Episode Summary
In this opening episode, host Sara Champie, LCSW shares the deeply personal story behind Walking the Genetic Line. From losing her mother to ovarian cancer at age 10, to receiving her own BRCA1 diagnosis at 30, Sara reflects on how genetic testing shapes not only medical decisions but also grief, identity, relationships, and intergenerational healing.
This episode sets the foundation for the conversations to come: not just about surgeries and scans, but about the emotional and relational realities of living with hereditary cancer risk. Sara shares why she is committed to creating a space that honors each person's agency and decision-making process, while weaving in her perspective as a therapist specializing in trauma and family systems.
Key Takeaways
How Sara's childhood loss shaped her career as a therapist and her work with genetic risk
What it felt like to receive a BRCA1 result in her 30s—and the isolation that came with it
Why uncertainty and difficult medical choices are central to this community's experience
The commitment this podcast makes: honoring each person's agency and choices without judgment
How intergenerational healing and self-trust can emerge from genetic testing and risk awareness
About the Host
Sara Champie is a therapist, coach, and BRCA1 carrier who specializes in trauma, grief, and intergenerational healing. Through her personal story and professional lens, she brings depth, compassion, and curiosity to conversations about hereditary cancer risk.
Resources & Links
Free guide: 10 Questions to Ask Yourself After a Genetic Mutation Diagnosis
Learn more about Sara's individual therapy, coaching, and support groups at FaceTheRiskTogether.com
Connect with Us
Follow on Instagram/TikTok: @facetherisktogether
Subscribe to Walking the Genetic Line wherever you listen to podcasts
Share this episode with someone who might be navigating genetic risk
