My Unique Perspective as a TIL Therapy Patient
The purpose of "TIL Talks" is to provide Public Education & Awareness to the populus about CELL and GENE Therapies and to do so frequently in a simplified form. By doing so, if someone does get a diagnosis of any kind, they at least know to ask or inquire about what options they may have. Many patients upon learning of a diagnosis want to know as much as they can about all their options, no matter what they are or where they are at. Unfortunately, this is not always provided, and patients often turn to other patients who have had similar circumstances for guidance. I know for myself that’s all I wanted when I was in this position was to find a 1st hand testimonial from someone with lived experience.
In addition to this, CELL and GENE Therapies can often sound and seem confusing and overwhelming. I know it was for me until I was given an analogy which was the light switch that made it all make sense. By having discussions with industry leaders, my aim is to bridge the gap between the patients and industry about “what” is out there and “how” they work which makes it much easier for a patient to understand. No complicated verbiage or vernacular but instead, the 101 version in the most simplified form.
In early 2025 I started the “TIL Talks” podcast with the premise of giving other patient recipients a place to share their stories. Conversations about the patient experience, hosted by a patient. In addition, the idea is to engage with industry leaders by doing more virtual speaking. Ideally the thought is 80/20. 80% patients and caregivers and about 20% industry leaders.
The Value of being a “TIL Talks” Supporter as a Virtual Speaking:
Like the in-person speaking engagements I do, I am seeking to do more home-based virtual engagements and therefore eliminate the logistics of meeting in-person and meet virtually instead and record our interaction. Instead of me telling my story at your event, we will talk about who you are and how/what your organization does in the world of CELL and GENE Therapies. These conversations will focus on specific topics surrounding patient/caregiver perspectives as well as industry related fields that make CGTs happen. Like a fireside chat or town hall but less formal and more conversational which is organic, authentic, and resonates with a broader & younger audience.
My main guest patient/caregiver will come from all ages, demographics, diagnosis, and treatment modalities and will focus on them telling their story and experiences. Most of my guests will be sharing their 1st hand testimonials, providing perspectives regarding navigating a diagnosis and what they knew compared to what they learned regarding what options are available and how they found them. Many important patient centric topics arise from these conversations such as Insurance obstacles, centralized vs. De-Centralized options both FDA approved and in Clinical trials, Financial Toxicity, Mental Health, Physical Health, Survivorship, Survivor Guilt, etc.
*All recordings state at both the Intro and the Outro of the disclaimer that says the following: As a reminder, I am not a medical professional or medical expert, I am only a professional and expert on My story and My experience. If you are needing or seeking medical advice or assistance, please reach out your CARE Team.
Why Support "TIL Talks" and how does “TIL Talks” bring Public Education & Awareness to CELL & GENE Therapies?
Unlike traditional Podcast, "TIL Talks" are literally virtual Conversations that are recorded in both Audio and Video and then full episodes are distributed in Audio formats only to both Spotify and YouTube platforms. Compared to traditional Podcast, "TIL Talks" does not seek out Sponsorships, Brand Partnerships, or Ambassador deals of any kind and does not offer or promote Pre/Post Roll Ads of any type of products or services.
Since "TIL Talks" purpose is to bring Public Education & Awareness, patient & caregiver guests on "TIL Talks" are invited to share their stories and their experiences. As a patient that had to navigate the medical world of a rare and terminal diagnosis as well as treatment options, I understand 1st hand how the hope it brings to other patients that have lived experience and can provide a 1st hand account testimonial.
For the industry guests on "TIL Talks" that participate and become "TIL Talks" supporters, the aim is to talk and conversate in simple terms and vernacular about what CELL & GENE Therapies are and how they work. Again, I know from experience that the science of it all can seem complicated but when explained and simplified, the more the populous understands what they are and how they work. At the end of the day, the goals of these conversations on "TIL Talks" will hopefully bring Public Education & Awareness of both what they are and the simple fact that they exist. If you do not know about it, how can you ask for it?
How the video recorded on "TIL Talks" brings Public Education & Awareness:
*Each recorded conversation will also get 10, 30-60 seconds highlight Reels in Video format w/ Captions. Each highlight Reel will then be posted/distributed to all 6 separate (All Public) Social Media Platforms: Instagram, Facebook, Tik Tok, LinkedIn, X (Twitter), and YouTube Shorts. *Note-The YouTube Shorts will have their own dedicated playlist on YouTube and will also be available in the Guest section of the "TIL Talks" Website. The option to be tagged in each reel when posted is available pending if each guest has an account per platform and opts in/out to be tagged. All Reels will be scheduled to post in advance and are done so at optimal times to amplify views and engagements. Once a reel is posted, this enables anyone that is or is not connected or following to view the Reel and comment, like, or share if desired. Since all Reels are public, they can be viewed and shared by anyone. As a result, this will further highlight Public Education & Awareness to Audiences & Demographics that may not normally ever see content related to CGT’s.
This next section is designed to provide Public Education & Awareness with related links/resources about the content and topics that are discussed with the guest supporters on "TIL Talks".

In this engaging conversation, Chris White and Dr. John Powderly delve into the intricate relationship between immunotherapy and vitiligo, exploring how the immune response can be harnessed to combat cancer. They discuss historical insights into cancer treatment, the significance of animal models in research, and the groundbreaking advancements in checkpoint inhibitors that have transformed cancer therapy. The dialogue emphasizes the importance of understanding the immune system's mechanisms and the potential for personalized medicine in future treatments.
In this episode of TIL Talks, Chris White and Dr. John Powderly discuss the evolving landscape of digital health in oncology, focusing on the challenges of electronic health records (EHRs), the Open-Air movement aimed at standardizing clinical data, and the importance of patient empowerment in accessing their health information. They explore the future of clinical trials, the role of AI in healthcare, and innovations in early cancer detection, emphasizing the need for collaboration among healthcare professionals to improve patient outcomes.
In this episode of TIL Talks, Chris White welcomes back Dr. John Powderly to discuss the latest advancements in immunotherapy research and the importance of empowering patients to seek out clinical trials. They delve into the critical role of nutrition and gut health in cancer treatment, emphasizing the impact of dietary choices on recovery. The conversation also highlights the dangers of processed foods, synthetic additives, and environmental toxins, urging listeners to adopt healthier lifestyles. Finally, they discuss the significant benefits of regular exercise for cancer patients and the need for awareness regarding microplastics and their potential health risks. In this conversation, John Powderly MD and Chris discuss various aspects of cancer survivorship, including the risks associated with imaging, the emotional toll of scan anxiety, and the importance of mental health support for patients and their families. They emphasize the need for community involvement, the significance of finding purpose in survivorship, and the advancements in cancer treatment. The conversation also highlights the critical role of blood donation in supporting cancer patients and the ongoing need for awareness and education in the field.
In this episode of TIL Talks, Chris engages in a profound conversation with Adrienne Mendoza, Senior Vice President of BioBridge Global Advanced Therapy. They discuss the pioneering efforts of BioBridge Global in regenerative medicine, the importance of blood donation, and the innovative Mobile Leukapheresis Center. Adrienne shares insights into the organization's history, its role in military medicine, and the future of cell and gene therapies. Chris and Adrienne also explore the challenges and opportunities in making these therapies accessible to more patients, emphasizing the need for education and collaboration across sectors.
In this conversation, Chris and Dr. John Powderly discuss the intricate relationship between neoantigens, vitiligo, and immunotherapy in cancer treatment. They explore Chris's personal journey as a melanoma survivor, the science behind neoantigens, and the implications of autoimmune responses. The discussion emphasizes the importance of patient advocacy, effective communication between healthcare providers, and the impact of lifestyle changes on health outcomes. They also touch on the unique challenges of mucosal melanoma and the future of immunotherapy, highlighting the need for patient education and empowerment.
In this conversation, Chris and John Powderly discuss the advancements in immunotherapy, particularly focusing on Peripheral Tumor Infiltrating Lymphocytes (TIL) and their potential in cancer treatment. John shares insights from his experience as an oncologist and the work being done at the Carolina Bio-Oncology Institute. They explore the logistics of cell therapy, the importance of decentralization in treatment access, and the challenges faced in personalized medicine. The discussion also highlights the significance of patient awareness regarding clinical trials and treatment options available to them. In this conversation, Dr. John Powderly and Chris discuss the evolving landscape of cancer treatment, focusing on the importance of clinical trials, patient empowerment, and the advancements in immunotherapy and cell therapy. They emphasize the need for patients to take an active role in their treatment options and the potential for regulatory changes to improve access to innovative therapies. The discussion also highlights the significance of understanding the differences between in vivo and ex vivo therapies and the future of cancer treatment.

I’m dedicating my energies and all of my strength towards fundraising efforts between now and the end of this year of 2025 to BBG Advanced Therapies to help raise $ for a 2nd, Mobile Cell Collection Center, a.k.a. Mobile Leukapheresis center.
Text ChrisW to 50155
As a reminder, I am not a medical professional or medical expert, I am only a professional and expert on My Story and My Experience. If you are needing or seeking medical advice or assistance, please reach out your CARE Team.
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