An Unexpected Fight: A pediatric cancer podcast

Tiffany, Kelly and Steve talk about emotions associated with pediatric cancer diagnosis from the perspective of a pediatric cancer survivor, a pediatric cancer parent and a bereaved pediatric cancer parent. Reintroducing: Steve Garraty was lucky to be graduating high school. He was partying and living a lifestyle that wasn't sustainable. His priorities were upside down. He was running towards the edge of a cliff and unable to stop himself. Then God intervened. He heard the three dreaded words none of us ever want to hear: “You have cancer.”After embarking on chemotherapy and a year of hell, as all his friends headed off to college, he beat the cancer. He went from victim to victor, from asking “Why me” to “Why not me?” He ended up not only surviving but thriving.Today, Steve has been married for more than thirty years to his beautiful wife, Wendy. They have raised two incredible kids who have both graduated college and begun their own careers. Steve has had a successful career in sales and leadership. He's hired more than 250 people in his career. He's coached and developed more than a thousand sales contributors and sales leaders. He cares deeply about helping others and seeing others achieve success and accomplishing their goals.He views cancer as being the best thing to ever happen to him. It changed everything…for the better! He grew from his experience. It set the foundation to be a better husband, father, friend, and leader. He writes to share his experience to help others alter their perspective and view the glass as full!Steve resides in Tampa, Florida. He enjoys traveling, music, exercise, watching UGA football with his son, and spending as much time with family as possible.https://stevegarraty.com/https://www.instagram.com/stevegarratyauthor/If you want to donate to Gold Ribbon Kids: https://givebutter.com/gold-ribbon-kids-cancer-foundationto learn more go to:goldribbon-kids.orgnationalpcf.orgkgoddard@nationalpcf.org - Kellyinfo@goldribbon-kids.org - TiffanySupport the show

Dr. Satterlee is an Assistant Professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the Director of the Screening Live Cancer Explants Program and Core Facility at Eshelman Innovation — an academic institute focused on translating groundbreaking ideas into real solutions for patients.Since beginning his PhD in 2011 as a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellow, Dr. Satterlee has spent over 14 years developing new cancer therapies and better, more predictive models to test those therapies. Through this work, he's seen firsthand the limitations of traditional cancer models — from the artificiality of in vitro assays, to the high cost of animal studies, and the overwhelming lack of standardization across the field.This work is deeply personal for him. At 20 years old, he was diagnosed with a rare, heterogeneous brain tumor. With no clear consensus among his doctors, it was ultimately up to him — the patient — to choose between standard-of-care whole brain radiation or a newer chemotherapy option with promising early data. It was in that moment that he knew: there had to be a better way to help providers and patients make informed treatment decisions. And today, he's building that tool.In 2016, Dr. Satterlee began developing a unique drug screening platform alongside an interdisciplinary team of scientists and clinicians, including pediatric neuro-oncologist Dr. David Kram. Their system allows for real-time testing of patient tumor tissue — taken straight from the operating room to the lab. It's already being used to help identify more effective therapies, minimize reliance on animal models, guide clinical trial enrollment, and inform real-time treatment decisions for patients with brain tumors, as well as other cancers like ovarian and lung.find out more @ https://slice.unc.edu/You can also get involved with the Gold Ribbon Kids Cancer Foundation or the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation through fundraising, volunteering, promoting awareness, or contributing to pediatric cancer research. Visit goldribbon-kids.org or nationalpcf.org for more informationTo contact Tiffany, please email info@goldribbon-kids.orgTo contact Kelly, please email kgoddard@nationalpcf.orgSupport the show

Claire L. Carter, Ph.D., is an Assistant Member of the Center for Discovery and Innovation; Assistant Professor of Pathology at Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine; and Co-Director of the Mass Spectrometry and Analytical Pharmacology Shared Resource at the NCI-designated Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center.Dr. Carter completed her Ph.D. in Chemistry at the University of Birmingham, UK, under the supervision of Professor Josephine Bunch. She then moved to the US for a postdoctoral appointment at the University of Maryland Baltimore, where she worked on normal tissue radiation injury. At the Hackensack Meridian Center for Discovery and Innovation, Dr. Carter has built a translational pediatric neuro-oncology research program in partnership with Dr. Derek Hanson, Director of Pediatric Neuro-oncology, Joseph M. Sanzari Children's Hospital, Hackensack University Medical Center.Dr. Carter possesses a rare translational background that combines expertise in bioanalytical chemistry, clinical histopathology and biomedical science. Her group are using next generation imaging techniques to develop a deep understanding of the biological and transitional states of tumor cells as shaped by their spatiotemporal location within patient tumors and preclinical models. Their focus is on targeting lipid signaling and metabolism for less toxic and more efficacious treatments in highly aggressive pediatric brain tumors. In addition to using mass spectrometry imaging for intratumoral pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) studies to identify more efficacious treatment regimens that can be rapidly translated into clinic gain.You can also get involved with the Gold Ribbon Kids Cancer Foundation or the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation through fundraising, volunteering, promoting awareness, or contributing to pediatric cancer research. Visit goldribbon-kids.org or nationalpcf.org for more informationTo contact Tiffany, please email info@goldribbon-kids.orgTo contact Kelly, please email kgoddard@nationalpcf.orgSupport the show

Richard Gaster, M.D., Ph.D., is a Managing Partner at venBio with experience as a physician, entrepreneur, and life science investor. Now, a cancer dad. He has helped to launch, invest, and serve on the board of or as board observer of a number of venBio companies. Prior to joining venBio, Dr. Gaster served as the head of translational medicine at Pliant Therapeutics. As a key member of the founding management team, Dr. Gaster was instrumental in the formation and launch of Pliant Therapeutics from Third Rock Ventures where he previously served as a Senior Associate.Dr. Gaster has published numerous articles in top-tier peer-reviewed journals including Nature Medicine and Nature Nanotechnology, holds more than a dozen patents, was awarded first prize in the IEEE Change the World Competition, and was named one of Forbes “30 Under 30” in Science and Healthcare.Dr. Gaster holds a B.S.E in Bioengineering from the University of Pennsylvania where he graduated summa cum laude and was a University Scholar. He received his M.D. and Ph.D. in Bioengineering from Stanford University in the Medical Scientist Training Program.On March 1, 2024, my daughter, Claire experienced a seizure. She was diagnosed with a type of brain cancer called AT/RT (atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumor), a highly aggressive grade IV glioma..... tune in for the rest of the story!You can also get involved with the Gold Ribbon Kids Cancer Foundation or the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation through fundraising, volunteering, promoting awareness, or contributing to pediatric cancer research. Visit goldribbon-kids.org or nationalpcf.org for more informationTo contact Tiffany, please email info@goldribbon-kids.orgTo contact Kelly, please email kgoddard@nationalpcf.orgSupport the show

This week, we're thrilled to have Kellyn Simonson join us for an insightful episode. Kellyn, a passionate storyteller and advocate, brings her rich experiences from both her professional and personal life. As a Family Resources Coordinator and a mother who has navigated the challenges of autism and childhood leukemia within her family, Kellyn embodies resilience and hope.Tune in as we explore her contributions to a book chapter that has inspired many, and discover how her journey has empowered her to support others facing similar battles. Whether you're seeking comfort, inspiration, or guidance, this episode promises to offer valuable insights into overcoming life's hurdles.https://www.amazon.com/Deserts-Mountaintops-Pilgrimage-Jessica-Buchanan/dp/1958472212If you want to donate to Gold Ribbon Kids: https://givebutter.com/gold-ribbon-kids-cancer-foundationto learn more go to:goldribbon-kids.orgnationalpcf.orgkgoddard@nationalpcf.org - Kellyinfo@goldribbon-kids.org - TiffanySupport the show

If you want to donate to Gold Ribbon Kids: https://givebutter.com/gold-ribbon-kids-cancer-foundationto learn more go to:goldribbon-kids.orgnationalpcf.orgkgoddard@nationalpcf.org - Kellyinfo@goldribbon-kids.org - TiffanySupport the show

Steve Garraty was lucky to be graduating high school. He was partying and living a lifestyle that wasn't sustainable. His priorities were upside down. He was running towards the edge of a cliff and unable to stop himself. Then God intervened. He heard the three dreaded words none of us ever want to hear: “You have cancer.”After embarking on chemotherapy and a year of hell, as all his friends headed off to college, he beat the cancer. He went from victim to victor, from asking “Why me” to “Why not me?” He ended up not only surviving but thriving.Today, Steve has been married for more than thirty years to his beautiful wife, Wendy. They have raised two incredible kids who have both graduated college and begun their own careers. Steve has had a successful career in sales and leadership. He's hired more than 250 people in his career. He's coached and developed more than a thousand sales contributors and sales leaders. He cares deeply about helping others and seeing others achieve success and accomplishing their goals.He views cancer as being the best thing to ever happen to him. It changed everything…for the better! He grew from his experience. It set the foundation to be a better husband, father, friend, and leader. He writes to share his experience to help others alter their perspective and view the glass as full!Steve resides in Tampa, Florida. He enjoys traveling, music, exercise, watching UGA football with his son, and spending as much time with family as possible.https://stevegarraty.com/https://www.instagram.com/stevegarratyauthor/If you want to donate to Gold Ribbon Kids: https://givebutter.com/gold-ribbon-kids-cancer-foundationto learn more go to:goldribbon-kids.orgnationalpcf.orgkgoddard@nationalpcf.org - Kellyinfo@goldribbon-kids.org - TiffanySupport the show

Caden is the third of four children, diagnosed shortly after his 11th birthday with high risk acute myeloid leukemia. He received a bone marrow transplant (his oldest brother was his donor) in April 2023, and he spent 18 months in remission before relapsing in October 2024. He is currently undergoing treatment with Seattle Children's Hospital. Caden is kind, thoughtful, the best brother to his little sister, he loves to read, put puzzles together, and of course, play video games (scary ones are his favorite). He loves Jesus, and enjoys volunteering in children's ministry at his church. He dreams of one day becoming a firefighter. Despite everything he has been through, he has the most amazing smile, and is a light to everyone who knows him. The name Caden means Warrior or fighter; companion or friend, which is the perfect way to describe him, and his nickname in the hospital was Warrior Caden. Kellyn Simonson was raised in Washington state. She received a Bachelor's degree in Professional Communication from Rocky Mountain College in Billings, Montana before returning to the Pacific Northwest and starting a family of her own. Professionally, Kellyn works as a Family Resources Coordinator at a birth to three early intervention agency. She has navigated personal challenges including divorce, having a young son diagnosed with autism, and supporting another son through a high-risk leukemia battle. Her personal experiences have fueled her passion for writing, editing, and harnessing the power of storytelling to heal and inspire. She lives on a farm with her husband, their blended family of six kids, and eighteen chickens.Book link: https://a.co/d/dTE1IJmIf you want to donate to Gold Ribbon Kids: https://givebutter.com/gold-ribbon-kids-cancer-foundationto learn more go to:goldribbon-kids.orgnationalpcf.orgkgoddard@nationalpcf.org - Kellyinfo@goldribbon-kids.org - TiffanySupport the show

Mom of two boys 16 months apart, Vincent and Corey. Fitness/wellness industry for 18 years. I have always tried my best to make good healthy choices for my family. Cancer doesn't care. We lean on our Faith to get us through every day, especially was important during our cancer journey. Vincent was diagnosed with stage II Rhabdomysarcoma at age 4, has been off treatments for two years..happily in remission as a thriving 8 year old! If you want to donate to Gold Ribbon Kids: https://givebutter.com/gold-ribbon-kids-cancer-foundationto sign up for the race in Tampa discussed in this episode: https://nationalpcf.org/programs/walking-funds-the-cure/the-challenge/to learn more go to:goldribbon-kids.orgnationalpcf.orgkgoddard@nationalpcf.org - Kellyinfo@goldribbon-kids.org - TiffanySupport the show

https://www.instagram.com/sharellemendenhallhttps://www.facebook.com/sharelle.smith.3For more information, go to goldribbon-kids.org or email info@goldribbon-kids.orgfollow us on social media: goldribbonkids on all sites!Support the show

Featuring Capt. Red Flowers who took on and set a new record for the fastest completion of the great loop!! He has been raising money for pediatric cancer research with his venture and is also a cancer survivor himself. Read more about his story: https://nationalpcf.org/the-great-loop-challenge-2024/goldribbon-kids.orgnationalpcf.orgTiffany- goldribbonkidscf@gmail.comKelly - kgoddard@nationalpcf.org

tiffany and kelly discuss different myths related to cancer to learn more or to noraswarriors.comnationalpcf.orgkgoddard@nationalpcf.org - Kellygoldribbonkidscf@gmail.com - Tiffany

Dr. Trisha Larkin is the Director of Pediatric Neuro-Oncology at St. Joseph's Children's Hospital. She is dual-board certified in pediatrics and pediatric hematology-oncology. Dr. Larkin earned her medical degree from Florida International University College of Medicine, followed by a Master of Business Administration in healthcare. She completed her postdoctoral training at Nicklaus Children's Hospital and at the University of Florida Shands Children's Hospital, where she completed a fellowship in pediatric hematology-oncology and bone marrow transplantation. She went on to complete a prestigious advanced fellowship in neuro-oncology at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Tennessee. While at St. Jude, she worked on a team of world-renowned physicians to care for children diagnosed with complex brain and spinal tumors. Dr. Larkin is passionate about discovering innovative strategies to improve the care of children with brain tumors and serves as a lead investigator for the Sunshine Project consortium through the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation.  She has been awarded numerous grants for her research in early-phase clinical trials and has authored several peer-reviewed publications in leading oncology journals such as the Journal of Clinical Oncology and Neuro-Oncology. Dr. Larkin has been invited to present her research around the world, including in Germany and Japan.  She serves as associate editor for Neuro-Oncology on the MedNet, an interactive platform for physicians around the world to gather insight about treating complex oncologic diagnoses.  Dr. Larkin is deeply involved in the pediatric cancer community and enjoys volunteering her time to support childhood cancer.for more information on how to be involved go to noraswarriors.com or nationalpcf.org

Discussion on "A Heart that Works" by Rob Delaneynationalpcf.orgTiffany: tmcconathy@nationalpcf.orgKelly: Kgoddard@nationalpcf.org

Tiffany McConathy: tmcconathy@nationalpcf.orgKelly Goddard: Kgoddard@nationalpcf.orgnationalpcf.org 

Stephanie Tobola is a Texas native, military spouse, mother of two, and is now adding author to that list. Her debut book, Ketchup Sandwiches, is an intense memoir which takes the reader on the emotional rollercoaster of the life of a child enduring abuse and neglect. In sharing her story Stephanie aims to bring the hope of healing to others.In this episode, we dive into the life of trauma. We discuss helpful ways to navigate and work through the intricacies of life as a pediatric cancer patient and family.  CBT information: https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/treatments/cognitive-behavioral-therapyHow to order Ketchup Sandwhiches: https://a.co/d/88R42TOTiffany McConathy: tmcconathy@nationalpcf.orgKelly Goddard: Kgoddard@nationalpcf.orgnationalpcf.org 

This episode features brain cancer survivor Jordan and his mom, Jodi. They share their story and what continues to inspire them to continue to help other pediatric cancer patients. Contact information for Jordan and JodiJZips.orgj@jzips.org

Discussing innovative quantum radiation research for pediatric cancerBio for Dr. Kei Imawoto: I attended the University of California, Berkeley to earn a double AB degree in Physics and in Biochemistry.  I received a PhD degree from the UCLA School of Medicine in Biomedical Physics in the specialty of Radiation Biology and Experimental Therapeutic Oncology.  I then worked at the Radiation Effects Research Foundation (RERF) in Hiroshima, Japan, as a fellow of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences, to study the molecular mechanisms of radiation carcinogenesis among the atomic bomb survivors.  RERF is a binational research institute funded equally be the governments of Japan and the U.S.  I moved back the U.S. to accept a faculty position and set up a laboratory in the Division of Molecular and Cellular Oncology of the Department of Radiation Oncology within the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA.You can also get involved with the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation through fundraising, volunteering, promoting awareness, or contributing to pediatric cancer research. Visit nationalpcf.org for more information about the foundationTo contact Tiffany, please email tmcconathy@nationalpcf.org To contact Kelly, please email kgoddard@nationalpcf.org

Nilay Shah, MD is a clinician-scientist and Associate Professor in the Division of Hematology/Oncology/BMT at Nationwide Children's Hospital. His primary clinical focus is on pediatric solid tumors, including neuroblastomas, tumors of the kidneys, and rare solid tumors of childhood. His research focuses on the molecular drivers of pediatric cancers and how new treatment approaches can be taken to better target those drivers. In this role, he works to identify new uses of currently available anticancer treatments, including drugs originally developed for use against cancers in adults.  He serves as Associate Director for Liver Tumor, Kidney Tumor, Germ Cell, and Neuroblastoma Targeted Therapies, and is currently the Sponsor and Study Principal Investigator the CaboMain trial, a Phase 2 study evaluating the efficacy of the oral anticancer agent cabozantinib as a maintenance therapy for ultra-high-risk solid tumors.He also serves as co-director of the Cancer Genetics Program. This program serves to advance the use of genetic and genomic evaluations for the benefits of patients. In this role, he sees patients in the Cancer Predisposition Clinic for evaluation, surveillance, and management of patients with genetic alterations that predispose to cancer development. He also consults on patients for precision oncology, partnering with the Institute for Genomic Medicine to identify therapeutic approaches based on patient tumor and germline genomics.Dr. Shah is a graduate of the Honors Program in Medical Education at Northwestern University, earning his medical degree in 2003. Dr. Shah completed a residency in General Pediatrics in 2006 at the Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, and a fellowship in Pediatric Hematology/Oncology at Johns Hopkins University and the National Cancer Institute in 2011. He also was a Research Instructor at the Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., prior to his arrival at Nationwide Children's Hospital in 2013.

National Pediatric Cancer Foundation Websitenationalpcf.org Personal emails to contact us:kgoddard@nationalpcf.orgtmcconathy@nationalpcf.org Health Navigator Form to Contact Kellyhttps://nationalpcf.org/health-navigator/ Online toolkit - we would also be happy to mail you a copy if desiredhttps://nationalpcf.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Pediatric-Cancer-Toolkit-Your-Guide-National-Pediatric-Cancer-Foundation-2022.pdf

MilliesMiracle.Net•

Dr Takijah Heard is a Chicago native, born on the south side of Chicago. Dr Heard received her doctorate of medicine from the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine. She remained on the south side at UIC/Advocate Hope Children's Hospital for her pediatric residency. Dr Heard's pediatric neurology residency and epilepsy fellowship was completed at Harvard's Boston Children Hospital. After completing her fellowship in epilepsy, she attended the Harvard School of Public Health to learn more about how to conduct epilepsy research in order to impact the world on a broader level. She has travelled to various countries in Central America and Africa including Zambia and Tanzania teaching and spreading awareness about epilepsy. In 2018, Dr Heard continued these educational efforts by travelling to Kenya with a mentoring program called I Am Abel Foundation.Dr Heard's teaching skills have been honored as she was the recipient of the Dean's Excellence in Teaching Award during her first position as the Assistant Professor at the University of Texas at Houston. She has worked extensively with the Epilepsy Foundation of Texas and Greater Chicago and now functions as a board member and physician advisor. She currently serves on the Physician Advisory Board for the Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Chicago. Dr Heard's passion for epilepsy has been shared on National Public Radio (NPR), FOX News in Chicago and WGN local news in Chicago. She has been named as one of 2013's Top America Doctors. Dr Heard has authored chapters in books and articles focused on pediatric epilepsy. Additionally, she has been featured in an award winning book called Against All Odds Celebrating Black Women in Medicine that has recently turned into a documentary renamed Changing the Face of Medicine which was released in 2017.Dr Takijah Heard is currently working as pediatric neurologist and epileptologist at NorthShore University Health System as the Director of Pediatric Neurophysiology. She also works at Neurabilities Healthcare treat a more broad range of neurologic disease, behaviors and epilepsy. She cares for kids with any and all neurologic issues but has a special passion for children with seizures. She has helped with the creation of the MediKidz comic book series highlight her personal patients ability to conquer their epilepsy. She continues to teach medical students and residents about pediatric neurology and epilepsy in hopes of broadening the field. In 2022, she was awarded the Chicagoland Mentor of the Year Award by a medical mentoring group called the I Am Abe Foundation. She currently in on Instagram as the Baby Brain Doctor in an effort to increase education through the media avenues. She has pushed her passion for epilepsy awareness to the Mrs. America platform. She was crowned Mrs. Illinois on 6/17/23 and will be competing for Mrs. America on 8/26/23 in Las Vegas, Nevada. If crowned Mrs America, she will have a national platform to influence change in epilepsy education, care and awareness. In the meantime, she will use her 1 year of reign as Mrs. Illinois to increase epilepsy awareness through various speaking and appearances throughout Illinois.

Miranda Walker  with her mom, Amber. an 11 year old with an amazing story of perseverance and tenacity with an understanding well beyond her years

Joel was born in El Paso Texas and raised in Sunland Park, New Mexico. Joel attended New Mexico State University and graduated in 2001 and started working in ophthalmology surgery. Joel also attended the University of Texas at El Paso and graduated in 2014. He currently works for Southwest Eye Institute and Vista Surgery Center. He created the nonprofit organization, “The Gold Corner”, and also started the YouTube channel under the same name. He uses this platform to speak with parents whose children have been affected by cancer. He created this channel to raise awareness where these little warriors are showcased as they are, heroes. Whether these children were already called home or are currently fighting.  Joel is also a member of the worldwide brotherhood “Bearded Villains” where he serves as the Charity Head Officer. Bearded Villains is a charity-based worldwide brotherhood. He is also an ordained minister, author, motivational speaker but his passion is martial arts. Joel works as a referee and judge for professional and amateur mixed martial arts fights and is licensed with several sanctioning bodies. This is where he got his nickname “The Bearded Ref” He welcomed his daughter Mia into the world on July 17th, 2015, But his world turned upside down in Sept of 2017.  See more about his organization at thegoldcorner.orgAs always, you can visit noraswarriors.com for more information!

Victoria Porter is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and owner of Garland County Grief Counseling in downtown Hot Springs. She worked for several years in hospice and bereavement care and is now a grief therapist specializing in grief and loss only. She is a Certified Compassionate Bereavement Care Provider and an Advanced Palliative and Hospice Social Work Certified Provider. In this episode, we will discuss things to avoid saying to a grieving parent.

Dr. Cannon's Bio: She graduated from Cornell University with a Bachelor degree in Biological Sciences. She was then commissioned as an officer in the United States Navy. After her service in the military, and a brief stint in biomedical research, she completed my medical degree at the University of North Texas Health Science Center, with an internship at the Children's Hospital of Los Angeles and finished her residency at the Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital of New York.  She worked in rural South Carolina with the National Health Service Corps, and moved to Hot Springs AR in 2016, where she began working at Hot Springs Pediatric clinic.For more information you can visit noraswarriors.com or follow our facebook page facebook.com/princessnoraswarriorfoundation. You can also look us up on Instagram, LinkedIN, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. 

To read more about our story, the foundation's mission and goals, please visit noraswarriors.com

An Unexpected Fight: a pediatric cancer podcast trailer.