Episodes

  • 49. New Treatment Hope for Rare Childhood Leukemia

    49. New Treatment Hope for Rare Childhood Leukemia
    Apr 28 2026
    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 diagnosed
    • Enabled faster, more accurate testing worldwide
    • Helped doctors predict which patients need aggressive treatment
    • Opened the door to targeted therapies and clinical trials
    We 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.



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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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    32 mins
  • 48. The Hidden Work Behind Fundraising for Pediatric Cancer Research

    48. The Hidden Work Behind Fundraising for Pediatric Cancer Research
    Apr 14 2026
    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 runDisney
    • How donor stewardship actually works
    • Why administrative and operational roles are critical to impact
    • The emotional reality of working in pediatric cancer advocacy
    • The truth about funding in pediatric cancer research
    Amy 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.
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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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    28 mins
  • 47. How Poverty Impacts Childhood Cancer Survival | Dr. Kira Bona

    47. How Poverty Impacts Childhood Cancer Survival | Dr. Kira Bona
    Mar 31 2026
    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
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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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    43 mins
  • 46. Diagnosed at 4, 13, and 18: Tayler’s Relentless Fight

    46. Diagnosed at 4, 13, and 18: Tayler’s Relentless Fight
    Mar 10 2026
    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.
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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 mins
  • 45. Women Supporting Women Through Fitness & Philanthropy

    45. Women Supporting Women Through Fitness & Philanthropy
    Mar 3 2026
    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 business
    • Surpass her fundraising goal
    • Step into advocacy
    • Bring her family and community together
    • Discover her purpose in giving back
    From 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


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    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/

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    Podcast Produced by Hi Hello Labs: Website: https://www.hihellolabs.com/
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    33 mins
  • 44. Treatment, Survivorship & Family Part 2 | A Mother’s Story

    44. Treatment, Survivorship & Family Part 2 | A Mother’s Story
    Feb 17 2026
    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.

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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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    34 mins
  • 43. Treatment, Survivorship, and Family, Part 1

    43. Treatment, Survivorship, and Family, Part 1
    Feb 3 2026
    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 choosing to use her voice to help other kids facing similar battles.

    Mara opens up about growing up during treatment, navigating school during COVID, supporting friends who later faced cancer, and finding joy through swimming, theater, and being a big sister. Her story is honest, hopeful, and deeply inspiring, reminding us that even during the hardest seasons, kids can still dream, grow, and live full lives.

    This episode also sets the stage for Part Two, where we hear from Mara’s mother to further explore the ripple effects of pediatric cancer on families.

    If you care about pediatric cancer research, survivor stories, or how we can better support families facing childhood cancer, this conversation is for you.

    If this conversation encourages you, please like this video, subscribe to the Game Over: c*ncer Podcast, and share it with someone who cares about changing the future for kids with cancer. Together, we can transform fear and fuel the next decade of breakthroughs.

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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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    26 mins
  • 42. The First CKc Grant That Sparked a Revolution in Childhood Cancer Research

    42. The First CKc Grant That Sparked a Revolution in Childhood Cancer Research
    Dec 16 2025
    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, from saving and studying monthly blood samples to building a powerful biological sample bank that is now changing what is possible for kids.

    You will hear how a “leap of faith” investment became the spark behind clinical trials that have now provided experimental immunotherapy to more than 270 children and young adults from over 30 states. Dr. Johnson explains how indoximod-based immunotherapy works, why activating a child’s immune system is so rare and so important, and how small donations, bake sales, and grassroots philanthropy truly keep this work alive.

    The conversation also pulls back the curtain on CKc’s Scientific Advisory Board, why it was built to push research out of the lab and into the clinic, and how that original vision has grown into a Zoom screen full of experts carefully reviewing targeted grants that directly impact kids and families. Dr. Johnson shares what he is seeing on the NIH Review Board, why pediatric grants are still outnumbered by adult oncology proposals, and what this means for the future of funding and innovation in childhood cancer.

    If you have ever wondered whether your $50 or $100 really matters, this episode is for you. You will hear exactly how early seed funding, focused clinical trial grants, and community support create a snowball effect that leads to new therapies, better outcomes, and real hope for children with brain cancer.

    Learn more about the grants we fund, our Scientific Advisory Board, and how to make a gift at: cannonballkidscancer.org

    If this conversation encourages you, please like this video, subscribe to the Game Over: c*ncer Podcast, and share it with someone who cares about changing the future for kids with cancer.

    Together, we can transform fear and fuel the next decade of breakthroughs.

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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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    41 mins