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  • 37. Defeating DIPG: A conversation with ChadTough's co-founder, Tammi Carr

    37. Defeating DIPG: A conversation with ChadTough's co-founder, Tammi Carr
    2025/10/07
    In this episode of the Game Over: c*ncer, hosts Val Solomon and Dana Nichols, sit down with Tammi Carr, co-founder of the ChadTough Defeat DIPG Foundation. Tammi shares the story of her son Chad, her family’s fight against DIPG, and how powerful collaboration across families, foundations, and researchers is accelerating progress.

    You will hear:
    • How Chad’s legacy inspired a movement that now fuels millions in research each year
    • Why joining forces with partner families and merging organizations created real momentum
    • What recent progress means for DIPG treatment and why speed still matters for kids today
    • How cuts to federal research funding impact pediatric cancer labs and what we can do together
    This conversation is a candid look at grief turned into action, and at the collective will it takes to create options for kids with brain tumors.

    If you have a question we did not cover, drop it in the comments. Let’s keep the conversation going.

    Learn more and support our guest at: https://www.chadtough.org


    If this conversation moves you, please like, comment, and share to help us educate for change. Leaving a review helps more families find tangible hope.

    Tune in to hear this inspiring and informative conversation. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and join the fight to make Game Over: c*ncer a reality.

    Connect with Dana: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danaknichols/
    Connect with Val: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-solomon/

    Upcoming Ckc Events: https://cannonballkidscancer.org/category/make-an-impact/events/

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    Podcast Produced by Hi Hello Labs: Website: https://www.hihellolabs.com/
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    31 分
  • 36. Cancer and Identity: Lily Bakour’s Authentic Journey Through Survivorship

    36. Cancer and Identity: Lily Bakour’s Authentic Journey Through Survivorship
    2025/09/23
    In this survivor spotlight, hosts Val and Dana sit down with Lily Bakour — a two-time childhood cancer survivor, advocate, and longtime CKc partner.

    At 15, Lily faced surgery, traditional chemo, and radiation. After relapse, an immunotherapy clinical trial helped her reach remission. Today, she opens up about survivorship with honesty and hope: processing survivor’s guilt, reclaiming your story on the internet, healing long-term treatment effects, and choosing calm, strength, and community.

    This conversation is a reminder that every survivor story is unique and deeply human. If you care about innovation in pediatric cancer and tangible hope for families, you are in the right place.

    What you’ll hear:
    • Lily’s diagnosis, relapse, and the immunotherapy trial that worked
    • Surviving adolescence, high school, and adulthood milestones while fighting cancer
    • Survivor’s guilt, identity, and setting boundaries around your story online
    • Healing from long-term effects and rebuilding health and routine
    • Why community action and research funding change outcomes for kids
    Why it matters: Cannonball Kids’ c*ncer Foundation (CKc) funds bold pediatric cancer research to create innovative treatment options, reduce toxicity, and improve long-term quality of life for children who grow up to be adults like Lily.

    If this conversation moves you, please like, comment, and share to help us educate for change. Leaving a review helps more families find tangible hope.

    Tune in to hear this inspiring and informative conversation. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and join the fight to make Game Over: c*ncer a reality.

    Connect with Dana: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danaknichols/
    Connect with Val: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-solomon/

    Upcoming Ckc Events: https://cannonballkidscancer.org/category/make-an-impact/events/

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    Podcast Produced by Hi Hello Labs: Website: https://www.hihellolabs.com/
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    31 分
  • 35. From Cancer to Curiosity: Andy Albert's Inspiring Survivorship Story

    35. From Cancer to Curiosity: Andy Albert's Inspiring Survivorship Story
    2025/09/09
    In this inspiring episode, hosts Dana and Val from Cannonball Kids’ c*ncer sit down with Andy Albert, an osteosarcoma survivor and the namesake of CKc’s 2025 clinical trial grant with Dr. Allison O’Neill at Dana-Farber.

    Andy opens up about his diagnosis at age 12, the big decision to have a rotationplasty, becoming his own advocate during treatment, and life now as a curious, science-loving teenager who’s into engineering, Minecraft, F1, fishing, and caring for his family's pet bearded dragon, Rusty.

    You will hear:
    • What osteosarcoma looks like from first symptom to diagnosis
    • Andy’s rotationplasty explained in simple terms and why he chose it
    • How a 12-year-old advocated to change a painful hospital supply and helped other kids
    • “Chemo brain,” going back to school, and learning to run again
    • Minecraft, Jack Black, F1 engineering, and why curiosity matters in survivorship
    • The story behind the Andy Alberts Next Step Clinical Trial Grant and how funding research creates options for kids
    If this conversation moves you, please like, comment, and share to help us educate for change. Leaving a review helps more families find tangible hope.


    Tune in to hear this inspiring and informative conversation. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and join the fight to make Game Over: c*ncer a reality.

    Connect with Dana: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danaknichols/
    Connect with Val: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-solomon/

    Upcoming Ckc Events: https://cannonballkidscancer.org/category/make-an-impact/events/

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    Podcast Produced by Hi Hello Labs: Website: https://www.hihellolabs.com/
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    32 分
  • 34. From Young Investigator to Leader: Dr. Cassie Kline & Pediatric Brain Tumor Care

    34. From Young Investigator to Leader: Dr. Cassie Kline & Pediatric Brain Tumor Care
    2025/08/26
    Welcome to another powerful episode of the Game Over: c*ncer podcast by Cannonball Kids’ cancer Foundation (CKc)!

    In this conversation, hosts Dana and Val sit down with Dr. Cassie Kline, attending physician and Director of Clinical Research in the Department of Neuro-Oncology at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

    Dr. Kline shares her journey into pediatric oncology, her personal connection to cancer research, and her role in advancing innovative treatments for children with brain and spinal cord tumors. From her early days as CKc’s first Young Investigator to serving on CKc's Scientific Advisory Board, Dr. Kline’s story highlights the critical impact of research funding, mentorship, and collaboration in creating real hope for families.

    You’ll hear insights on:
    • The challenges young investigators face and why early funding is crucial
    • How clinical trials and immunotherapy are changing the future of pediatric brain tumor care
    • The role of CKc’s Scientific Advisory Board in ensuring the most innovative research is funded
    • Dr. Kline’s perspective as a woman in STEM and the importance of diversity in medicine
    This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about pediatric cancer research, advocacy, and the fight to deliver better treatment options for kids.

    Tune in to hear this inspiring and informative conversation. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and join the fight to make Game Over: c*ncer a reality.


    Connect with our Guest Dr. Cassie Kline: https://www.chop.edu/doctors/kline-cassie
    Connect with Dana: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danaknichols/
    Connect with Val: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-solomon/

    Upcoming Ckc Events: https://cannonballkidscancer.org/category/make-an-impact/events/

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    Podcast Produced by Hi Hello Labs: Website: https://www.hihellolabs.com/
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    39 分
  • 33. From Curiosity to Commitment: Becoming a Nonprofit Board Member

    33. From Curiosity to Commitment: Becoming a Nonprofit Board Member
    2025/08/12
    In this inspiring episode of Game Over: c*ncer, we sit down with Clifton Scott, COO at AdventHealth for Flagler and St. John’s Market, and a passionate board member at Cannonball Kids’ c*ncer Foundation (CKc). We dive deep into what board service really looks like—from training and fiduciary responsibility to leadership, diversity, and alignment with your purpose.

    Whether you’ve served on a board before or are curious about getting involved, Clifton’s journey through the Black Boardroom Leadership Institute and into meaningful nonprofit service is eye-opening, encouraging, and packed with valuable insights. He shares what he learned from his first nonprofit audit, how corporate leaders can show up for their communities, and why board service isn’t just for the experts—it’s for those willing to grow, learn, and lead with heart.

    Topics Covered:
    • The truth about nonprofit board service
    • How leadership training prepared Clifton for CKc
    • Why diversity in the boardrooms matters
    • Balancing board service with a full-time career
    • What every new board member should know



    Tune in to hear this inspiring and informative conversation. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and join the fight to make Game Over: c*ncer a reality.

    Connect with Dana: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danaknichols/
    Connect with Val: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-solomon/

    Upcoming Ckc Events: https://cannonballkidscancer.org/category/make-an-impact/events/

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    Podcast Produced by Hi Hello Labs: Website: https://www.hihellolabs.com/
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    30 分
  • 32. Behind the Gold Gala: The Power of Partnership in Philanthropy

    32. Behind the Gold Gala: The Power of Partnership in Philanthropy
    2025/07/29
    In this inspiring episode of Game Over: c*ncer, we sit down with two incredible community leaders and pediatric cancer advocates — Dr. Michelle Norden, a board-certified pediatrician, and her husband, Nick Norden, a personal injury attorney at Norden Leacox Accident and Injury Law.


    From attending the first Gold Gala, to co-chairing the event two years in a row, the Nordens share how saying "yes" to leadership unlocked a whole new level of passion and impact in CKc's mission. They open up about balancing family, careers, and philanthropy — and how the power of their partnership helped them lead with joy.

    You’ll hear:
    • How Michelle’s experience as a pediatrician fuels her advocacy
    • Nick’s personal motivation to give back through his law firm
    • Why community involvement can be both meaningful and fun
    • Their new adventure: Running the 10K for CKc at the 2026 Walt Disney World® Marathon Weekend Presented by State Farm
    Whether you’re a seasoned volunteer or considering getting involved for the first time, this episode is a heartwarming reminder that small steps can lead to big impact. There’s a place for everyone in the fight against pediatric cancer.

    Tune in to hear this inspiring and informative conversation. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and join the fight to make Game Over: c*ncer a reality.

    Connect with Dana: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danaknichols/
    Connect with Val: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-solomon/

    Upcoming Ckc Events: https://cannonballkidscancer.org/category/make-an-impact/events/

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    Podcast Produced by Hi Hello Labs: Website: https://www.hihellolabs.com/
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    30 分
  • 31. Behind the Ripple Effect: How Women Are Leading the Fight Against Pediatric Cancer

    31. Behind the Ripple Effect: How Women Are Leading the Fight Against Pediatric Cancer
    2025/07/15
    In this inspiring episode of Game Over: c*ncer, Hosts Val and Dana of Cannonball Kids' c*ncer Foundation sit down with Natasha Maio Lonbaken, chair of the Ripple Effect Luncheon. Natasha shares her personal journey from first-time volunteer to nonprofit leader all rooted in one bold decision of saying yes before she felt ready.

    Through honest conversations about leadership, growth, and the power of showing up, this episode explores how one woman found purpose, sisterhood, and tangible impact through CKc’s Ripple Effect event. Learn how this unique event is more than a luncheon — it’s a launchpad for connection, empowerment, and action in the fight against pediatric cancer.

    Get ready to be moved, motivated, and maybe even a little emotional as we talk about:
    • How to lead even when you feel unqualified
    • What it means to be “poured into”
    • Why volunteering changes more than just the cause — it changes you
    • How a glass of wine, a good idea, and a group of women can start a movement

    If you’ve ever wondered what life after cancer really looks like—or how you can be part of advancing pediatric cancer research—this is the episode for you.

    Tune in to hear this inspiring and informative conversation. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and join the fight to make Game Over: c*ncer a reality.

    Connect with Dana: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danaknichols/
    Connect with Val: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-solomon/

    Upcoming Ckc Events: https://cannonballkidscancer.org/category/make-an-impact/events/

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    Podcast Produced by Hi Hello Labs: Website: https://www.hihellolabs.com/
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    34 分
  • 30. Inside the Life of a Pediatric Cancer Survivor Turned Research Advocate Jasan Zimmerman

    30. Inside the Life of a Pediatric Cancer Survivor Turned Research Advocate Jasan Zimmerman
    2025/07/01
    In this powerful and deeply personal episode of Game Over c*ncer, we sit down with Jasan Zimmerman—a three-time childhood and young adult cancer survivor, former molecular biologist, and now the Senior Director of Foundation Relations at the Lucile Packard Foundation for Children’s Health.

    Jasan opens up about his lifelong journey through cancer, the mental health struggles that often follow survivorship, and his evolution from patient to patient advocate. With honesty and vulnerability, he shares what it means to process trauma, show up authentically, and build community with purpose. He also highlights the importance of patient-centered research and the critical impact of including survivors’ voices in medical trials and program design.

    Together, we reflect on the groundbreaking research funded through CKc’s partnership with Stanford, including a clinical trial showing full response in children with DIPG. This is why we do what we do.

    If you’ve ever wondered what life after cancer really looks like—or how you can be part of advancing pediatric cancer research—this is the episode for you.

    Tune in to hear this inspiring and informative conversation. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and join the fight to make Game Over: c*ncer a reality.

    Connect with Dana: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danaknichols/
    Connect with Val: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-solomon/

    Upcoming Ckc Events: https://cannonballkidscancer.org/category/make-an-impact/events/

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    Podcast Produced by Hi Hello Labs: Website: https://www.hihellolabs.com/
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    39 分