EP 18: Life Beyond Loss: J.J. Duncan's Mission to Normalize Death Conversations

J.J. Duncan is an award-winning television producer, writer, advocate, and co-founder of the nonprofit, “Not Today Cancer,” which raises funds for childhood cancer research. J.J. is widely known as an Executive Producer and Showrunner of hits including Project Runway, and The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning, among many others.

1. Background:

   • In 2020, JJ faced an unimaginable tragedy – the loss of her beloved eleven-year-old son, Mason, to an aggressive form of leukemia.
   • Responding to this heart-wrenching experience, JJ co-founded "Not Today Cancer," channeling her grief into a powerful force for change.

2. Advocacy:

   • JJ's commitment extends beyond personal grief. She took her cause to Capitol Hill, advocating for a potential bill that would provide support to children battling cancer.

3. Mason's Fight:

   • The journey began with the discovery of Mason's diagnosis, and the family rallied with unwavering determination to combat the illness.
   • Despite a period of remission, the cancer returned with a grim prognosis, revealing the resilient spirit of young Mason.
   • Even in the last moments of his short life, Mason's essence remained, leaving an enduring impact on his family.

4. Death Positive Movement:

   • JJ has made it her mission to openly discuss topics surrounding childhood cancer, loss, and grief.
   • Embracing the Death Positive movement, she strives to normalize the telling of Death Stories, emphasizing authenticity over toxic positivity.

5. Profound Insights:

   • "I didn't let him go; I just learned to change who he was."
   • Beyond the tangible, Mason's spirit persists, manifested through signs and connections that bring solace to JJ and her family.
   • Laughter emerges as an indispensable medicine.

6. The Coexistence of Emotions:

   • Acknowledging the complexity of grief, JJ shares the invaluable lesson of accepting both laughter and tears as coexisting elements.
   • Learning to sit with feelings becomes an essential part of navigating one of life's most challenging lessons – the acceptance of loss without escape.

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Important links from today's episode

⁠https://www.nottodaycancer.care/⁠

Follow JJ on IG

Watch The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning

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