Public Education and Awareness

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 them. 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.