Life Expectancy – Sisters Surviving & Thriving is more than a podcast. It’s a project rooted in survival, advocacy, and connection.
Julee, biologist and educator, and Stacey, cancer survivor, liver transplant recipient, and recovering alcoholic, are sisters with a complicated past and a shared commitment to telling the truth. Through stories, resources, and conversation, they’re building something bigger than themselves – a space for anyone navigating illness, recovery, family, or forgiveness.
Julee and Stacey introduce the series with a candid look at what lies ahead. This episode sets the stage for the personal, emotional, and sometimes messy journey they’ll be sharing; touching on transplant, cancer, caregiving, and what it really means to survive and thrive.
Julee and Stacey unpack their family history and the roots of their sisterhood. From childhood estrangement to years of reconnection, they reflect on the moments that shaped their dynamic and how those early rifts still echo in their story of survival and healing.
The sisters explore how the same moment can feel entirely different depending on your role. They unpack key turning points from both the patient and health advocate sides – revealing emotional disconnects, missteps, and moments of clarity that shaped their journey.
The content of this podcast is for informational and storytelling purposes only. We are not medical professionals, and nothing discussed in any episode of Life Expectancy: Sisters Surviving and Thriving should be taken as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This podcast is a personal account of our lived experiences with addiction, illness, recovery, and advocacy. Every individual’s situation is unique, and what worked—or didn’t work—for us may not apply to others. If you are facing medical concerns, addiction, or any health-related challenges, please seek guidance from a qualified medical professional or licensed healthcare provider. Additionally, discussions in this podcast may include sensitive topics related to health, addiction, and medical treatment. Listener discretion is advised. By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge that we are sharing our personal journey and perspectives, and we do not assume responsibility for how this information is interpreted or applied. Always consult a professional for medical or legal advice regarding your own health and well-being. Thank you for being part of our journey, and we encourage you to seek support from trusted professionals when needed.
Real stories. Real survival. Real sisterhood. New episodes drop on the regular.
So…social media. I have a mixed history with the rise of social media and sharing my personal life. It’s a...Read More
There are certain things I’ve learned to live with. Unanswered questions. Tubes and charts. Pleas whispered into sterile hospital air....Read More
I’ve been thinking a lot about the caretaker role lately. What it means, who it naturally draws in, and the...Read More
Not all memories from the hardest times are heavy. That may sound strange coming from someone who’s spent years in...Read More
So, let’s head back to school for a moment. How much does everyone know about livers? What type of Liver...Read More
Some of my favorite sister-memories have occurred while we were road tripping. These memorable road trips just seem to happen...Read More
Ready for a Rant? I am working on becoming a person with more chill. Before transplant, I could be singularly...Read More
Time works differently in the hospital. There are moments when you get a precious hour between blood draws, vital checks,...Read More
I am a sensitive person; I feel deeply about all things and empathize very easily with people. Others feel less,...Read More
I only had a few days between making the UNOS (United Network for Organ Sharing) transplant list and getting my...Read More