Episodios

  • 41. How Global Collaboration Is Changing Pediatric Cancer Research | Dr. Anirban Das

    41. How Global Collaboration Is Changing Pediatric Cancer Research | Dr. Anirban Das
    Dec 4 2025
    In today’s episode of Game Over: c*ncer, we explore one of the greatest superpowers in pediatric cancer research: collaboration. From co-funding grants to global scientific networks, teamwork is driving lifesaving breakthroughs, especially for the rarest and hardest-to-treat childhood cancers.

    Hosted by Val Solomon (Director of Program Impact) and Dana Nichols (Executive Director of CKc), this episode features an inspiring conversation with Dr. Anirban Das, a pediatric neuro-oncologist and cancer geneticist at SickKids Hospital in Toronto and assistant professor at the University of Toronto.

    Dr. Das is a 2024 Cannonball Kids’ Cancer Young Investigator, a grant co-funded with Kindred Foundation, supporting his groundbreaking work on DNA replication repair deficiency and central nervous system tumors. His research not only spans advanced biology and immunotherapy but also reaches families across the world, including low- and middle-income countries, through the International Replication Repair Deficiency Consortium, which now includes more than 50 countries.

    What We Cover in This Episode:
    • How Dr. Das unexpectedly found his path into pediatric neuro-oncology
    • Why early-career funding (like CKc Young Investigator grants) is critical to innovation
    • How collaboration between foundations accelerates research for rare cancers
    • The global consortium bringing efficiency, shared data, and evidence-based care to families worldwide
    • What makes replication repair deficiency tumors unique, and why they were once considered “rare”
    • The reality of the research pipeline: grant writing, mentorship, and the challenges young investigators face
    • How CKc and Kindred partnered to fuel the next generation of cancer breakthroughs
    • Why teamwork is not just helpful in pediatric cancer, it’s essential

    If this conversation moves you, please like, comment, and share to help us educate for change. Leaving a review helps more families find tangible hope.

    To learn more about Kindred Foundation, visit www.kindredfoundation.ca

    Tune in to hear this inspiring and informative conversation.

    Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and join the fight to make Game Over: c*ncer a reality.
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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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    31 m
  • 38. From Surrender to Strength: Maria Ochoa Shares Life with Childhood Cancer

    38. From Surrender to Strength: Maria Ochoa Shares Life with Childhood Cancer
    Oct 21 2025
    In this powerful episode of the Game Over: c*ncer, hosts Dana and Val sit down with Maria Ochoa, president and co-founder of Mia’s Miracles Foundation. Maria, along with her husband, professional golfer Camilo Villegas, created Mia's Miracles in honor of their daughter Mia, who passed away from brain and spine cancer at just 22 months old.


    Maria opens up about surrender, grief, PTSD, and the unseen weight caregivers carry. She shares how love, boundaries, and support can transform the hardest seasons. She shares Mia’s story, the impact of treatment on the family, and why caregiver well-being is essential to a child’s care. Maria also discusses her own recent health battles, the choices she made, and the peace she’s found on the other side, offering wisdom for anyone navigating fear, trauma, or loss.

    In this episode we explore:
    • The reality of pediatric cancer for the whole family, and why caregiver health matters
    • Grief, fear, and PTSD: naming it, facing it, and finding tools to heal
    • Boundaries, marriage, and moving through hard things together
    • The mission and impact of Mia’s Miracles Foundation
    • Practical ways anyone can help, because small gifts add up to big change
    Connect with our guest and learn about and support Mia’s Miracles Foundation at:
    mias-miracles.org

    If this conversation moves you, please like, comment, and share to help us educate for change. Leaving a review helps more families find tangible hope.

    Tune in to hear this inspiring and informative conversation. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and join the fight to make Game Over: c*ncer a reality.

    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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    42 m
  • 40. Crisis in Kids' Cancer: What a 37% Research Funding Cut Really Means

    40. Crisis in Kids' Cancer: What a 37% Research Funding Cut Really Means
    Nov 18 2025
    In this timely episode, hosts Val and Dana break down what’s shifting in pediatric cancer research funding, and why it matters for kids right now. As a follow-up to an earlier episode about federal funding in 2026, we unpack details on the appalling federal funding cuts planned for pediatric cancer research.

    In this episode we see:
    • What a projected 37% cut to NCI’s budget could mean for pediatric research (fewer grants, center consolidations, and mid-stream project disruptions).
    • Why “More than Four” still matters, and how 4% of NCI funds for pediatrics has always fallen short.
    • The latest on the Childhood Cancer Data Initiative (CCDI), including the executive order matching $50M (bringing CCDI to $100M for the year) and how data + AI can accelerate precision options for kids.
    • Potential impacts to programs like the Pediatric Brain Tumor Consortium, Pediatric Early Phase Clinical Trials Network, intramural high-risk research, and training awards for emerging scientists.
    • On-the-ground advocacy updates from Capitol Hill, and the power of survivor voices leading the charge.
    • Bright spots in Florida’s state investments in cancer research infrastructure, and why long-term, consistent funding is still essential.

    If you'd like to read more:
    Recap the facts from this conversation in our blog on federal funding cuts.
    Review the NCI's report directly by clicking this link.

    If this conversation moves you, please like, comment, and share to help us educate for change. Leaving a review helps more families find tangible hope.

    Tune in to hear this inspiring and informative conversation. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and join the fight to make Game Over: c*ncer a reality.

    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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    40 m
  • 39. From 5K to Dopey: The Magic of Running for Cannonball Kids’ cancer Foundation

    39. From 5K to Dopey: The Magic of Running for Cannonball Kids’ cancer Foundation
    Nov 4 2025
    Game Over Cancer is back with a high-energy, heart-forward episode for runners, running-curious friends, and anyone who loves the magic of Run Disney. Dana and Val sit down with Meghan and Stephanie from CKC’s Run Disney Committee to talk training, community, and why running for a cause hits different.

    From first 5Ks to finishing marathons, they unpack the moments that made them feel like “real runners,” the reality of fundraising for a charity bib, and what makes Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend unforgettable. You will hear practical tips for first-timers, how to choose the right distance, what Dopey and Goofy actually mean, and small strategies that make a big difference on race day.CKC invests in innovative pediatric cancer research so kids can have safer, more effective treatment options. If you want to run with purpose, this episode will help you get started and stay consistent.

    In this episode:
    • The runner’s high and the power of community
    • Training plans, consistency, and handling start-line nerves
    • Why Run Disney is uniquely supportive and fun
    • Dopey Challenge and Goofy Challenge explained
    • Real talk on fundraising for a charity bib
    • First-timer tips: arrivals, corrals, character stops, sleep, and recovery
    • Creative ideas to connect miles to meaning for CKC kids

    Connect with our Guests on Instagram at:
    Stephanie Calabro: https://www.instagram.com/stephyluwho/?hl=en
    Meghan Swope: https://www.instagram.com/meghanswope/?hl=en

    If this conversation moves you, please like, comment, and share to help us educate for change. Leaving a review helps more families find tangible hope.

    Tune in to hear this inspiring and informative conversation. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and join the fight to make Game Over: c*ncer a reality.

    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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    30 m
  • 37. Defeating DIPG: A conversation with ChadTough's co-founder, Tammi Carr

    37. Defeating DIPG: A conversation with ChadTough's co-founder, Tammi Carr
    Oct 7 2025
    In this episode of the Game Over: c*ncer, hosts Val Solomon and Dana Nichols, sit down with Tammi Carr, co-founder of the ChadTough Defeat DIPG Foundation. Tammi shares the story of her son Chad, her family’s fight against DIPG, and how powerful collaboration across families, foundations, and researchers is accelerating progress.

    You will hear:
    • How Chad’s legacy inspired a movement that now fuels millions in research each year
    • Why joining forces with partner families and merging organizations created real momentum
    • What recent progress means for DIPG treatment and why speed still matters for kids today
    • How cuts to federal research funding impact pediatric cancer labs and what we can do together
    This conversation is a candid look at grief turned into action, and at the collective will it takes to create options for kids with brain tumors.

    If you have a question we did not cover, drop it in the comments. Let’s keep the conversation going.

    Learn more and support our guest at: https://www.chadtough.org


    If this conversation moves you, please like, comment, and share to help us educate for change. Leaving a review helps more families find tangible hope.

    Tune in to hear this inspiring and informative conversation. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and join the fight to make Game Over: c*ncer a reality.

    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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    31 m
  • 36. Cancer and Identity: Lily Bakour’s Authentic Journey Through Survivorship

    36. Cancer and Identity: Lily Bakour’s Authentic Journey Through Survivorship
    Sep 23 2025
    In this survivor spotlight, hosts Val and Dana sit down with Lily Bakour — a two-time childhood cancer survivor, advocate, and longtime CKc partner.

    At 15, Lily faced surgery, traditional chemo, and radiation. After relapse, an immunotherapy clinical trial helped her reach remission. Today, she opens up about survivorship with honesty and hope: processing survivor’s guilt, reclaiming your story on the internet, healing long-term treatment effects, and choosing calm, strength, and community.

    This conversation is a reminder that every survivor story is unique and deeply human. If you care about innovation in pediatric cancer and tangible hope for families, you are in the right place.

    What you’ll hear:
    • Lily’s diagnosis, relapse, and the immunotherapy trial that worked
    • Surviving adolescence, high school, and adulthood milestones while fighting cancer
    • Survivor’s guilt, identity, and setting boundaries around your story online
    • Healing from long-term effects and rebuilding health and routine
    • Why community action and research funding change outcomes for kids
    Why it matters: Cannonball Kids’ c*ncer Foundation (CKc) funds bold pediatric cancer research to create innovative treatment options, reduce toxicity, and improve long-term quality of life for children who grow up to be adults like Lily.

    If this conversation moves you, please like, comment, and share to help us educate for change. Leaving a review helps more families find tangible hope.

    Tune in to hear this inspiring and informative conversation. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and join the fight to make Game Over: c*ncer a reality.

    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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    31 m
  • 35. From Cancer to Curiosity: Andy Albert's Inspiring Survivorship Story

    35. From Cancer to Curiosity: Andy Albert's Inspiring Survivorship Story
    Sep 9 2025
    In this inspiring episode, hosts Dana and Val from Cannonball Kids’ c*ncer sit down with Andy Albert, an osteosarcoma survivor and the namesake of CKc’s 2025 clinical trial grant with Dr. Allison O’Neill at Dana-Farber.

    Andy opens up about his diagnosis at age 12, the big decision to have a rotationplasty, becoming his own advocate during treatment, and life now as a curious, science-loving teenager who’s into engineering, Minecraft, F1, fishing, and caring for his family's pet bearded dragon, Rusty.

    You will hear:
    • What osteosarcoma looks like from first symptom to diagnosis
    • Andy’s rotationplasty explained in simple terms and why he chose it
    • How a 12-year-old advocated to change a painful hospital supply and helped other kids
    • “Chemo brain,” going back to school, and learning to run again
    • Minecraft, Jack Black, F1 engineering, and why curiosity matters in survivorship
    • The story behind the Andy Alberts Next Step Clinical Trial Grant and how funding research creates options for kids
    If this conversation moves you, please like, comment, and share to help us educate for change. Leaving a review helps more families find tangible hope.


    Tune in to hear this inspiring and informative conversation. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and join the fight to make Game Over: c*ncer a reality.

    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 m
  • 34. From Young Investigator to Leader: Dr. Cassie Kline & Pediatric Brain Tumor Care

    34. From Young Investigator to Leader: Dr. Cassie Kline & Pediatric Brain Tumor Care
    Aug 26 2025
    Welcome to another powerful episode of the Game Over: c*ncer podcast by Cannonball Kids’ cancer Foundation (CKc)!

    In this conversation, hosts Dana and Val sit down with Dr. Cassie Kline, attending physician and Director of Clinical Research in the Department of Neuro-Oncology at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

    Dr. Kline shares her journey into pediatric oncology, her personal connection to cancer research, and her role in advancing innovative treatments for children with brain and spinal cord tumors. From her early days as CKc’s first Young Investigator to serving on CKc's Scientific Advisory Board, Dr. Kline’s story highlights the critical impact of research funding, mentorship, and collaboration in creating real hope for families.

    You’ll hear insights on:
    • The challenges young investigators face and why early funding is crucial
    • How clinical trials and immunotherapy are changing the future of pediatric brain tumor care
    • The role of CKc’s Scientific Advisory Board in ensuring the most innovative research is funded
    • Dr. Kline’s perspective as a woman in STEM and the importance of diversity in medicine
    This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about pediatric cancer research, advocacy, and the fight to deliver better treatment options for kids.

    Tune in to hear this inspiring and informative conversation. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and join the fight to make Game Over: c*ncer a reality.


    Connect with our Guest Dr. Cassie Kline: https://www.chop.edu/doctors/kline-cassie
    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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    39 m