In this episode, I share my conversation with Zack Sandor-Kerr. Zach is the father of 3 boys, including 10 year old Jasper, who was diagnosed with leukemia in June of 2023. Zack tells us about his experience as a Dad, who has been the primary caregiver for his child throughout his treatment, and what that has been like for him, and his wife Kaitlin. He rightfully raises the issue of inclusive care in both the hospital environment, and in our communities. His perspective is both considerate of others, and an important reminder to all of us to check our assumptions, and consider our words. As a super creative person, Zack also had an interesting way to prepare family and friends for visits to the Sandor-Kerr home during the early days of his son's treatment. If you would like to see a copy of the Tip Sheets that Zack describes in this episode, please email me at nccpod@gmail.com.

You can learn more about Zack's art on Instagram, or at storypanda.ca.

In this episode, I’m sharing my conversation with Alexx Friesen. Alexx is a Child Life Specialist who works in Toronto. She has worked with families in hospital settings, as well as in hospice and palliative care. She also has experience in oncology, both as a professional, as well as a patient. She herself is a childhood cancer survivor. Her experience as a patient when she was a child led her to this career and it gives her such a unique perspective and skill set to work with families in these extremely difficult scenarios. She is a kind and happy person who is so creative and insightful into the experiences of children. She is also so well-equipped to be doing this very important work.

You can find Alexx online at @childlifealexx.

In this episode, I share my conversation with Michelle Da Costa. Michelle is the mother of three girls. Her youngest daughter is a childhood cancer survivor. Michelle is also a Parent Liaison with @OPACC Ontario Parents Advocating for Children with Cancer. I had the fortune of meeting Michelle at a parent drop-in while my own child was in treatment, and our conversation had a deep impact on me. Michelle tells the story of her daughter's experience with cancer, and how it inspired her to become a support and a resource to other oncology parents. It is remarkable how Michelle has turned her own struggle into purpose, and how she shows up week after week, in service of all the families who are now walking the path she travelled so many years ago.