Voices from the Background: The Dad's Perspective

Curtis Vallier & Bryan Simons
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Parenting
  • Updated Weekly

In the pediatric cancer community, Dads are often in the background and not much of their story is told. This podcast features two dads facing a similar fight but at different stages and will relate to a part of the community often fighting in silence.

Episodes

  1. E7: Holidays are Different

    Jan 3

    E7: Holidays are Different

    Keywords holidays, pediatric cancer, family dynamics, emotional toll, community support, safety, traditions, childhood memories, treatment, family gatherings Summary In this conversation, Bryan Simons and Curtis Vallier discuss the complexities of navigating family dynamics during the holiday season while dealing with pediatric cancer. They share personal experiences, the emotional toll on siblings, and the importance of community support. The discussion highlights the challenges of maintaining traditions, balancing safety, and the impact of illness on family gatherings. They also reflect on childhood holiday memories and offer advice for families facing similar challenges, emphasizing the need for understanding and support during difficult times. Takeaways The holidays can be particularly challenging for families dealing with pediatric cancer. Coordination of treatment schedules is crucial during holiday travel. Holidays are inherently stressful, and illness adds to that stress. Siblings may feel neglected during treatment, even if unspoken. It's important to find a balance between safety and family gatherings. Community support can alleviate some of the burdens during the holidays. Childhood holiday memories shape our expectations and experiences. Living with cancer requires constant vigilance and adjustments. It's okay to accept help from others during difficult times. Making the best of each day is essential for families in crisis. Titles Navigating the Holidays with Pediatric Cancer Family Dynamics During Treatment Sound bites "It's a balancing act." "It's one day at a time." "You can't accept that?" Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Holiday Challenges 00:59 Navigating Family Dynamics During Holidays 05:51 The Impact of Pediatric Cancer on Holiday Plans 11:52 Balancing Safety and Family Gatherings 18:00 The Emotional Toll of Holiday Decisions 20:41 Navigating Life's Challenges 26:05 The Impact of Holidays on Family Dynamics 32:13 Finding Balance in Family Life 37:05 Embracing Support and Community 40:07 Humor in the Midst of Chaos

    36 min
  2. E6: Managing Illness with Multiple Children

    11/22/2025

    E6: Managing Illness with Multiple Children

    online criticism, misinformation, societal impact, parenting, food safety, mental health, internet culture, public opinion, personal experiences, social media Summary In this conversation, Curtis & Bryan discusses the challenges of dealing with online criticism and misinformation, particularly in relation to parenting and personal experiences. He highlights the ignorance of some individuals on the internet and the impact it has on mental health and societal perceptions. We speak about the challenges of managing illness with one child when another child also has a cancer battle. Takeaways Online criticism can be harsh and unfounded. Misinformation spreads easily on social media. Parenting decisions are often scrutinized by strangers. Ignorance can lead to harmful public opinions. Personal experiences can be misinterpreted online. The internet can amplify negative voices. It's important to focus on supportive communities. Criticism can affect mental health. Understanding the source of criticism is crucial. Engaging with ignorance can be frustrating.

    35 min
  3. E5: Stopping Treatment

    11/08/2025

    E5: Stopping Treatment

    This episode features an unthinkable decision made by parents and children, a decision that can ultimately have only one outcome.

    31 min
  4. E4: D.C. Conversations Pt.2

    10/25/2025

    E4: D.C. Conversations Pt.2

    Here is the 2nd Part of our conversation from Curefest 2025 in Washington D.C.

    52 min
  5. E3: D.C. Conversations

    10/18/2025

    E3: D.C. Conversations

    Keywords CureFest, childhood cancer, advocacy, community support, funding, visual representation, political advocacy, environmental factors, grief, survivorship Summary This conversation delves into the experiences and challenges faced by families affected by childhood cancer, particularly during CureFest. The speakers discuss the importance of community support, the need for increased funding and advocacy, and the emotional toll of navigating the healthcare system. They emphasize the significance of visual representation in raising awareness and the necessity of open conversations about the realities of childhood cancer. Takeaways CureFest serves as a vital gathering for families affected by childhood cancer. Community support is crucial for families navigating the challenges of cancer. Visual representations, like shoes, can powerfully convey the impact of childhood cancer. Funding for pediatric cancer research is alarmingly low, often only 4%. Advocacy efforts are primarily driven by families and organizations, not politicians. The emotional toll of childhood cancer affects not just the patients but their families as well. Siblings play a significant role in the support system for children with cancer. Secondary cancers are a serious risk for childhood cancer survivors due to treatment. Open conversations about grief and loss are essential for healing. Creating controversy can be a strategy to raise awareness and drive change. Titles Unveiling the Truth Behind Conspiracy Theories CureFest: A Journey of Hope and Resilience Sound bites "The suspense is killing me." "We have to advocate for our kids." "Cancer sucks."

    59 min
  6. E2: Holding it Together at the Hospital

    10/11/2025

    E2: Holding it Together at the Hospital

    Keywords hospital stays, childhood illness, parental roles, emotional toll, coping mechanisms, preparation, family dynamics, childhood cancer, COVID-19 impact, healthcare experience Summary In this episode, Curtis and Bryan share their personal experiences navigating the challenges of hospital stays for their children. They discuss the emotional toll of being separated from family, the fear and guilt that accompany hospital visits, and the importance of preparation for unexpected situations. The conversation highlights the contrasting roles of parents during hospitalizations, coping mechanisms, and the lasting impact of childhood illness on family dynamics. Takeaways Hospital stays can be isolating and emotionally taxing for parents. Preparation is key when dealing with unexpected hospitalizations. Parents often take on multiple roles during their child's illness. The emotional toll of fear and guilt is common among parents. Coping mechanisms, like bringing comfort items, can help during hospital stays. Communication between parents is crucial for understanding medical situations. The unpredictability of childhood illness can lead to anxiety. Building a routine in the hospital can provide a sense of normalcy. It's important to advocate for your child's needs in the hospital. The experience of childhood illness can change family dynamics forever.

    44 min
  7. E1 : Diagnosis Day

    10/04/2025

    E1 : Diagnosis Day

    Summary   In the inaugural episode of 'Voices from the Background,'hosts Curtis Vallier and Bryan share their personal experiences as fathers navigating the pediatric cancer journey. They discuss the emotional weight of diagnosis days, the challenges of treatment decisions, and the importance ofadvocacy in healthcare. Through their stories, they aim to provide support and insight to other parents facing similar struggles, emphasizing the need for open communication and vulnerability in the face of adversity.    Takeaways   Curtis and Bryan share their personal experiences withpediatric cancer. Diagnosis Day is a pivotal moment for families. The emotional impact of receiving a cancer diagnosis isprofound. Advocacy is crucial in navigating healthcare for childrenwith cancer. Parents often feel the weight of responsibility to advocatefor their children. Communication with healthcare providers is essential foreffective treatment. The journey through cancer treatment can be long andcomplex. Support from other parents in the cancer community isinvaluable. It's important to ask questions and seek clarity frommedical professionals. Sharing stories can help others feel less alone in theirstruggles.    Titles   Voices from the Background: A Dad's Perspective on Pediatric Cancer Navigating the Emotional Journey of Pediatric Cancer    Sound bites   "You have to go to oncology right now." "We had a bone marrow biopsy." "Don't stop asking the hard questions."     Chapters   00:00 Introduction to the Journey 12:36 The Impact of Diagnosis on Families 18:48 Navigating the Emotional Turmoil 25:00 Facing Relapse: The Emotional Toll 30:58 Advocacy and Communication with Healthcare Providers 38:21 Final Thoughts: Being Your Child's Advocate

    43 min
  • 7 Episodes

About

In the pediatric cancer community, Dads are often in the background and not much of their story is told. This podcast features two dads facing a similar fight but at different stages and will relate to a part of the community often fighting in silence.

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