Living Beyond Cancer: Suzanne Stone on Hope, Healing, and Survivorship

In this inspiring episode of Next Steps Forward, Dr. Chris Meek sits down with Suzanne Stone, President and CEO of the Livestrong Foundation, to discuss the evolving landscape of cancer survivorship, advocacy, and patient-centered care.

With a career spanning nonprofit leadership, health advocacy, and community impact, Stone shares how Livestrong continues to redefine what it means not just to survive cancer, but to truly live beyond it. From providing practical resources for patients and caregivers to advancing innovative solutions that address the emotional, physical, and financial realities of cancer, she explains why survivorship must remain at the center of the conversation.

Stone also reflects on her leadership journey, the power of empathy in service-driven organizations, and the importance of creating meaningful support systems for families navigating some of life’s hardest moments. The conversation explores how organizations like Livestrong are adapting to modern healthcare challenges while continuing to build hope, community, and resilience for millions affected by cancer.

About Suzanne Stone: Suzanne Stone is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Livestrong, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the daily lives of cancer survivors. Under her leadership, Livestrong continues to focus on the person, not the patient, with services that support physical activity after treatment, help for those whose treatment affects fertility, and a library of information available for free online. Stone’s extensive experience in the nonprofit sector, including her previous roles at CASA, Children’s Miracle Network, and Susan G. Komen, positions her strategically to lead Livestrong in fostering innovative solutions that resonate with the needs of cancer survivors. Her commitment to person-centered solutions and comprehensive support for survivors and their families is evident in her role at Livestrong.