Game Over: c*ncer

Hi Hello Labs Network
  • 5.0 (6)
  • Non-Profit
  • Updated Biweekly

Through poignant interviews with pediatric cancer survivors, families, medical professionals, and advocates, Game Over: c*ncer sheds light on the realities of childhood cancer. Each episode explores the efforts and advocacy taking place to find more solutions and make changes for this fatal disease. Hope exhibited by these young warriors and their loved ones is also crucial to our message. From discussing the latest research advancements to sharing personal stories of triumph and loss, the show aims to spark meaningful conversations, foster community support, and drive action toward a world free of childhood cancer. Join us in amplifying these voices, raising awareness, and standing in solidarity with these tiny champs and their families.

  1. May 26

    51. The Human Side of Pediatric Cancer Research with Dr John Prensner

    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. ---------------------------------- 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/

    37 min

  2. May 12

    50. The Internship That Made Me Rethink My Career

    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 aligned with your valuesWhat nonprofit work actually looks like day-to-dayThe power of storytelling in healthcare and pediatric cancer awarenessBalancing creativity with responsibility when telling real patient storiesThe importance of workplace culture, mental health, and boundariesLessons learned from real-world experience vs. the classroomThey also share what it felt like to attend Gold Gala and see the direct impact of their work come to life, connecting content creation to real funding for pediatric cancer research. Whether you’re a college student looking for internships, someone interested in nonprofit careers, or managing intern experiences at your organization, this episode will inspire you to step outside your comfort zone and pursue meaningful work. ---------------------------------- 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/

    28 min

  3. Apr 28

    49. New Treatment Hope for Rare Childhood Leukemia

    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 treatment options have been limited.Dr. Stieglitz shares how his groundbreaking research into RAS gene mutations and DNA profiling has: Revolutionized how JMML is diagnosedEnabled faster, more accurate testing worldwideHelped doctors predict which patients need aggressive treatmentOpened the door to targeted therapies and clinical trialsWe also dive into the reality of medical research timelines, why innovation takes years, and how nonprofit funding plays a critical role in bringing life-saving treatments to children.If you’ve ever wondered how pediatric cancer breakthroughs actually happen—or what it takes to move from research to real-world impact—this episode is for you. ---------------------------------- 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/

    32 min

  4. Apr 14

    48. The Hidden Work Behind Fundraising for Pediatric Cancer Research

    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 cancer researchAmy shares her journey from mental health and social work into nonprofit development, offering a powerful perspective on how impact happens at every level of an organization.If you’ve ever attended a fundraising event, donated to a cause, or wondered how nonprofits operate behind the scenes, this episode will change how you see it. ---------------------------------- 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/

    28 min

  5. Mar 31

    47. How Poverty Impacts Childhood Cancer Survival | Dr. Kira Bona

    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 impact survival outcomes. Together, they unpack how social determinants of health influence treatment success, why traditional support systems may not be enough, and what researchers are doing to create health equity interventions that improve outcomes for children and families facing financial hardship. This conversation highlights the intersection of oncology and public health, offering hope for a future where every child fighting cancer has an equal chance to survive and thrive. Support the Ignite Consortium: https://igniteconsortium.org ---------------------------------- 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/

    43 min

  6. Mar 10

    46. Diagnosed at 4, 13, and 18: Tayler’s Relentless Fight

    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 cancer treatment: countless hospital stays, chemotherapy treatments, surgeries, therapies, and the lifelong effects survivors carry. Despite facing cancer three times, Tayler continues to pursue a future in medicine. She is currently studying biology on the pre-med track at the University of South Florida and works as an anesthesiology technician at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, the same hospital where she received treatment. This episode explores the realities of survivorship, the long-term impact of pediatric cancer, and the relentless courage it takes to keep moving forward. If you’ve ever wondered what pediatric cancer survivorship truly looks like, Tayler’s story will stay with you. ---------------------------------- 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/

    37 min

  7. Mar 3

    45. Women Supporting Women Through Fitness & Philanthropy

    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 backFrom the Maitland Farmers Market to Walt Disney World® Marathon Weekend to speaking up about pediatric cancer research funding, Hannah’s story proves you don’t need deep pockets or a huge platform to make a real impact. You just need to jump in. This episode is about resilience, community, advocacy, small business growth, women supporting women, and how ordinary people can help transform pediatric cancer research. If you’ve ever wondered how to get involved, how to fundraise without “asking for money,” or how to turn passion into purpose, this one is for you. Follow Socks N' Such at: Instagram @socksnsuch25 Website: socksnsuch.net ---------------------------------- Connect with Dana: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danaknichols/ Connect with Val: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-solomon/ Secure your 2027 Walt Disney World® Marathon Weekend bib:  https://cannonballkidscancer.org/2025/02/run-disney/ ---------------------------------- Podcast Produced by Hi Hello Labs: Website: https://www.hihellolabs.com/

    33 min

  8. Feb 17

    44. Treatment, Survivorship & Family Part 2 | A Mother’s Story

    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 this episode, she shares what it was like navigating her daughter’s B-cell ALL leukemia diagnosis, enduring treatment during COVID isolation, and entering the complicated phase of cancer survivorship. We talk about: • The emotional toll of pediatric cancer on parents and marriage • Living in crisis mode during treatment • The trauma and isolation of COVID-era hospital stays • The role of research in increasing childhood leukemia survival rates • Why continued funding for pediatric cancer research matters • What survivorship really looks like years after treatment ends • Letting survivors define their own identity beyond cancer Julie reflects on the tension between relief and fear in survivorship, the long-term side effects of chemotherapy, and the importance of investing in the next generation of scientists so that childhood cancer can one day be eradicated. Mara’s story is proof that research works. But this episode is a reminder that the work is not finished. If you believe in advancing pediatric cancer research, supporting families, and turning fear into courage, this conversation is for you. ---------------------------------- 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/

    34 min
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5
out of 5
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About

Through poignant interviews with pediatric cancer survivors, families, medical professionals, and advocates, Game Over: c*ncer sheds light on the realities of childhood cancer. Each episode explores the efforts and advocacy taking place to find more solutions and make changes for this fatal disease. Hope exhibited by these young warriors and their loved ones is also crucial to our message. From discussing the latest research advancements to sharing personal stories of triumph and loss, the show aims to spark meaningful conversations, foster community support, and drive action toward a world free of childhood cancer. Join us in amplifying these voices, raising awareness, and standing in solidarity with these tiny champs and their families.

Information

  • Creator
    Hi Hello Labs Network
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    51
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright Hi Hello Labs Network
  • Show Website
    Game Over: c*ncer