Take it from the Ironwoman

Heat Dziczek, Founder of Cancer Conversation SOS, Ep. 499

Episode Summary

🎙️ Introduction of the guest: Heat is based in Phoenix, Arizona. Her mission is to help people have better conversations with people who have cancer. 💬It’s okay to say: “I’m sorry this is happening. This is hard.” Avoid harmful phrases like “You’ve got the good cancer.” 🛠️ Practical Ways to Support: Offer presence: sit together, watch movies, listen to music, or even color in books. Provide tangible help: Talk with caregivers to find out what’s needed. Help with kids, pets, laundry, or errands (depending on closeness). 🃏 Cancer Cards & Tools: Cancer Cards deck: 20 scenarios with “what not to say” and “better alternatives.” These are illustrated with simple drawings + short explanations. Available as physical cards and an app (Apple & Google, search: The Cancer Cards). 🏃 Sports Parallels: Heat is an athlete (5Ks, 10Ks, sprint triathlons, trail running). Parallel with cancer support: Just like triathlons require mentorship and skills, so does navigating difficult conversations.

Episode Notes

Heat Dziczek, cancer survivor and founder of Cancer Conversation SOS, is transforming how we support each other through life's toughest moments. After a cancer diagnosis at 31 upended her world, Heat witnessed how visitors' discomfort created barriers to effective support.

Through years of processing and thoughtful growth, she developed three pathways to better communication: gently immersive workshops, compelling talks, and The Cancer Cards—launched in 2024 as the world's first deck of its kind. Heat's approach blends survivor wisdom, caregiver insights, and years of meeting learners where they are. Through Cancer Conversation SOS, she’s changing conversations—and changing lives.

https://cancer.cards
https://substack.com/@letterswithoutarmor