that while the program doesn't solve everything, it equips participants with strategies to improve their mental health during challenging times.

Tune in to the full episode to hear Miranda and Teresa's inspiring story of survival and their insights on the vital role of mental health support in cancer care.