In this episode of *The Childhood Cancer Perspective*, host Curtis Vallier sits down with Amelia Fish to share the story of her daughter, Abby, and their family’s experience with **Choroid Plexus Carcinoma (CPC)**—an exceptionally rare and aggressive pediatric brain cancer. Amelia takes us back to the beginning of Abby’s journey, from the first signs that something wasn’t right to the discovery of a brain tumor and the surgery that followed. She discusses what doctors learned about Abby’s tumor, the role genetic findings played in understanding her disease, and the difficult conversations surrounding prognosis and treatment options. The conversation explores the realities families face when treating an extremely rare childhood cancer. Amelia shares the complications Abby experienced during treatment and hospitalization, the side effects and limitations of conventional therapies, and the decisions that led their family to investigate additional holistic and alternative approaches while continuing to search for hope. Curtis and Amelia also discuss the importance of parental advocacy. When treatment options are limited, parents can quickly find themselves researching their child’s disease, seeking additional medical opinions, asking difficult questions, and trying to understand complicated medical and genetic information while simultaneously caring for a seriously ill child. Amelia speaks candidly about the emotional and financial toll pediatric cancer places on an entire family. Their conversation touches on faith, uncertainty, caregiver exhaustion, medical expenses, and the challenge of making decisions when there may be no clear or proven path forward. At the center of the episode is **Abby**—not simply a diagnosis or a rare cancer case, but a daughter whose life profoundly shaped the people around her. Amelia reflects on what Abby taught their family about love, faith, hope, and being present. Her message to other parents is simple but powerful: **cherish every day with your children.** ### Key Takeaways Rare childhood cancers like Choroid Plexus Carcinoma can leave families navigating limited research, difficult treatment decisions, and tremendous uncertainty. Abby’s story demonstrates why continued pediatric cancer research matters—and why families need physicians, researchers, advocates, and communities willing to listen. Parents and caregivers can also become critical members of their child’s medical team. Asking questions, understanding the diagnosis, requesting additional opinions, and learning about available research can help families participate more fully in decisions about their child’s care. Most importantly, behind every diagnosis is a child and a family. Abby’s story is a reminder that childhood cancer is about far more than survival statistics. It is about childhood, family, time, and the people whose lives are forever changed by the experience. ### Topics & Keywords Choroid Plexus Carcinoma (CPC) • pediatric brain cancer • childhood brain tumors • rare childhood cancer • pediatric cancer treatment • genetic mutations • holistic cancer approaches • second opinions • parent advocacy • caregiver experience • childhood cancer research • financial toxicity • faith and cancer • childhood cancer awareness **Medical Disclaimer:** This episode shares one family’s personal experience with pediatric cancer, including discussion of holistic and alternative approaches. Nothing discussed in this episode should be considered medical advice or a substitute for guidance from a qualified medical professional.
