Remembering Toby Quitsland
October is Breast Cancer Awareness month -- a chance to educate people about the disease and the importance of high-quality care.
Public awareness of breast cancer has greatly improved over the past few decades. For a long time, people diagnosed with the disease tended to keep their experiences to themselves.
That’s why it was groundbreaking, 30 years ago, when NPR health reporter Joanne Silberner profiled a woman named Toby Quitsland, who was experiencing a recurrence of breast cancer.
Her story not only helped build awareness of the disease, it also helped create a special bond between Joanne and Toby’s family.
Toby’s husband Jon recently discovered that he and Joanne both now live on Bainbridge Island. He heard her being interviewed on KUOW, and he decided to mail a letter to the station in hopes of reaching her.
The Washington State Department of Health has launched Vital, a free mobile app tailored for cancer survivors. It provides valuable tools to help patients build skills for their cancer journey and recovery.
You can download the Vital app now on iPhone and Android
Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes
Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.
GUESTS:
- Jon Quitsland
- Joanne Silberner
RELATED LINKS:
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Diana Opong
Reporter & Host
Diana Opong is a general assignment reporter at KUOW, committed to illuminating impactful stories throughout the Pacific Northwest. Her journalistic lens spans between environmental phenomena like invasive green crabs to transformative milestones in ballet. Rooted in curiosity, Diana's approach to reporting blends meticulous research with collaborative storytelling, ensuring her work resonates deeply with audiences. She has also showcased her expertise as a freelance host for NPR's Life Kit and as a spot news reporter for NPR News, consistently delivering insightful narratives that resonate with diverse audiences.
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Jason Burrows
Producer/Announcer
Jason M Burrows is part of the Production Team on Soundside, and takes on announcing duties when needed.
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Kevin Kniestedt
Announcer and Producer
Kevin Kniestedt is the producer of Week in Review and an announcer. You can catch him on the air from 7 to 11 AM on the weekend.
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