A Bodybuilder's Evolution: Kidney and Thyroid Cancer

1h09 | 12/17/2025

Description

In this episode of Navigating Cancer TOGETHER, host Talaya Dendy welcomes back award-winning journalist, poet, and two-time cancer survivor Annamaria Scaccia. Annamaria shares her powerful story of surviving both kidney and thyroid cancer by age 40 and how she is transforming her life through bodybuilding and advocacy. They discuss the psychological power of strength training, the challenges of managing rare cancer types, how cancer impacts relationships, and the importance of self-awareness in the healing process. Tune in to discover how physical discipline, raw truth, and giving yourself grace can help you reclaim your power and navigate the complex emotional landscape of long-term survivorship.

✨Episode Highlights:

00:02:32 Annamaria’s Origin Story

00:05:39 Transitioning from Kickboxing to Bodybuilding after a Kidney Cancer Diagnosis

00:09:18 Bodybuilding for Healing and Trauma Recovery

00:17:45 Self-Awareness and the Truth of the Iron

00:20:50 Navigating a Second Cancer Diagnosis

00:27:41 Addressing Multiple Primary Cancers

Transcript: https://bit.ly/podscript178

Connect & Engage with Annamaria:

Links: https://linktr.ee/gotchascaccia?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=e18723c7-b1a1-4be2-9794-507317879f6c
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gotchascaccia/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annamariascaccia/
Podcast: https://www.kidneycancer.org/podcast/

National Cancer Survivor Month Episode: https://youtu.be/JlET8Ljujiw?si=f1_b4aAJ_rkTopk2

Join the Community: Looking for a safe space to share your raw truth? Join the waitlist for the Navigating Cancer TOGETHER Cancer Community Forum. Connect with others in a private, supportive environment completely free from the noise and distractions of social media. Be the first to know when we open: https://www.ontheotherside.life/forum-waitlist

Sponsor: This episode is brought to you by On the Other Side. Thank you for your support! It helps to bring these critical conversations to life.

Hosted, Produced, Written, and Edited by: Talaya Dendy

Disclaimer: The information on this podcast is for general informational purposes only and SHOULD NOT be used as a substitute for sound professional medical advice, evaluation, or care from your physician or other qualified health care provider.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

About Navigating Cancer TOGETHER

Upon receiving a cancer diagnosis, the patient typically faces many challenges, including feeling confused, overwhelmed, and alone. All of them are emotionally draining!

Join cancer thriver and cancer doula Talaya Dendy, BCPA, on Wednesday for a dose of inspiration, information, and connection on Navigating Cancer TOGETHER as she shares her cancer journey with raw vulnerability and practical advice as someone who’s been there. She also interviews guests from all walks of life who have been impacted by cancer and are passionate about sharing their patient, thriver, and caregiver experiences to help listeners navigate their unique path TOGETHER. Wellness champions and specialists promoting holistic approaches to care are also welcome to share their expertise on offsetting the pesky side effects of treatment.

Tune in to hear raw and honest conversations, true stories, and valuable perspectives on the hidden struggles no one talks about, emotional rollercoaster, and the quiet victories of a cancer journey. Each episode contains powerful information to help you navigate cancer more easily, feel hopeful, and be better informed.

Listen and subscribe now to navigate cancer TOGETHER!

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

About Navigating Cancer TOGETHER

Upon receiving a cancer diagnosis, the patient typically faces many challenges, including feeling confused, overwhelmed, and alone. All of them are emotionally draining!

Join cancer thriver and cancer doula Talaya Dendy, BCPA, on Wednesday for a dose of inspiration, information, and connection on Navigating Cancer TOGETHER as she shares her cancer journey with raw vulnerability and practical advice as someone who’s been there. She also interviews guests from all walks of life who have been impacted by cancer and are passionate about sharing their patient, thriver, and caregiver experiences to help listeners navigate their unique path TOGETHER. Wellness champions and specialists promoting holistic approaches to care are also welcome to share their expertise on offsetting the pesky side effects of treatment.

Tune in to hear raw and honest conversations, true stories, and valuable perspectives on the hidden struggles no one talks about, emotional rollercoaster, and the quiet victories of a cancer journey. Each episode contains powerful information to help you navigate cancer more easily, feel hopeful, and be better informed.

Listen and subscribe now to navigate cancer TOGETHER!

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Description

In this episode of Navigating Cancer TOGETHER, host Talaya Dendy welcomes back award-winning journalist, poet, and two-time cancer survivor Annamaria Scaccia. Annamaria shares her powerful story of surviving both kidney and thyroid cancer by age 40 and how she is transforming her life through bodybuilding and advocacy. They discuss the psychological power of strength training, the challenges of managing rare cancer types, how cancer impacts relationships, and the importance of self-awareness in the healing process. Tune in to discover how physical discipline, raw truth, and giving yourself grace can help you reclaim your power and navigate the complex emotional landscape of long-term survivorship.

✨Episode Highlights:

00:02:32 Annamaria’s Origin Story

00:05:39 Transitioning from Kickboxing to Bodybuilding after a Kidney Cancer Diagnosis

00:09:18 Bodybuilding for Healing and Trauma Recovery

00:17:45 Self-Awareness and the Truth of the Iron

00:20:50 Navigating a Second Cancer Diagnosis

00:27:41 Addressing Multiple Primary Cancers

Transcript: https://bit.ly/podscript178

Connect & Engage with Annamaria:

Links: https://linktr.ee/gotchascaccia?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=e18723c7-b1a1-4be2-9794-507317879f6c
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gotchascaccia/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annamariascaccia/
Podcast: https://www.kidneycancer.org/podcast/

National Cancer Survivor Month Episode: https://youtu.be/JlET8Ljujiw?si=f1_b4aAJ_rkTopk2

Join the Community: Looking for a safe space to share your raw truth? Join the waitlist for the Navigating Cancer TOGETHER Cancer Community Forum. Connect with others in a private, supportive environment completely free from the noise and distractions of social media. Be the first to know when we open: https://www.ontheotherside.life/forum-waitlist

Sponsor: This episode is brought to you by On the Other Side. Thank you for your support! It helps to bring these critical conversations to life.

Hosted, Produced, Written, and Edited by: Talaya Dendy

Disclaimer: The information on this podcast is for general informational purposes only and SHOULD NOT be used as a substitute for sound professional medical advice, evaluation, or care from your physician or other qualified health care provider.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

About Navigating Cancer TOGETHER

Upon receiving a cancer diagnosis, the patient typically faces many challenges, including feeling confused, overwhelmed, and alone. All of them are emotionally draining!

Join cancer thriver and cancer doula Talaya Dendy, BCPA, on Wednesday for a dose of inspiration, information, and connection on Navigating Cancer TOGETHER as she shares her cancer journey with raw vulnerability and practical advice as someone who’s been there. She also interviews guests from all walks of life who have been impacted by cancer and are passionate about sharing their patient, thriver, and caregiver experiences to help listeners navigate their unique path TOGETHER. Wellness champions and specialists promoting holistic approaches to care are also welcome to share their expertise on offsetting the pesky side effects of treatment.

Tune in to hear raw and honest conversations, true stories, and valuable perspectives on the hidden struggles no one talks about, emotional rollercoaster, and the quiet victories of a cancer journey. Each episode contains powerful information to help you navigate cancer more easily, feel hopeful, and be better informed.

Listen and subscribe now to navigate cancer TOGETHER!

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

About Navigating Cancer TOGETHER

Upon receiving a cancer diagnosis, the patient typically faces many challenges, including feeling confused, overwhelmed, and alone. All of them are emotionally draining!

Join cancer thriver and cancer doula Talaya Dendy, BCPA, on Wednesday for a dose of inspiration, information, and connection on Navigating Cancer TOGETHER as she shares her cancer journey with raw vulnerability and practical advice as someone who’s been there. She also interviews guests from all walks of life who have been impacted by cancer and are passionate about sharing their patient, thriver, and caregiver experiences to help listeners navigate their unique path TOGETHER. Wellness champions and specialists promoting holistic approaches to care are also welcome to share their expertise on offsetting the pesky side effects of treatment.

Tune in to hear raw and honest conversations, true stories, and valuable perspectives on the hidden struggles no one talks about, emotional rollercoaster, and the quiet victories of a cancer journey. Each episode contains powerful information to help you navigate cancer more easily, feel hopeful, and be better informed.

Listen and subscribe now to navigate cancer TOGETHER!

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

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