Help and Hope Happen Here

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This Podcast is going to be about Pediatric Cancer and the need to keep the awareness of it in the public eye. The ultimate goal is to keep people wanting to donate money to help these kids who have an insidious disease that they did not and do not deserve.This is going to be primarily an interview show in which I will talk with oncologists, parents, patients who have recovered, and many other people who have a stake in Pediatric Cancer and care about this cause. To Support my Podcast, Here is the link. It is http://danafarber.jimmyfund.org/goto/pediatricpodcast

Mark Levine

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    • Jun 2, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekdays NEW EPISODES
    • 54m AVG DURATION
    • 456 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Help and Hope Happen Here

    Maya Luria will talk about her daughter Kelsey who was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia in November of 2014 and passed away on April 18th of 2015, just 6 days after her 18th birthday.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 2, 2025 50:11


    Kelsey Lauria began to have massive headaches early in the fall of her senior year in high school in 2014 which led to her diagnosis of Acute Myeloid Leukemia. In the later part of the winter in 2015, Kelsey experienced heart failure which led to her passing on April 18th, just 6 days after her 18th birthday and less than 6 months after her cancer diagnosis. During her treatment, Kelsey started her Bald Beauties Project to help in the fight against Pediatric Cancer and this successful non-profit has been run by her mom Maya since Kelsey's passing. 

    10 year old Gabe Sorensen will talk about what he went through beginning in 2021 when he was diagnosed with a very rare form of Pediatric Brain Cancer at the age of 6, and how he is doing 4 years later.

    Play Episode Listen Later May 29, 2025 36:16


    Despite being diagnosed with a very rare form of Pediatric Brain cancer when he was 6 years old in 2021, Gabe Sorensen is living as good of a life as possible some 4 years later. Gabe was treated at St. Jude's and his goals for the future are either to become a doctor to help cure Pediatric Cancer or become a member of the Space Program. 

    20 year old Livvy Bedard is trying to become a Visionary of the Year for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society by raising money in honor of her great friend Caeleigh Brown who is a nursing student and well past her battle with Leukemia

    Play Episode Listen Later May 26, 2025 45:34


    Livvy Bedard and Caeleigh Brown met while on the Swimming Team in Middle School. Caeleigh was diagnosed with Leukemia while a member of this team in January of 2017, shortly after setting her personal best during a swimming meet. Caleigh is now a Nursing Student at James Madison University. Livvy is working with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society as she attempts to become a Visionary of the Year by raising money in honor of Caeleigh and what she went through. Livvy began this quest on March 27th and has an upcoming fundraising deadline of June 5th. 

    Matt Meo will talk about his 140 mile run which took him 45 hours 56 minutes and 11 second complete to honor his son Landon and 105 other Pediatric Cancer Warriors in March of this year.

    Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2025 86:24


    After Matt and Breanna's son 10 1/2 year old son Landon passed away from Medulloblastoma in December of 2022, Matt took up running as a way to cope with the grief from his beloved son's passing. In March of this year, Matt's running took him to Lake Folsom in Auburn California where he lives and he began a 140 mile run that honored the memory of Landon and honored 105 other Pediatric Cancer Warriors, some of whom are fighters. some of whom are survivors, and some of whom have passed away. This amazing accomplished was also captured on a 45 minute film which was put together by his "crew" of helpers who helped Matt every step of the way. 

    Dr. Emma Jones will talk about her role as a Palliative Care Physician in the Pediatric and Adolescent Cancer Community and her book which discusses the very difficult problem of BURNOUT in the Medical Profession

    Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2025 71:13


    Dr. Emma Jones is a Best Selling author because of her book entitled THE PHOENIX BLUEPRINT: RISING STRONGER FROM THE BLAZE OF HEALTHCARE which details the real problem of BURNOUT in the Medical Community. Emma has been a victim of burnout twice and she will talk about her book plus her role as a Palliative Care Physician for Pediatric Cancer and Adolescent Cancer patients.

    Dr.Allie Neenan is the Founder and Director of the very comprehensive Resource Library called CANCER CUSHION and will talk about the many specific facets of the Pediatric Cancer Experience

    Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2025 56:38


    Dr. Allie Neenan became very interested in Pediatric Cancer while a student at the University of Texas in Dallas  and after getting her degree, she received her Masters and Doctorate at Eastern Michigan University, Allie is now a Doctor who focuses on Psychology and has taken her considerable knowledge and skill to the world of Pediatric Cancer where she started her CANCER CUSHION Resource Library, which has answers to so many questions which arise during an individual and family's Pediatric Cancer journey.

    Brandon Cary will talk about his role as the President of the Idaho Pediatric Cancer Coalition which is the leading Pediatric Cancer Non-Profit in Southern Idaho

    Play Episode Listen Later May 12, 2025 56:03


    When Brandon Cary decided to join the Idaho Pediatric Cancer Coalition as its Secretary he did not envision becoming the President of this non-profit. Since he did however, this Coalition has become the leading Pediatric Cancer non-profit in the area and has plans to expand its scope to other communities in Idaho including Boise in the near future. As part of its mission , the Coalition focuses on helping with the "little things" that the families involved with Pediatric Cancer situations can use as much help with as possible.

    Colleen Mocey will talk about her son Connor who was incorrectly diagnosed with Acute Myelod Leukemia when he was 2 1/2 years old in November of 2022 and then 10 months later was correctly diagnosed with Ewings Sarcoma.

    Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2025 48:28


    Imagine the shock and horror of having a child be diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia, going through treatment for that for 8 months,, relapsing 2 months later, and then being told that the first diagnosis was wrong, and that the child actually had  Ewings Sarcoma. That is what happened to then 2 1/2 year old Connor Mocey who is now 5 years old and doing as well as possible while dealing with this difficult Bone Cancer. 

    Danielle Phillips will talk about her daughter Angelina who was diagnosed with Stage 4 Neuroblastoma when she was 3 1/2 years old in 2013 and passed away from this very difficult form of Pediatric Cancer in February of 2020.

    Play Episode Listen Later May 5, 2025 85:24


    When 3 1/2 year old Angelina Phillips was diagnosed with Stage 4 Neuroblastoma in 2013, one oncologist actually thought that her diagnosis was so bad that her mom Danielle should consider not even giving her treatment, Angelina did receive treatment which included 3 relapses and was able to go on some memorable trips during her battle which ended with her passing just before Covid began in late February of 2020. 

    Katie Histing would have been 24 years old today, May 1st and her friends Leanna Headley and Brigette Cole, along with Katies's mom Lynn will recall her amazing life that was cut far too short by Ewings Sarcoma

    Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2025 69:21


    Katie Histing was diagnosed with Ewings Sarcoma when she was a 17 year old High School Senior in 2018. Katie fought her disease like a true Champion, made countless friends along the way and will always be known as a Pediatric Cancer Icon. Katie passed away on November 25th of 2024, approximately 6 months after Katie was told that there were no more curative options for her. 

    Gavin and Wendy Lindberg will talk about their son Evan who was diagnosed with Stage 4 High Risk Neuroblastoma when he was 3 years old in 2006 and passed away after his very difficult treatment in October of 2010.

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 28, 2025 81:35


    Gavin and Wendy Lindberg's son Evan was diagnosed with Stage 4 High Risk Neuroblastoma in 2006 when he was 3 years old. His diagnosis came on very quickly and his cancer spread very quickly. As I said on our podcast, anyone would need a strong stomach just to read about the litany of issues that Evan had to go through before his passing in October of 2010 including trips to 4 different hospitals, 4 relapses, and 4 brain surgeries. 

    Eileen and Conrad Haubrich will talk about their son Brett who was diagnosed with a Grade 3 Anaplastic Astrocytoma Brain Tumor when he was 11 years old and passed away when he was 14 and a freshman in High School

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 24, 2025 60:45


    After he had a series of debilitating headaches, 11 year old Brett Haubrich was diagnosed with a Grade 3 Anaplastic Astrocytoma Brain Tumor in May of 2014. Despite always having his thumbs up during his treatment which portrayed his attitude about this fight, Brett lost his battle with this form of Pediatric Brain Cancer on January 10th of 2018. 

    Amy McHugh will talk about her daughter Emily who was diagnosed with Stage 4 High Risk Neuroblastoma before her 4th birthday in 2009 and now is a Sophomore in college.

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 21, 2025 64:33


    Emily McHugh went through a very difficult treatment protocol after being diagnosed with Stage 4 High Risk Neuroblastoma in 2009 before she turned 4 years old. Originally Emily was thought to have had Leukemia. Emily also has had to deal with many side effects from her treatment but still has been able to live as good of a life as possible as she is now a sophomore in college, and will be spending her next academic year at Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland. 

    Ethan Pompeo will talk about his inflammatory disease known as PANDAS which hit him suddenly when he was 13 years old and not diagnosed for 10 years , and will then discuss the last 10 years which have been full of good health and success.

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 17, 2025 54:55


    Ethan Pompeo was 13 years old when he began to experience tics, sudden movements , and deep anxiety which was caused by PANDAS, an inflammatory disease which affects 1 in 200 people and is very difficult to diagnose. At the age of 23 Ethan was finally given his diagnosis and over the last 8 years he has built a business which has focused on the perfectly legal supplement know as CBD to help himself and 40, 000 others find ways to help lessen and eliminate pain that they have been living with.

    Alison Hicks will talk about her daughter Chelsea who was diagnosed with the Kidney Cancer Wilms Tumor when she was 3 years old in April of 2007, and passed away without ever really getting a break from her treatment in February of 2009 when she was 5

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 14, 2025 56:19


    While rubbing her 3 year old daughter Chelsea's belly, Alison Hicks felt a lump which was shortly diagnosed as a Stage 4 Wilms Tumor. Chelsea fought this Pediatric  Kidney Cancer for nearly 2 years before passing away after a treatment protocol which was very difficult from the beginning to its end. As a result of Chelsea's battle and passing, Alison started the Chelsea Hicks Foundation which focuses on keeping a smile on Pediatric Cancer patients as they go through their impatient hospital treatments. 

    Lorie Chartier will talk about her now 18 year old daughter Gracie who was diagnosed with Very High Risk Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in 2016 and has had many struggles to deal with over the years

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 10, 2025 62:16


    The normal protocol for a diagnosis of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia is around 2 years of treatment but Lorie Chartiers daughter Gracie, who was diagnosed with this form of Pediatric Blood cancer when she was turning 10 years old in 2016, did not have the luxury of a normal maintenance program during her recovery. For the past 6 years leading up to 2025, she has struggled with many post treatment side effects which have hampered her, especially from a psychosocial point of view. Now 18 years old, Gracie is doing what she can to lead her best life possible. 

    Dr. John Van Doorninck will talk about the Charity WORLD CHILD CANCER which focuses on the needs of Pediatric Cancer Patients and their Families who live in low income and middle income countries.

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 7, 2025 87:45


    Dr. John Van Doorninck is a Pediatric Cancer Hematologist and Oncologist in Denver Colorado. He is also an active member and strong supporter of World Child Cancer, an International Organization whose main focus is to help lower income and middle income countries who do not have the wealth, resources, or expertise to help the Pediatric Cancer communities, as wealthy countries such as the United States are able to do. Dr. Van Doorninck will talk about many facets of this problem, including what solutions are already in place to hopefully bring up the survival rate in these countries to 60 percent by 2030. 

    Erin Booth will talk about her son Landon who was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in 2021, has been in remission since 2023, but struggles with many side effects from his pediatric cancer battle.

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 3, 2025 50:48


    Erin Booth's son Landon was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia when he was 5 1/2 years old in March of 2021. From that time until he was in remission beginning in 2023, Landon had gone through his treatment well enough, but then after his remission started , so did his side effects . As Landon is now nearing his 10th birthday, these myriad of side effects remain an issue for him and the hope is that they will become easier as Landon moves on and approaches his Survivorship Stage.

    Laura DeKraker Lang-Ree Will talk about her daughter Cecilia who is living a good life after an early cancer battle and Laura's recently published book entitled The Parents Cancer Handbook.

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 31, 2025 61:08


    Laura DeKraker Lang- Ree knew nothing about Pediatric Cancer when her then 3 year old daughter Cecilia was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in 1999. Since that time, Cecilia has recovered and gone on to lead a very successful and productive life, and Laura was able to learn so much about all facets of Pediatric Cancer that she was able to write a book called THE PARENTS CANCER HANDBOOK - What Your Oncologist Does Not Have Time To Tell You which she just published several weeks ago.   

    Stacie Eirich will talk about the side effects and after effects that her now 16 year old daughter Sadie has been struggling with over the past 2 years since she was diagnosed with Medulloblastoma when she was 14

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 27, 2025 53:42


    Side Effects and After Effects from any Pediatric Cancer battle can be very difficult, especially when there are so many side effects that are concerning after being diagnosed with Pediatric Brain Cancer. That is certainly the case as we just heard from Stacie Eirich in talking about her daughter Sadie who has had more than a few difficult obstacles to overcome. The hope is that she will find the right people and programs to help Sadie through her toughest times. 

    AUDREY'S CHILDREN Joe McDonough, Michael Helfant, and Julia Fisher Farbman will talk about the movie Audrey's Children which will be opening in theatres beginning this Friday, March 28th.

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 24, 2025 92:34


    Audrey's Children is a movie that will be released in theatres this Friday, March 28th. It is the story of Dr. Audrey Evans, who is very likely the most significant Pediatric Cancer Oncologist of all time. Joe McDonough, who is the Founder of the Andrew McDonough B Positive Foundation , Michael Helfant who has been in the film business long enough to be involved in 150 films, and Julia Fisher Farbman, who is the Screenwriter and Producer of this film will talk about this remarkable woman who did so much for so many children before passing away at the age of 97 in 2022.

    Ryan and Courtney Cotton will talk about their daughter Julianna, her Neuroblastoma diagnosis, how long it took to get her diagnosis, and how she is doing today.

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 20, 2025 61:26


    After a long period of time with severe stomach pain, Ryan and Courtney Cotton's daughter Julianna had to go through a test which completely missed an 11 cm tumor which was covering 70 percent of her belly before she finally received a proper diagnosis of Neuroblastoma in early 2022. Now 3 years later, Julianna has recovered from 2 relapses, currently has No Evidence of Disease , and is living the life of a normal 6 year old girl. 

    Terrie Magro will talk about her son's Mark and Michael who were diagnosed with different forms of Pediatric within less than 3 months of each other in 2004, with one great outcome, and one terrible outcome to follow.

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 17, 2025 73:34


    Terrie Magro will talk about her son Mark who was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma, just before turning 11 years old in mid March of  2004, and then on June 8th of that year, her 13 year old son Michael was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia with a rare T Cell variation . Mark is now nearing 32 years of age and is doing well both health and career wise but unfortunately, Michael passed away on July 30th of 2004, only 52 days after his diagnosis.  

    Tay Scheibe will talk about her Pediatric Cancer Battles which happened beginning when she 10 years old and now, years later, will talk about her With Love Charity to help these kids during their own cancer battles.

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 13, 2025 56:09


    Tay Scheibe was diagnosed with Large Cell Lymphoma when she was 10 years old and a 5th grade student on Tuesday, September 11th, 2001. Tay had 1 more cancer fight to go through and by the time she was 12, Tay was on her way to a full recovery  Tay spent much of the next years after her recovery trying to work on her own identity and in 2012, started a Toy Drive for the benefit of Pediatric Cancer patients which turned into her now Non-Profit With Love Charity in 2016. 

    Taryn Jarboe will talk about her beloved daughter June who was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma in June of 2021, experienced a 6 month respite with No Evidence Of Disease, but passed away on March 13th of 2022

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 10, 2025 59:22


    Taryn Jarboe was trying to console her 8 month old daughter June in June of 2021 as she had not been feeling well, and while examining her body, found a lump that was diagnosed as Neuroblastoma. June was supposed to go through an 18 month treatment program but while she was 10 months into her protocol, June developed a stomach bug and just before the radiation part of her treatment was supposed to begin, her doctors gave June scans which found that her Neuroblastoma had relapsed. Very unfortunately, there was only a 5 percent chance that June would survive this relapse and she passed away on March 13th of 2022. 

    Erica Campbell is the Executive Director of the Pinky Swear Foundation which focuses on directly helping families who are dealing with a Pediatric Cancer battle for their child who is in treatment.

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 6, 2025 50:32


    Erica Campbell received her degree in Accounting from William and Mary and her MBA from Duke and then, years later, with advice from her mom decided to leave the business world to try and find her true passion, which turned out to be running a non-profit which concentrated on Pediatric Cancer. Since May of 2017, Erica has found this passion by being the Executive Director of the Pinky Swear Foundation which has worked with over 3000 families who are directly dealing with a Pediatric Cancer battle. 

    Emily Stenson will talk about her then 3 year old daughter Charlie who was eventually diagnosed with a Stage 4 Mixed Germ Cell Tumor after 18 months of thinking that Charlie was suffering from Constipation.

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 3, 2025 50:50


    The Bowel and Bladder issues that Emily Stenson's daughter Charlie was suffering from when she was 2 years old in early 2022 were constantly diagnosed as constipation, until she turned 3 and finally a 5 1/2 inch long Mass on her abdomen that had already spread to her liver was found. Charlie's correct diagnosis was a Stage 4 Mixed Germ Cell Tumor and after some very difficult treatment, she was declared to have No Evidence Of  Disease in January of 2024. Charlie relapsed in August of 2024 but was once again declared to have No Evidence of Disease in December of 2024, and is doing well enough so that she was as able to begin school in early February. 

    Gwen Garro will talk about her son Guy and his battle with Osetosarcoma which he was diagnosed with while he was in kindergarten in 2018. Guy is living his best life possible.

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 27, 2025 50:38


    It has been 6 1/2 years since Gwen Garro's son Guy was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma when he was in kindergarten in 2018. Guy has gone through many difficult surgeries and procedures since his diagnosis and has been able to lead quite an amazing life as he is now a 12 year old 6th grader. A very talented musician with a love for the theatre led him to being able to perform a song by Elton John entitled "I'm Still Standing" in front of 3000 people at Radio City Music Hall and Guy repeated that performance on January 30th of this year at the New York Rangers Casino Night Fundraiser.  

    Adisyn Gray will talk about her son Hudson who was diagnosed with a form of Pediatric Brain cancer and was given a 20 percent chance of a 5 year survival in 2021. Now his 5 year survival rate is 70 percent.

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 24, 2025 45:46


    After being diagnosed with the Pediatric Brain Cancer Chloroid Plexus Carcinoma in November of 2021, Hudson Gray's doctors had given him a 20 percent chance of surviving 5 years . Now, more than 3 years later, as Hudson is approaching his 5th birthday. his chances of surviving 5 years has gone up in dramatic fashion to 70 percent. Hudson's mom Adisyn will talk about everything that Hudson has gone through to get to this point, including a nearly 7 month stay at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

    Rene Michael will talk about her now 29 year old married daughter Alicia who was diagnosed with Bone Cancer in early 2002 when she was 6 years old and was the inspiration behind the Honeysuckle Foundation.

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 20, 2025 65:12


    When Rene Michael's 6 year old daughter Alicia was complaining of a backache in  December of 2001, little did she know that her backache would lead to a diagnosis of a Peripheral Nueroectodermal Tumor which is a Bone Cancer closely related to Ewings Sarcoma. During her inpatient treatment, her mom Rene tells the story of Alicia deciding to find a way to donate money to the Pediatric Cancer patients and their families who were on her oncology floor. Thus, the Honeysuckle Foundation was born, inspirationally started by Alicia and officially started by Rene who has been the director of this foundation since its inception in late 2002. This foundation focuses on the all important psychosocial aspects of Pediatric Cancer. Today Alicia is approaching her 30th birthday, is married, and living her best life possible.

    Ashley Serwalt will talk about her son Jace who was diagnosed with B Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia when he was 4 years old in late 2023 and is now about halfway through his treatment protocol.

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 17, 2025 59:20


    After 4 year old Jace Serwalt was having trouble breathing early on Christmas morning in 2023, his parents Ashley and Kyle took him to his local hospital where he would be diagnosed with Croup, and then Pneumonia. Shortly after that diagnosis, as Jace was getting ready to go home, another doctor saw Jace, thought that he was looking very pale , and ordered a blood test. Not long after that, Jace was given his correct diagnosis which was B Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Ashely will talk about the road that Jace has taken since then and how he is doing, a little more than halfway through his treatment regiment.

    Nancy Whipple will talk about her son Alexander who was diagnosed with Stage 4 Intermediate Risk Neuroblastoma in March of 2010 and passed away on April 1st of 2011

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 13, 2025 59:02


    Nancy and Richard Whipple's son Alexander spent 250 days as an inpatient at Tufts Floating Hospital for Children beginning in 2010 as a result of his Neuroblastoma diagnosis in March of 2010 when he was 8 months old.  Alexander battled for 13 months with his form of Pediatric Cancer and 2 of his stays lasted for 46 and 38 days respectively. Alexander passed away on April 1st of 2011, after a 16 hour surgery which did not work out as planned. 

    Crystal Conroy will talk about her son Ashton who was diagnosed with a very rare form of Pediatric Leukemia in March of 2024 and has been at Boston Children's hospital for the past 65 days along with his mom

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 10, 2025 41:44


    Crystal Conroy's son Ashton was diagnosed with a very rare form of Pediatric Leukemia known as Acute MegaKaryblastic Leukemia or AMKL in March of 2024 when he was 10 1/2 months old. Ashton has been at Boston Children's Hospital for the past 65 days along with Crystal as the goal is to get him to remission so that he would be able to receive a Bone Marrow Transplant. That goal has not been reached and in fact, his doctors just confirmed that Ashton has had a relapse. 

    Marcy and Rachel Webster will talk about Rachel's battle with Ewings Sarcoma which was diagnosed when Rachel was 10 and how she is doing now that she just had her 13th birthday.

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 6, 2025 59:05


    What was thought to be a sprained ankle became a completely different situation for 10 year old Rachel Webster when she was diagnosed with Ewings Sarcoma. Rachel just turned 13 and is doing as well as possible after her battle and living as good of a life as she can. Her mom Marcy will talk about her daughter and the way that she has been able to overcome many obstacles as she now has No Evidence Of Disease.

    Sheri May will talk about her son Braiden who fell off a swing at 5 years old, was then diagnosed with High Risk Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia and is now 13, and 4 years removed from his leukemia treatment.

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 3, 2025 54:00


    After falling off a swing when he was 5 years old, Sheri May and her husband Pat noticed that their 5 year old son Braiden's stomach seemed to be expanding. Shortly after that, Braiden was diagnosed with High Risk Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Braiden went through 3 1/2 years of treatment and is now 13 years old, and is living his best life possible. 

    Shana Kline will talk about her son Aaron who was diagnosed with Medulloblastoma in 2002 when he was 4 years old, and is now a 6 year old active 1st grade student.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 30, 2025 64:04


    After taking a swimming lesson in late July of 2022 in very hot conditions, 4 year old Aaron Kline showed concerning symptoms which led his mother Shana to take him to see his pediatrician. A few days later, Aaron was diagnosed with the Pediatric Brain Cancer Medulloblastoma. 7 months later, Aaron completed his treatment at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and is currently feeling and doing well as a 6 year old first grade student. 

    Allison Donnelly will talk about her daughter Sloane who was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma in October of 2022 at the age of 2, has been in remission for 18 months, and is now 4 years old and doing well.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 27, 2025 45:29


    The name Sloane means WARRIOR in Irish and it is no wonder that this now 4 year old girl was given that name by her parents Allison and Eric Donnelly. Sloane was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma when she was 2 years old in October of 2022 after her belly seemed to be bulging, which caught the attention of her parents while they were giving her a bath. Sloane now has been in remission for 18 months and is doing as well as possible. 

    Amy Gillen will talk about her son Tanner who was incorrectly diagnosed with a stroke initially and was finally given the correct diagnosis of a Grade 4 Glioblastoma. Tanner passed away on January 23rd of 2019, exactly 6 years ago today.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 23, 2025 69:07


    Amy Gillen's 13 year old son Tanner's right hand stopped working while he was taking a quiz at school in February of 2018 and shortly thereafter he experienced Drop Foot. Then the right side of Tanner's body started to become paralyzed,  and he was taken to St. Louis Children's Hospital by ambulance where he was diagnosed with a stroke, which Amy knew was the incorrect diagnosis. Finally Tanner was given an MRI and the correct diagnosis of a Grade 4 Glioblastoma Brain Tumor was its result. Tanner passed away from this Brain Cancer at the age of 14 on January 23rd of 2019, exactly 6 years ago today.

    Beth Blakey is the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Non-profit the Cancer Hope Network and Katie Jenkins is the Director of its new initiative known as Hopeful Hearts- Parents Supporting Parents.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 20, 2025 68:43


    Beth Blakey and Katie Jenkins will talk with great passion about their Non - Profit  the Cancer Hope Network and its brand new initiative- Hopeful Hearts- Parents Supporting Parents on today's podcast. Both Beth and Katie emphasize that what they do is not just a job, but a Way Of Life.

    Jola Tapper's then 5 year old son Peter was diagnosed with Stage 4 Neuroblastoma in October of 2011, had No Evidence Of Disease in April of 2012, and 7 1/2 years later relapsed in December of 2019

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 16, 2025 61:01


    After Jola Tapper's son Peter was diagnosed when he was 5 years old with Stage 4 Neuroblastoma in October of 2011, he went through a difficult treatment protocol which took him to having No Evidence of Disease on April 12th of 2012. For the next 7 1/2 years, even though he had difficulties, Peter was able to lead as normal and good of a life as possible. Then came December of 2019 and he relapsed by being diagnosed with Synovial Sarcoma. Peter was able to survive for the next 25 months, until his ultimate passing on January 17th of 2022, just 25 days before his 16th birthday.

    Tara and Jonathan Sharpe will talk about their 5 year old daughter Lydia who was diagnosed with DIPG on August 7th of 2021 and passed away just 7 weeks later.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 13, 2025 57:29


    Tara and Jonathan Sharpe will talk about their decision not to seek treatment for their 5 year old daughter Lydia who was diagnosed with DIPG on August 7th of 2021. They decided that rather then put Lydia through radiation and possible clinical trials which they knew would not ultimately cure her,  they wanted to make Lydia as happy and comfortable as possible during her final days, as the only thing she wanted to do was to go home and play as long as possible with her 7 year old sister Madeline.

    Carrie Messinger will talk about her daughter Grace who was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma in early 2021, and never experienced any relief from this form of Pediatric Bone Cancer which led to her passing in September of 2023, just after her 15th birthday.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 9, 2025 74:24


    After hearing something pop in her left shoulder during a virtual school physical  education class during the pandemic, 12 year old Grace Messinger was diagnosed with  Osteosarcoma. Grace went through some very difficult treatment including 2 Thoracic Surgeries which removed a total of 55 nodules from her lung with many of them being cancerous,  a Limb Salvage surgery, and never had any type of break from this very difficult bone cancer. Despite having a great attitude and fighting hard, Grace passed away on September 27th of 2023, just after her 15th birthday.

    Tanya and Luke Palmowski will talk about their son Tyler who was diagnosed with Medulloblastoma when he was 8 years old in 2015, recovered, and then was diagnosed 5 years later with DIPG

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 6, 2025 69:38


    Hopefully for the 1ST and LAST time, I spoke with a mom and dad who had what I am calling a misfortune on Steroids when Tanya and Luke Palmowski's son Tyler was diagnosed with Medulloblastoma when he was 8 years old in 2015, was able to ring the bell at Stollery Children's Hospital in Edmonton, Albert 1 year later in 2016, and then just as Covid was hitting in March of 2020 was diagnosed with DIPG. Tyler passed away on November 24th of 2020 .

    Jonathan Agin, Gavin Lindberg, and Dr. Mark Miller will talk about the upcoming Childhood Cancer Prevention Symposium which will be taking place in February in Houston, Texas.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 2, 2025 67:40


    Beginning on February 10th and proceeding into February 13th, Texas Children's Hospital will be hosting the 2nd Childhood Cancer Prevention Symposium. Many critical topics in the Childhood Cancer Community will be discussed during this symposium beginning with the Keynote Speaker address from Dan Fagin, the Pulitzer Prize winning author of the book Tom's River,  a Story of Science and Salvation. His book discusses one of the biggest environmental  disasters in history on the coast of New Jersey.  This disaster caused many children to develop different forms of cancer. His address will begin the Symposium and the word PREVENTION will play a major role and theme in the 2 1/2 day conference. 

    Carol Sagnay will talk about her daughter Noa who was born in July of 2023 with birthmarks all over her body, which led to an almost immediate diagnosis of Rhabdomyosarcoma.

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2024 55:13


    Just 2 weeks after she was born in July of 2023, Carol Sagnay's daughter Noa was undergoing chemotherapy treatment, as she was diagnosed with Rhabdomyosarcoma, which was diagnosed after she was born with birthmarks all over her body. Carol will talk about the difficulties that Noa has gone through for the past 17 months, including being 5 minutes from passing away according to a nurse. Fortunately Carol herself picked out a drug which was given to Noa beginning in February of this year, that has helped Noa regain much of her health up to this point. 

    Trista Temimi will talk about her daughter Valeria who was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma after a long wait in January of 2024, and is now nearly one year into her battle against this form of Pediatric Cancer.

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 16, 2024 72:13


    Trista Temimi's daughter Valeria was born on September 11th of 2023 and immediately began having health issues. It took until January of 2024 to finally receive her diagnosis of Neuroblastoma. Since that time, Valeria has been battling this pediatric cancer and today, December 16th, she is undergoing scans to see how she is doing, with the hope being that she is at least stable and hopefully the news will be even better than that for this 15 month old little girl. 

    Elizabeth Lizberg will talk about her role as the Chief Executive Officer of Camp Rainbow Gold which serves 400 Pediatric Cancer patients, their siblings, and their families near Boise Idaho.

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 12, 2024 60:34


    Camp Rainbow Gold was started back in the 1980's, with the goal to welcome a small amount of Pediatric Cancer patients for a week of fun and being away from their cancer issues for a short time. Now, some 40 years later, this camp has grown substantially to over 400 attendees which include not only pediatric cancer patients , but their parents, siblings, and survivors to enjoy many activities during the late spring, summer, and fall months. Chief Executive Officer Elizabeth Lizberg discusses this camp, which in reality is a 365 day a year concern for Elizabeth and her staff. 

    Shelley Stackhouse will talk about her son Tommy who was diagnosed with Acute Myleoid Leukemia in May of 2019, just 2 weeks before his 16th birthday, and fought his best fight possible before his passing on May 26th of 2022.

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 2, 2024 43:03


    Tommy Stackhouse was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia just two weeks before his 16th birthday in May of 2019. Tommy graduated from High School and during his senior year he was voted Homecoming King. After two Stem Cell Transplants and while Tommy was studying at a Community College, Tommy's health became a serious problem and he passed away from this most difficult form of Blood Cancer on May 26th of 2022. 

    Brandon Huffman will talk about his daughter Avery who passed away from DIPG nearly 9 years ago and I will share some thoughts on the passing of Katie Histing at the end of this podcast.

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 28, 2024 65:05


    Brandon and Amanda Huffman's daughter Avery complained of double vision and then her right eye became introverted in June of 2015, and after 2 visits to a Pediatric Opthamologist, she was diagnosed with DIPG. Avery's battle with this form of Pediatric Brain Cancer lasted only 7 1/2 months before her passing on February 16th of 2016, and she was even denied the Honeymoon period that many DIPG sufferers get to experience. 

    Elan Klein will talk about her son Noah who was diagnosed with DIPG when he was 11 years old in late January of 2022, was able to enjoy a honeymoon period later that year , but eventually he passed away on February 17th of 2023.

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 25, 2024 46:04


    11 year old Noah Klein began having trouble with his motor skills as well as fatigue in January of 2022 and quickly was diagnosed with DIPG. Noah was able to feel well enough by May of that year to attend a Miami Heat playoff game and to meet Jimmy Butler who was their star player. His mom Elan talks about what Noah went through which included a honeymoon period that summer where Noah was able to travel with his family and was feeling good until the fall season when his condition began to deteriorate, and led to his passing on February 17th of 2023 when he was 12 1/2 years old. 

    Sil Lutkiwitte and Randy Schrecengost will talk about their company Targepeutics and what they have done to create a protein known as GB-13 which shows great promise in the fight against DIPG and DMG.

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 21, 2024 60:46


    Sil Lutkiwitte is the Chief Executive Officer and Randy Schrecengost is the Chief Scientific Officer for Targepeutics, and their company has created a protein known as GB-13 which is targeted to help in the fight against DIPG and DMG. This protein is designed to kill off bad brain cells while completely avoiding good brain cells and they are hoping to get the necessary financing to be able to bring this protein to Clinical Trial in the near future. 

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