Category Archives: Uncategorized

Harnessing The Arts To Upstage Lung Cancer – Our story of advocacy, artistry, and action

February 27, 2026Uncategorizedbackstageupstage

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 31:31 — 28.9MB) | Embed

HOST: Hildy Grossman, CO-HOST: Jordan Rich
GUEST: Sumati Ram-Mohan, Vice President of Upstage Lung Cancer

Why did singer and cabaret performer Hildy Grossman launch Upstage Lung Cancer 18
years ago? In this episode, Hildy describes how a fluke accident resulted in early detection of
her lung cancer and put her on a life-changing path. When faced with an early diagnosis, Hildy
didn’t just ask "Why me?"—she asked, "What now?" She realized that while anyone with lungs
can get lung cancer, not everyone has a stage to fight it. Thus, Upstage Lung Cancer was created
as the only lung cancer organization to exclusively produce concerts and the performing arts to
raise awareness, reduce stigma and fund cutting edge medical research.
In a meeting of Art & Science, our guest, Sumati Ram-Mohan, a scientist and dancer, shares her
story of how and why she reached out to Hildy. Now the Vice President of Upstage Lung
Cancer, Sumati discusses how her experience in lung research and her passion for the stage help
move this organization forward. Among other things, this podcast series, now ranked in the top
5 out of 40 lung cancer podcasts, was created to be both engaging, enjoyable and
informative. They discuss almost two decades of outreach and impact, ending with a look ahead
to this year's Fall Concert – an evening of joy aimed at this difficult disease.

We thank our sponsors Lilly, Bristol Meyers Squibb, Revolution Medicines, Boehringer
Ingelheim, and Takeda for their generous support of our podcast series Backstage @ Upstage.

PROGRESS BRINGS HOPE FOR SMALL CELL LUNG CANCER

July 16, 2025Uncategorizedbackstageupstage

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 37:51 — 34.7MB) | Embed

Voicing New Reasons for Optimism

HOST: Hildy Grossman, CO-HOST: Jordan Rich
GUEST: Maida Mangiameli, Dusty Donaldson, Misty Shields, MD, Ph.D., and Ann Steagall

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a highly aggressive form of lung cancer with a 5-year survival rate of just 7%, a disheartening statistic. Despite this, survivors, researchers, and the medical community are actively working to create a more hopeful future. In this powerful podcast episode, we bring together a diverse team of guests to discuss stories of survival, groundbreaking treatments, and renewed reasons for hope. You’ll hear from:
• Maida Mangiameli, an inspiring SCLC survivor who’s been in remission for 8 years, so far.
• Dr. Misty Shields, a physician-scientist specializing in SCLC within her oncology practice who also shares a personal story.
• Dusty Donaldson, a lung cancer survivor and patient-advocate whose organization provides crucial support groups for SCLC patients.
• Ann Steagall, a dedicated nurse navigator who guides patients through their diagnosis and treatment journey.
Join us for a lively discussion that sheds light on the progress being made and the hope that exists for those facing small cell lung cancer.

Size Matters! Small Cell Neuroendocrine Tumors Pack A Mighty Wallop

November 15, 2024Uncategorizedbackstageupstage

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 42:31 — 38.9MB) | Embed

HOST: Hildy Grossman, CO-HOST: Jordan Rich
GUESTS: Carl Gay, MD, MD Anderson, Misty Shields, MD, Ph.D., Indiana University Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Hildy shares her experience of losing a friend who was diagnosed with neuroendocrine tumors of the gastrointestinal system. Knowing that neuroendocrine cells are present in the lungs prompted Hildy to wonder if lung cancer drugs would possibly be viable in treating her friend’s condition. This podcast looks at small cell lung cancer which is a kind of aggressive neuroendocrine tumor and less aggressive, carcinoid neuroendocrine tumors. Experts Dr. Carl Gay and Dr. Misty Shields discuss how little is known about the neuroendocrine system, even among oncologists. Neuroendocrine small cell tumors in the lungs and other areas of the body are associated with tobacco use and vaping. The less aggressive, low grade, carcinoid tumors have unclear causes. The discussion includes how these tumors are diagnosed, challenges for treatment, drug resistance and recurrence. Our guests also highlight the importance of research, and new therapies that give hope to these patients.