Game Over: c*ncer

What happens after childhood cancer changes everything?

In this special episode of Game Over : c*ncer, hosts Val Solomon and Dana Nichols of Cannonball Kids’ cancer Foundation revisit some of the most powerful childhood cancer survivor and family stories shared throughout the podcast.

This retrospective brings together unforgettable conversations about pediatric cancer diagnosis, childhood cancer treatment, survivorship, grief, mental health, scan anxiety, life after chemotherapy, finding a new normal, losing a child, and turning pain into purpose.

For many childhood cancer survivors, finishing treatment is only the beginning of another journey. Survivors may face lon...

A mother’s intuition helped save her son’s life.

When four-year-old Enzo developed persistent congestion, his mom, Krista Keller, knew something was wrong. But after visiting five doctors over two months, Enzo was repeatedly diagnosed with allergies and sinus infections.

Krista even asked whether cancer could be causing his symptoms and was reassured that it wasn’t.

Then, after Enzo became increasingly sick and lethargic, Krista and her husband took him to a children’s hospital. One scan revealed a large mass blocking his airway. Enzo was diagnosed with Burkitt lymphoma, an aggressive pediatri...

What happens when your child is told there is no standard treatment available?
In this powerful episode of the Game Over: c*ncer Podcast, Sarah Asma, Executive Director of the Big Nova Foundation, shares the deeply personal story that transformed her family's life forever after her two-year-old niece was diagnosed with a rare form of pediatric leukemia.

Forced to travel across the country because no hospital nearby had experience treating her niece's specific cancer, Sarah witnessed firsthand the urgent need for more pediatric cancer research, better treatment options, and greater support for families navigating childhood cancer.

When most people hear palliative care, they think it means the end.

But what if we've misunderstood it all along?

In this episode of Game Over: c*ncer, hosts Dana Nichols and Val Solomon sit down with Dr. Justin Baker, pediatric oncologist and Division Chief, Quality of Life and Pediatric Palliative Care at Stanford University School of Medicine, to discuss how quality of life considerations should begin at the moment a child is diagnosed, not only when treatment options run out.


Dr. Baker shares why pediatric palliative care is transforming childhood cancer treatment b...

Could one small action change someone's life?

Cancer survivor, bestselling author, and entrepreneur Emily McDowell joins Game Over: c*ncer to share how one simple greeting card idea grew into a movement that transformed the greeting card industry, and why empathy and imperfect action matter more than perfection.

After surviving cancer at just 24 years old, Emily discovered how uncomfortable our culture is with difficult conversations. Instead of accepting it, she created Empathy Cards, giving people better words for life's hardest moments. Today, her work has helped millions navigate grief, illness, loss, and human connection.

The LINK Conference is officially happening.

In this special episode of Game Over: c*ncer, Dana Nichols and Val Solomon announce the launch of the LINK Conference (Legacy • Impact • Networking • Knowledge), an innovative nonprofit conference built specifically for the pediatric cancer community.

Created for pediatric cancer nonprofits, childhood cancer advocates, survivors, parents, legacy families, board members, executive directors, and nonprofit founders, LINK is designed to provide practical education, fundraising strategies, nonprofit leadership training, networking opportunities, and sustainable growth resources.

During this conversation, Dana and Val explain:
Why pediatric cancer families...

What does the future of pediatric cancer treatment actually look like?

In this episode of Game Over: c*ncer, hosts Dana Nichols and Val Solomon sit down with Dr. Gregory Friedman pediatric oncologist, CKc-funded researcher, and chair of the Scientific Advisory Board at  Cannonball Kids’ cancer Foundation (CKc), to talk about one of the most exciting areas in childhood cancer research: oncolytic viral therapy.

Dr. Friedman explains how modified cold sore viruses can be used to safely target and kill pediatric brain tumor cells while also triggering the child’s immune system to attack the tumor. He shares...

Quiet Tenacity: A Family's Journey Through Pediatric Cancer

What happens 10 years after a child hears the words, "You have cancer"?

In this powerful episode of Game Over: c*ncer, hosts Dana Nichols and Val Solomon welcome Nick and Rachel Mangan, parents of pediatric brain cancer survivor Lantz Mangan, to share their family's incredible journey through diagnosis, treatment, survivorship, and hope.

At just six years old, Lantz was diagnosed with a rare pediatric brain tumor. Facing impossible decisions about chemotherapy, radiation, clinical treatment options, and long-term side effects, his parents became...

In this episode of Game Over: c*ncer, hosts Dana Nichols and Val Solomon welcome Dr. Susan Weiner, founder of Children's Cancer Cause, pediatric cancer advocate, and national leader in childhood cancer policy.

For more than 25 years, Dr. Weiner has worked alongside families, researchers, legislators, and advocacy organizations to improve childhood cancer treatment, survivorship care, pediatric drug development, and federal cancer research funding.

This conversation explores the legislative victories that have transformed pediatric oncology, including the STAR Act, the RACE for Children Act, and efforts to improve survivorship resources for childhood cancer survivors. Dr. Weiner also sha...

Why is pediatric brain cancer research so underfunded, and what does it actually take to build breakthroughs for children fighting cancer?

In this episode of Game Over: c*ncer, Val Solomon and Dana Nichols sit down with Dr. John Prensner, pediatric neuro-oncologist, researcher, and Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Michigan Medical School. As the recipient of the 2025 Young Investigator Grant from Cannonball Kids’ cancer Foundation, Dr. Prensner is leading groundbreaking research focused on relapsed medulloblastoma, DIPG, ATRT, and the molecular drivers behind pediatric brain tumors.

Dr. Prensner shares the deeply personal story that in...

What is it really like to start a nonprofit internship and step into purpose-driven work for the first time?

In this episode of Game Over: c*ncer, Cannonball Kids’ cancer Foundation interns Emma Wade (Marketing, UCF) and Olivia Smith (English Literature & Legal Studies, UCF) share their real experiences working behind the scenes in pediatric cancer advocacy, nonprofit marketing, and storytelling.

From finding their internships at UCF’s Intern Pursuit to creating social media content for CKc, writing blog posts, and producing reels that highlight life-saving research, they open up about:How to find the right internship align...

What does it really take to develop new treatments for pediatric cancer?

In this episode of Game Over: c*ncer, we sit down with Dr. Elliot Stieglitz, a leading pediatric hematologist-oncologist and researcher at UCSF, to break down the reality behind pediatric cancer research, clinical trials, and breakthrough treatments for rare diseases like juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML).



JMML is a rare and aggressive form of childhood leukemia affecting just 50–100 children per year in the United States, yet it presents some of the biggest challenges in diagnosis and treatment. Historically, survival rates have been low, and...

What does it really take to run a nonprofit and fund life-saving pediatric cancer research?

In this episode of Game Over: c*ncer, we explore the unseen labor behind nonprofit organizations and the behind-the-scenes roles that make fundraising, donor relationships, and events possible.

Val Solomon and Dana Nichols from Cannonball Kids’ cancer Foundation sit down with Development Assistant Amy Robertson to talk about:The hidden work behind nonprofit events like runDisneyHow donor stewardship actually worksWhy administrative and operational roles are critical to impactThe emotional reality of working in pediatric cancer advocacyThe truth about funding in pediatric cance...

In this powerful episode of Game Over: c*ncer, hosts Dana and Val sit down with Dr. Kira Bona, pediatric oncologist at Dana-Farber/Boston Children’s Hospital and associate professor at Harvard Medical School, to explore a critical but often overlooked issue in pediatric cancer care: access and health equity.

Dr. Bona shares groundbreaking research revealing that one in three children diagnosed with cancer lives in a household facing poverty-related challenges, such as food insecurity, housing instability, or lack of transportation. Even when children receive treatment at top hospitals and participate in clinical trials, these social factors can still...

In this powerful episode of Game Over: c*ncer, hosts Dana Nichols and Val Solomon sit down with pediatric cancer survivor Tayler Ellison to hear a story of extraordinary resilience.

Tayler was first diagnosed with glioblastoma (GBM) at just four years old, later faced osteosarcoma at 13, and then battled a second osteosarcoma during her first year of college. Now 21 years old and currently in remission, Tayler shares how cancer has shaped her life across childhood, adolescence, and early adulthood.

Through the powerful visual of her Beads of Courage, Tayler walks us through the realities of pediatric canc...

What happens when you stop asking “Why me?” and start asking “Why not?”

In this inspiring episode of Game Over: c*ncer, hosts Val Solomon and Dana Nichols sit down with Hannah Hunt, founder of Socks N' Such, preschool teacher, mom of two, and now a passionate pediatric cancer advocate.

What started as a simple Disney Marathon Weekend bib turned into something much bigger.

Hannah shares how fundraising for Cannonball Kids’ cancer Foundation (CKc) helped her:

Launch her small businessSurpass her fundraising goalStep into advocacyBring her family and community togetherDiscover her purpose in giving backF...

What is it like to hear your child tell their cancer story… when you remember every detail they don’t?

In this powerful Part 2 conversation, the Game Over: c*ncer Podcast sits down with Julie Feuerstein, mom of pediatric cancer survivor Mara, to explore the family side of a childhood leukemia diagnosis. While Mara shared her story in our previous episode, today we hear from the mother who lived every second of it.

Julie is an assistant professor at the University of Central Florida and a certified speech-language pathologist. But most importantly, she is Mara’s mom. In...

Cancer doesn’t just affect the patient. It impacts the entire family.

Welcome back to Game Over: c*ncer, as we kick off 2026 with Part One of a powerful two-part conversation exploring how pediatric cancer shapes family life, resilience, and hope.

In this episode, hosts Val Solomon and Dana Nichols of Cannonball Kids’ cancer Foundation sit down with Mara Feuerstein, a remarkable young cancer survivor diagnosed with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia at age six. Now thriving in middle school, Mara courageously shares what she remembers from treatment, how cancer shaped her childhood, and why she’s choosi...

Game Over: c*ncer really lives up to its name in this one. In this special episode, we celebrate 10 years of impact with the very first researcher Cannonball Kids’ cancer Foundation (CKc) ever funded, Dr. Ted Johnson.

Dr. Johnson is a professor of pediatric oncology and co-director of the Pediatric Immunotherapy Program at Augusta University, a destination program for children with brain cancer who have run out of standard options. Val Solomon and Dana Nichols sit down with him to talk about how one early CKc grant helped launch a decade of progress in pediatric brain cancer immunotherapy, fr...

In today’s episode of Game Over: c*ncer, we explore one of the greatest superpowers in pediatric cancer research: collaboration. From co-funding grants to global scientific networks, teamwork is driving lifesaving breakthroughs, especially for the rarest and hardest-to-treat childhood cancers.

Hosted by Val Solomon (Director of Program Impact) and Dana Nichols (Executive Director of CKc), this episode features an inspiring conversation with Dr. Anirban Das, a pediatric neuro-oncologist and cancer geneticist at SickKids Hospital in Toronto and assistant professor at the University of Toronto.

Dr. Das is a 2024 Cannonball Kids’ Cancer Young Investigator, a grant co-funded w...

In this timely episode, hosts Val and Dana break down what’s shifting in pediatric cancer research funding, and why it matters for kids right now. As a follow-up to an earlier episode about federal funding in 2026, we unpack details on the appalling federal funding cuts planned for pediatric cancer research.

In this episode we see:
What a projected 37% cut to NCI’s budget could mean for pediatric research (fewer grants, center consolidations, and mid-stream project disruptions).Why “More than Four” still matters, and how 4% of NCI funds for pediatrics has always fallen short.The latest on the Ch...

Game Over Cancer is back with a high-energy, heart-forward episode for runners, running-curious friends, and anyone who loves the magic of Run Disney. Dana and Val sit down with Meghan and Stephanie from CKC’s Run Disney Committee to talk training, community, and why running for a cause hits different.

From first 5Ks to finishing marathons, they unpack the moments that made them feel like “real runners,” the reality of fundraising for a charity bib, and what makes Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend unforgettable. You will hear practical tips for first-timers, how to choose the right distance, what Dopey...

Game Over Cancer is back with a high-energy, heart-forward episode for runners, running-curious friends, and anyone who loves the magic of Run Disney. Dana and Val sit down with Meghan and Stephanie from CKC’s Run Disney Committee to talk training, community, and why running for a cause hits different.

From first 5Ks to finishing marathons, they unpack the moments that made them feel like “real runners,” the reality of fundraising for a charity bib, and what makes Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend unforgettable. You will hear practical tips for first-timers, how to choose the right distance, what Dopey...

In this powerful episode of the Game Over: c*ncer, hosts Dana and Val sit down with Maria Ochoa, president and co-founder of Mia’s Miracles Foundation. Maria, along with her husband, professional golfer Camilo Villegas, created Mia's Miracles in honor of their daughter Mia, who passed away from brain and spine cancer at just 22 months old.


Maria opens up about surrender, grief, PTSD, and the unseen weight caregivers carry. She shares how love, boundaries, and support can transform the hardest seasons. She shares Mia’s story, the impact of treatment on the family, and why caregiver well-being is...

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 yearWhy joining forces with partner families and merging organizations created real momentumWhat recent progress means for DIPG treatment and why speed still matters for kids todayHow cuts to f...

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 h...

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 diagnosisAndy’s rotationplasty ex...

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...

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 le...

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...

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 launch...

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 rese...

In this heartwarming and insightful episode of Game Over: c*ncer, hosts Val and Dana of Cannonball Kids' cancer Foundation sit down with standout intern Deborah Bello to explore how the next generation is shaping the future of nonprofit work. Deborah, a University of Central Florida student and CKc’s social media intern, shares her journey into purpose-driven work, from her Nigerian roots and sense of community, to the deep impact of working to fund pediatric cancer research.

Together, they reflect on the transformational power of internships—not just for students but for organizations. From behind-the-scenes event planning to managing...

In this week's episode, Dana and Val unpack the rising concern around potential federal funding cuts and their devastating impact on pediatric cancer research. Drawing from real-time experiences with researchers and families, they discuss the challenges of navigating social media noise, burnout, misinformation, and how research cycles already measured in decades could be further delayed. With only 4% of the national cancer research budget allocated to pediatric cancers, the stakes have never been higher.


This show calls for more than awareness—it calls for action. Please be encouraged to donate, volunteer, or amplify trusted organizations like CKc to en...

In this heartwarming and insightful episode of Game Over: c*ncer, we’re joined by a very special tiny guest—Violet Nichols, daughter of CKc Executive Director Dana Nichols, and one of our most enthusiastic members of our Champion Society! Together with co-host Val Solomon, Violet shares what it's like to grow up around a nonprofit that's fighting for a cure—and how even kids can make a difference in the lives of children battling cancer.

From making bows for the Gold Gala auction baskets to hosting a bake sale with her besties, Violet reminds us that helping doesn’...

In this deeply moving and powerfully unifying episode, Game Over: c*ncer welcomes Beth Robertson from Cookies for Kids’ Cancer — an organization so aligned with Cannonball Kids' cancer Foundation, it feels like a “soulmate” in the fight against childhood cancer. Beth shares her powerful story of advocacy born from personal heartbreak, including the loss of her grandson KJ, and how cookies turned into a catalyst for change.

Together with hosts Val Solomon and Dana Nichols, they explore the critical role of collaboration in funding pediatric cancer research, why overlap is an opportunity, not a threat, and how innovation in both me...

It’s more than a milestone—it’s a movement. In this special episode, hosts Dana Nichols (Executive Director) and Val Solomon (Director of Program Impact) reflect on Cannonball Kids’ c*ncer Foundation’s 10-year journey. From humble beginnings to national impact, they share what it’s taken to build a nonprofit focused on innovative pediatric cancer research and the ripple effects of a decade of work. 

Tune in for an honest and hope-filled conversation about the challenges, victories, and future goals of CKc—including their vision to fund $1M in new research annually and expand support across the country. Wh...

In this heartwarming and powerful episode of Game Over: c*ncer, hosts Val Solomon and Dana Nichols sit down with Allen Roberson—college student, brain cancer survivor, and current CKc intern. Diagnosed as a teenager with an extremely rare brain tumor, Allen shares his incredible story of resilience, hope, and the unwavering support of his family.  

Through six brain surgeries, 40 radiation treatments, and months of rehab, Allen emerged with a positive spirit that continues to inspire everyone around him. Now interning with Cannonball Kids’ c*ncer Foundation, he’s using his experience to give back, advocate for change, and hel...

In this heartwarming and powerful episode of Game Overc*ncer, hosts Val Solomon and Dana Nichols sit down with Allen Roberson—college student, brain cancer survivor, and current CKC intern. Diagnosed as a teenager with an extremely rare brain tumor, Allen shares his incredible story of resilience, hope, and the unwavering support of his family.  

Through six brain surgeries, 40 radiation treatments, and months of rehab, Allen emerged with a positive spirit that continues to inspire everyone around him. Now interning with Cannonball Kids’ c*ncer Foundation, he’s using his experience to give back, advocate for change, and help cr...

In this episode of Game Over: c*ncer, hosts Dana Nichols and Val Solomon dive into the complex and emotional tightrope of balancing hope and reality in pediatric cancer.  

Joining the conversation is Dr. Claire Wakefield, a psychologist, researcher, and professor specializing in pediatric psycho-oncology. Dr. Wakefield leads the Behavioral Sciences Unit at UNSW and Sydney Children’s Hospital, one of the largest pediatric cancer survivorship research groups in the world.  

Together, we explore the psychological and emotional challenges families face when navigating new treatment options, clinical trials, and difficult medical decisions. Dr. Wakefield shares her insigh...