Episodi

  • 58. From Experience to Impact: One Family’s Cancer Story

    58. From Experience to Impact: One Family’s Cancer Story
    Sep 1 2026
    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.

    Today, through the Big Nova Foundation, her family invests in innovative nonprofit organizations, groundbreaking research, and community initiatives that strengthen lives across Central Florida and beyond.

    Hosts Dana Nichols and Val Solomon explore the realities of pediatric cancer research funding, healthcare inequities, childhood cancer survivorship, long-term treatment side effects, and why philanthropy is about empowering organizations, not controlling them.

    If you care about childhood cancer, nonprofit leadership, family philanthropy, medical research, healthcare innovation, or making a meaningful difference in your community, this conversation is one you won't want to miss.

    In this episode:
    • Sarah Asma's family cancer story
    • Rare pediatric leukemia treatment
    • Why pediatric cancer research matters
    • Childhood cancer survivorship
    • Long-term side effects of cancer treatment
    • Healthcare inequities
    • Family philanthropy
    • Building stronger nonprofit organizations
    • Investing in innovative research
    • Creating lasting community impact
    Help us create better treatment options for kids with cancer.


    Learn more about Big Nova Foundation: Big Nova | Sparking Hope in Central FL

    Learn more about Cannonball Kids' Cancer Foundation and support pediatric cancer research: cannonballkidscancer.org

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    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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    35 min
  • 57. Quality of Life in Pediatric Cancer Care

    57. Quality of Life in Pediatric Cancer Care
    Aug 18 2026
    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 by helping children experience less suffering, better symptom management, stronger family support, and more meaningful moments throughout treatment.

    You'll also hear one of the most powerful conversations we've had about grief, human connection, compassion, and what every one of us can do to better support families facing pediatric cancer.

    If you've ever wondered what to say to a grieving parent, how to support someone whose child has cancer, or why quality of life deserves just as much attention as survival, this episode is for you.

    Chapters
    • 00:00 Introduction
    • 02:10 What "Quality of Life for All" really means
    • 05:40 The biggest misconception about pediatric palliative care
    • 10:35 How palliative care improves cancer treatment
    • 17:20 Why families need support from diagnosis
    • 24:15 The evolution of pediatric palliative care
    • 33:10 Why connection is medicine
    • 41:45 Supporting grieving families without fear
    • 50:05 The future of pediatric cancer care
    • 57:30 What gives Dr. Baker hope





    Learn more about Cannonball Kids' Cancer Foundation and support pediatric cancer research: cannonballkidscancer.org

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    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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    44 min
  • 56. The Power of Imperfect Presence with Emily McDowell

    56. The Power of Imperfect Presence with Emily McDowell
    Aug 4 2026
    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.

    In this powerful conversation with co-hosts Dana Nichols and Val Solomon, Emily shares lessons on entrepreneurship, creativity, purpose, burnout, cancer survivorship, and why waiting until you have everything figured out is often what keeps meaningful work from happening.

    Whether you're an entrepreneur, creative, caregiver, cancer survivor, nonprofit leader, or simply someone who wants to make a difference, this episode will challenge how you think about success, service, and showing up for others.

    In this episode:
    • How Empathy Cards changed the greeting card industry
    • The importance of authentic communication
    • Why people struggle with grief conversations
    • Entrepreneurship without perfection
    • Creativity and purpose-driven business
    • The Ripple Effect philosophy
    • How one small action creates lasting impact

    If this conversation inspired you, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE to help us educate for change and advance pediatric cancer research.

    Learn more about Cannonball Kids' cancer Foundation and support pediatric cancer research: cannonballkidscancer.org

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

    Connect with Emily McDowell: emilyonlife.com

    Are you in Central Florida? Get your ticket to the Ripple Effect Luncheon:     https://secure.qgiv.com/for/ckcf/event/2026rippleeffectluncheon/

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    Podcast Produced by Hi Hello Labs: Website: https://www.hihellolabs.com/
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    42 min
  • 55. The LINK Conference Is Here | A New Era for Pediatric Cancer Nonprofits

    55. The LINK Conference Is Here | A New Era for Pediatric Cancer Nonprofits
    Jul 21 2026
    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 often feel called to start nonprofits
    • How nonprofit collaboration can accelerate pediatric cancer research
    • Common mistakes new nonprofit organizations make
    • Fundraising best practices for pediatric cancer charities
    • Leadership lessons for nonprofit founders
    • Building sustainable organizations beyond passion alone
    • The importance of community, mentorship, and shared knowledge
    • What attendees can expect at the inaugural LINK Conference in Orlando


    If you're passionate about childhood cancer, nonprofit leadership, pediatric cancer research, fundraising, or creating meaningful impact after a cancer diagnosis, this episode offers valuable insight into building stronger organizations that can create lasting change.

    The inaugural LINK Conference takes place May 26–28, 2027 in Orlando, Florida.

    For the latest information about the LINK Conference, including when and how to register: cannonballkidscancer.org/link/
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    Connect with Dana: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danaknichols/
    Connect with Val: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-solomon/

    Learn more about Cannonball Kids' Cancer Foundation and support pediatric cancer research: cannonballkidscancer.org
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    Podcast Produced by Hi Hello Labs: Website: https://www.hihellolabs.com/
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    29 min
  • 54. Immunotherapy Breakthroughs with Dr. Gregory Friedman

    54. Immunotherapy Breakthroughs with Dr. Gregory Friedman
    Jul 7 2026
    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 the science behind this innovative immunotherapy approach, what his clinical trials have shown so far, and why the future of pediatric brain tumor treatment may depend on combination therapies that work with the immune system rather than against it.

    If you’re interested in pediatric cancer research, immunotherapy, brain tumor treatment, clinical trials, childhood cancer advocacy, or how nonprofit funding helps move science forward, this episode is packed with insight.

    In this episode, we cover:
    • What oncolytic viral therapy is and how it works in pediatric brain tumors
    • Why traditional immunotherapy has struggled in childhood brain cancers
    • How modified viruses may help the immune system recognize and attack cancer
    • Early clinical trial outcomes in children with high-grade glioma
    • Why pediatric cancers need pediatric-specific treatments
    • How research moves from the lab to clinical trials
    • The role of the Scientific Advisory Board at CKc
    • Why funding pediatric cancer clinical trials is so important
    • What the future of immunotherapy for childhood cancer may look like over the next decade
    Dr. Friedman also shares why he believes we may be approaching a new era in pediatric cancer treatment, one driven by smarter, more targeted, and more durable immune-based therapies.If you believe every child deserves better treatment options and a better chance at survival, this conversation matters.

    Learn more about Cannonball Kids' cancer Foundation and support pediatric cancer research: cannonballkidscancer.org

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    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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    36 min
  • 53. Quiet Tenacity: A Family's Journey Through Pediatric Cancer

    53. Quiet Tenacity: A Family's Journey Through Pediatric Cancer
    Jun 23 2026
    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 fierce advocates for innovative cancer care and pediatric cancer research.

    Now, 10 years cancer-free, Lantz is thriving as a teenager, proving why research matters and why organizations like Cannonball Kids' cancer Foundation continue fighting for better treatments for children diagnosed with cancer.

    In this episode, you'll learn:
    -How Lantz's rare brain tumor was diagnosed
    -Why his parents declined radiation treatment
    -The experimental targeted therapy that changed everything
    -The emotional reality of pediatric cancer survivorship
    -How research creates new treatment options for children
    -The importance of second opinions and parent advocacy
    -How Gabriel Therapy Group and Keep On Walking are giving back to families today
    -Why hope and gratitude remain at the center of their journey

    If you're a pediatric cancer family, survivor, advocate, researcher, healthcare professional, or simply someone who believes every child deserves a future, this episode is for you.

    Learn more about Cannonball Kids' cancer Foundation and support pediatric cancer research: cannonballkidscancer.org

    Learn more about Gabrial Therapy Group or Keep on Walking: www.gabrieltherapygroup.com
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    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/

    ----------------------------------
    Podcast Produced by Hi Hello Labs: Website: https://www.hihellolabs.com/
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    50 min
  • 52. How do laws, funding, and advocacy shape the future of childhood cancer research?

    52. How do laws, funding, and advocacy shape the future of childhood cancer research?
    Jun 9 2026
    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 shares how parents, survivors, and advocates can influence public policy and help secure funding for life-saving childhood cancer research.

    If you're interested in pediatric cancer research, childhood cancer advocacy, cancer survivorship, healthcare policy, rare disease research, clinical trials, federal research funding, or how families can create change, this episode is essential viewing.

    For more information on Children's Cancer Cause, visit https://www.childrenscancercause.org. There you will find many resources to help you get started including an advocacy toolkit.

    To view proposed pediatric cancer legislation, visit the Pediatric Cancer Action Network at https://www.pcanaction.org.

    At Cannonball Kids' cancer Foundation, we believe every child deserves access to better treatment options and a brighter future.

    Through research funding, education, and advocacy, we're working to accelerate progress in pediatric cancer.
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    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 min
  • 51. The Human Side of Pediatric Cancer Research with Dr John Prensner

    51. The Human Side of Pediatric Cancer Research with Dr John Prensner
    May 26 2026
    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 inspired him to pursue pediatric cancer research after encountering a young mother dying of brain cancer during his early hospital experiences. The conversation explores the emotional realities of pediatric oncology, the importance of mentorship in science, and how collaboration between labs, institutions, and researchers across the world is accelerating innovation for children with cancer.

    This episode also dives into the growing concerns surrounding pediatric cancer funding, NIH research grants, instability in federal funding, and the long-term effects these challenges have on the future pipeline of childhood cancer researchers and scientific breakthroughs.

    If you care about advancing pediatric cancer research, supporting innovative treatments, and learning how researchers are working to change outcomes for children battling cancer, this episode is for you.

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    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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    37 min