The Childhood Cancer Perspective

In this episode of **The Childhood Cancer Perspective**, host Curtis Vallier sits down with **Jenn and Jon Wall**, parents of Zach and co-founders of Zach's Bridge, an organization connecting families facing a child's terminal diagnosis or death with trained peer mentors who understand because they've lived through it themselves.At just 15 years old, Zach was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma. Despite everything he endured, his humor, personality, and resilience remained central to who he was. Jenn and Jon share memories of their son, the challenges their family faced, and why they want Zach remembered for the person he was, not simply the disease he fought.Following Zach's death, Jenn and Jon recognized a painful gap in the support available to families. Medical professionals could explain treatments and procedures, but who could answer the deeply personal questions about hospice, funeral arrangements, tissue donation, returning to work, or simply surviving another day without your child?That realization became **Zach's Bridge**.Founded in 2023, the organization provides personalized, parent-to-parent peer support, connecting families with trained mentors who have experienced similar circumstances. With nearly 40 trained peer mentors and approximately 134 individuals supported, Zach's Bridge is helping families navigate some of life's most difficult moments without feeling completely alone.Curtis, Jenn, and Jon explore the realities of parental grief, the often-overlooked emotional struggles of fathers, and why grief doesn't follow a timeline.They also discuss the importance of protecting peer mentors from emotional burnout, the organization's encouraging support outcomes, and plans to expand services to bereaved adult siblings.**In this episode:**- Zach's story and the legacy behind Zach's Bridge- Why lived experience matters when supporting families facing terminal childhood cancer- The questions grieving parents often struggle to ask- How peer mentors are matched, trained, and supported- Why fathers often struggle to find meaningful emotional support- How 81% of surveyed support seekers reported feeling less isolated- Why grief has no expiration date- Supporting siblings after the death of a brother or sister- Recognizing the emotional needs of those providing grief support- Practical ways friends and communities can show up for grieving families**"If we can make the journey suck a little bit less for the next family going through it, then that's significant."**This conversation isn't about finding a way to move on from losing a child. It's about learning how to carry that loss, finding people who understand, and ensuring the next family doesn't have to navigate the unimaginable alone.**Grief has no expiration date. And no parent should have to face it in isolation.****Resources:**Zach's Bridge: https://zachsbridge.orgBattlecorn Global: https://battlecornglobal.org/resources**The Childhood Cancer Perspective** is a pediatric cancer advocacy platform sharing real stories, hard truths, and the fight for better outcomes.Subscribe, share this episode, and help us reach families who may be struggling in silence.

What does it take to turn unimaginable loss into a movement that changes the future of childhood cancer?In this episode of **The Childhood Cancer Perspective**, host Curtis Vallier sits down with **Annette Leslie**, longtime childhood cancer advocate and former leader of the Carson Leslie Foundation, to share the remarkable story of her son, Carson, and the lasting impact of his legacy.Diagnosed with medulloblastoma, an aggressive form of pediatric brain cancer, Carson had one extraordinary wish: that researchers study his tumors to help save other children. That wish helped inspire a mission built around research, advocacy, and supporting families facing childhood cancer.Annette shares how Carson's story and his book, *Carry Me*, helped spark a movement that reached the halls of Congress. From working alongside Congressman Michael McCaul to helping establish the Congressional Childhood Cancer Caucus, she reflects on the power of bipartisan advocacy and the fight for meaningful legislation, including the Creating Hope Act.The conversation also explores Texas's multibillion-dollar investment in cancer research through CPRIT, promising research into blood-based early detection of pediatric brain tumors, and the importance of supporting teenagers and siblings throughout the cancer journey.But beyond legislation and research, Curtis and Annette have a deeply personal conversation about grief, preserving their children's legacies, and finding purpose after unimaginable loss.Annette also offers practical advice to newly diagnosed families and reminds friends, relatives, and communities that sometimes the simplest acts of kindness make the greatest difference.**In this episode:**- Carson's battle with medulloblastoma and the legacy he left behind- How childhood cancer advocacy helped shape federal legislation- The importance of bipartisan cooperation in Washington- Texas cancer research funding and the future of early detection- Why teenagers with cancer need dedicated mental health and hospital support- The often-overlooked needs of siblings- Navigating grief while keeping our children's stories alive- How communities can meaningfully support families facing childhood cancer**"We have so much more work to do." — Annette Leslie**This is more than a conversation about childhood cancer. It's about the children who inspire change, the parents who refuse to stop fighting, and the work that still needs to be done.**Learn more:**Carson Leslie Foundation: https://carsonlesliefoundation.orgBattlecorn Global: https://battlecornglobal.org**The Childhood Cancer Perspective** is a pediatric cancer advocacy platform sharing real stories, hard truths, and the fight for better outcomes.Subscribe, share this conversation, and help amplify the voices of families affected by childhood cancer.

Joe McDonough B+ FoundationWhy Childhood Cancer Needs More Than Awareness | Joe McDonoughIn this episode of *The Childhood Cancer Perspective*, host Curtis Vallier sits down with **Joe McDonough, President of the B+ Foundation, for a deeply personal conversation about childhood cancer, grief, advocacy, and the responsibility to create meaningful change for future generations.Drawing from their own experiences in the pediatric cancer community, Curtis and Joe discuss the devastating realities families face, the importance of preserving the legacies of children lost to cancer, and how personal tragedy can become a driving force for advocacy.Their conversation explores the critical need for increased childhood cancer research funding, stronger legislative support, and greater collaboration among researchers, medical institutions, and advocacy organizations. They examine the challenges of turning awareness into action and why meaningful progress requires more than good intentions—it demands sustained investment, accountability, and a willingness to challenge the status quo.Beyond policy and research, Curtis and Joe discuss the emotional realities of grief, the importance of community support, and the role schools, families, and local organizations can play in keeping children's memories alive. They reflect on why sharing stories, even when those stories bring tears, is essential to honoring the children behind the statistics.The conversation also emphasizes the importance of recognizing progress, celebrating victories, and maintaining hope while acknowledging how much work remains. From local advocacy efforts to international research collaborations, they explore how individuals and communities can contribute to a larger movement for better treatments and outcomes.**At the heart of this episode is a simple belief: Kids deserve the chance to grow up.**This is a conversation about transforming grief into purpose, honoring the children who have been lost, supporting the families who continue to fight, and ensuring that their stories help drive meaningful change in childhood cancer research, treatment, and public policy.### Topics Discussed- Personal experiences with childhood cancer, loss, and advocacy- Honoring children's legacies through storytelling and remembrance- The importance of community support for affected families- Childhood cancer research funding and the need for greater investment- Legislative advocacy and public policy reform- The role of schools and communities in remembering children- Navigating grief while continuing to advocate for change- International research collaboration and medical innovation- Celebrating progress while recognizing the challenges ahead### Memorable Quotes“Kids should get a chance to grow up.”“It's okay to be sad and share stories that make us cry.”### Linkshttps://www.bepositive.org/

In this episode of *The Childhood Cancer Perspective*, host Curtis Vallier sits down with **Patty and Jason Rodriguez** to share the story of their son, **Aiden**, who was diagnosed with **Grade 3 Choroid Plexus Carcinoma (CPC)**, an extremely rare and aggressive form of pediatric brain cancer.Facing a diagnosis with limited treatment options and significant uncertainty, Patty and Jason found themselves navigating a complicated medical system while searching for the best possible care for their son. They discuss the challenges of understanding rare childhood cancers, advocating for treatment options, and finding medical professionals willing to explore innovative approaches.A major focus of their conversation is **intra-arterial chemotherapy**, a specialized treatment approach that delivers chemotherapy directly into arteries supplying the affected area. Patty and Jason share their experience pursuing this treatment, the role of clinical trials and medical innovation, and the importance of continuing to develop new options for children facing rare and difficult-to-treat cancers.Their discussion also explores the challenges families face when navigating pediatric oncology, including communication with medical teams, finding reliable information, seeking additional opinions, and making difficult decisions under extraordinary circumstances.Throughout Aiden's journey, family, friends, and community support played an important role. Patty and Jason reflect on the people who stood beside them, the emotional realities of childhood cancer, and why no family should have to navigate such a diagnosis alone.**Today, Aiden has been in remission since September 2023.** His story offers a perspective on the importance of pediatric cancer research, innovative treatments, and the determination of parents advocating for their children's futures.Curtis, Patty, and Jason also discuss the lasting effects of treatment, the need for greater awareness and understanding within the medical community, and what they wish other parents knew when facing a childhood cancer diagnosis.This episode is more than a conversation about a rare brain tumor. It is about a family's determination to find answers, the possibilities created through medical innovation, and the hope that continued research can bring to children diagnosed with devastating cancers.### Topics Discussed- Aiden's diagnosis with Grade 3 Choroid Plexus Carcinoma- Navigating rare pediatric brain cancer treatment options- Intra-arterial chemotherapy and innovative approaches- Clinical trials and the importance of pediatric cancer research- Parental advocacy and communication with medical professionals- Family and community support during treatment- Aiden's remission and long-term treatment effects- Advice for families facing a childhood cancer diagnosis**Medical Disclaimer:** This episode shares one family's personal experiences with pediatric cancer and specialized treatments. Treatment decisions should always be made in consultation with qualified medical professionals. Individual outcomes may vary.Q&A: Dr. Mark Souweidane on Innovating Treatments for Devastating Pediatric Brain Tumors | Commentary | Advances in Pediatric Oncology & Neurology | NewYork-Presbyterian

In this episode of The Childhood Cancer Perspective, Curtis Vallier sits down with Lilian McGrath to share the story of her son, Bryson “Goosey” McGrath, who was diagnosed with Stage 4 high-risk neuroblastoma at just 2 years old.For 1,027 days, Bryson and his family lived through the realities of childhood cancer—intensive treatment, hospital stays, difficult decisions, complications, uncertainty, and ultimately the unimaginable transition to hospice and bereavement.Lilian speaks openly about the medical system failures she believes affected Bryson’s care and the difficult reality that parents can quickly find themselves becoming researchers, interpreters, record keepers, and advocates while simply trying to be Mom or Dad. She and Curtis discuss the importance of asking questions, seeking answers, trusting parental instincts, and making sure a parent’s voice is heard when decisions about their child are being made.The conversation also goes beyond treatment.Lilian shares what it was like navigating hospice care for her child, the realities of grief after losing Bryson, and the gaps in support families can experience both during treatment and after their child dies. They discuss what families actually need during these moments—not assumptions about what might help, but meaningful support built around the lived experiences of childhood cancer families.That experience led Lilian to create Derail Childhood Cancer, a new foundation dedicated to supporting families throughout the childhood cancer journey. Its mission includes helping families at diagnosis, making birthdays spent in the hospital feel special, and providing compassionate bereavement support when a family faces the loss of their child.Bryson’s story is at the heart of that mission.This episode is raw, practical, and deeply personal. It is a conversation about Stage 4 neuroblastoma, medical advocacy, hospice, grief, and turning devastating experience into meaningful support for the families who come next.Most importantly, it is the story of Bryson “Goosey” McGrath—a little boy whose 1,027-day fight continues to inspire his family to advocate, speak up, and make sure other childhood cancer families know they do not have to navigate this road alone.Links: https://www.derailcc.org/Instagram: _livin_like_lilyInstagram: derailchildhoodcancer

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 TakeawaysRare 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 & KeywordsChoroid 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.

Curtis Vallier shares his journey through childhood cancer advocacy, updates on new programs, and insights from CureFest DC, emphasizing community support and innovative treatments. keywordschildhood cancer, advocacy, CureFest, youth survivorship, CAR T therapy, community support, care packages, fundraising, medical innovation key topicsChildhood cancer advocacy and community supportDevelopment of youth survivorship programs with YMCAInnovations in cancer treatment including CAR T therapyThe impact of personal stories and community recognitionFundraising and resource sharing for childhood cancer takeawaysCommunity support is vital for families affected by childhood cancer.Creating structured programs like Youth Strong can help normalize life after treatment.Innovations like CAR T therapy are promising but require faster access. Personal stories from children and families inspire advocacy and policy change.Every act of kindness, like care packages, has a profound impact. sound bites"People recognize us, people recognize Battlecorn.""Children turn their pain into inspiration.""Her personality didn't change until her last days."

Tony [email protected] Signing: Sunday October 11th 1-3pmHalf Price Books5803 E. NW Hwy Dallas, TX 75231Book Purchase Link:https://www.amazon.com/dp/1957604840Tony Garcia shares his journey from childhood leukemia diagnosis to survivorship and adulthood, highlighting the emotional, medical, and community aspects of pediatric cancer. This episode emphasizes the importance of understanding survivorship beyond treatment and the power of sharing personal stories to inspire and support others.keywordspediatric cancer, survivorship, childhood leukemia, cancer treatment, medical advances, emotional impact, community support, book writing, hope, advocacykey topicsTony Garcia's experience with childhood leukemia diagnosed in 1973The emotional and physical toll of cancer treatments in the 70sAdvancements in pediatric cancer treatment over the decadesThe importance of survivorship care and regular checkupsThe role of community and advocacy in cancer recoveryWriting a book to share personal cancer journeyThe impact of cancer on family and siblingsFaith, hope, and the purpose found through adversity

In this episode, Curtis Vallier interviews Lily Moss, a country singer and childhood cancer survivor, about her journey, music, and advocacy. They discuss the impact of childhood cancer, the importance of support systems, and how Lily uses her platform to give back and raise awareness.childhood cancer, survivor, music, advocacy, philanthropy, country music, survivorship, awareness, family support, research*key topicsLily Moss's childhood cancer experience and survivorshipHer music career and songwriting processThe importance of family and support systems during illnessHer advocacy and philanthropy for pediatric cancerThe impact of survivorship on life perspective and giving back*sound bites"We are the same fighter, we're the same warrior""We don't take a single moment for granted""It doesn't define me, it defines what we do"*Useful Links (Click and Save All of Them)https://linktr.ee/lillymoss.musichttps://www.facebook.com/LillyMoss.Music/https://www.lillymoss.com/https://www.instagram.com/lillymoss.music/https://www.youtube.com/@lillymosshttps://open.spotify.com/artist/5FOKKpkO9t13FKwScZGC18https://music.apple.com/us/artist/lilly-moss/1629248040https://music.amazon.com/artists/B0C5VYHFR3/lilly-moss*NEW MUSIC PRE-SAVEhttps://ffm.to/diggin

In this episode, Curtis Vallier hosts Chris Mallinos to share the emotional journey of Theo's battle with leukemia, highlighting the importance of mental health, family resilience, and community support in pediatric cancer. They discuss the power of hope, the significance of mental health awareness, the importance of Dad's being vulnerable and able to share their stories without the fear of judgement. and the inspiring stories of children facing unimaginable challenges. key topicsTheo's leukemia diagnosis and treatment journeyThe emotional and mental health challenges faced by familiesThe importance of community and support networksStories of hope, resilience, and inspiration from children with cancerThe role of mental health awareness in pediatric cancer care keywordspediatric cancer, mental health, family resilience, childhood leukemia, community support, hope, coping strategies, cancer awareness, family stories, mental health in childrenLinks:“My son was diagnosed with cancer. Metallica’s Toronto concert gave him something to fight for” - Toronto LifeMy 11-year-old son has leukemia. How and when should I talk about it? | CBC News