Game Over: c*ncer

Quiet Tenacity: A Family's Journey Through Pediatric CancerWhat happens 10 years after a child hears the words, "You have cancer"?In this powerful episode of Game Over: c*ncer, hosts Dana Nichols and Val Solomon welcome Nick and Rachel Mangan, parents of pediatric brain cancer survivor Lantz Mangan, to share their family's incredible journey through diagnosis, treatment, survivorship, and hope.At just six years old, Lantz was diagnosed with a rare pediatric brain tumor. Facing impossible decisions about chemotherapy, radiation, clinical treatment options, and long-term side effects, his parents became fierce advocates for innovative cancer care and pediatric cancer research.Now, 10 years cancer-free, Lantz is thriving as a teenager, proving why research matters and why organizations like Cannonball Kids' cancer Foundation continue fighting for better treatments for children diagnosed with cancer.In this episode, you'll learn:-How Lantz's rare brain tumor was diagnosed-Why his parents declined radiation treatment-The experimental targeted therapy that changed everything-The emotional reality of pediatric cancer survivorship-How research creates new treatment options for children-The importance of second opinions and parent advocacy-How Gabriel Therapy Group and Keep On Walking are giving back to families today-Why hope and gratitude remain at the center of their journeyIf you're a pediatric cancer family, survivor, advocate, researcher, healthcare professional, or simply someone who believes every child deserves a future, this episode is for you.Learn more about Cannonball Kids' cancer Foundation and support pediatric cancer research: cannonballkidscancer.orgLearn more about Gabrial Therapy Group or Keep on Walking: www.gabrieltherapygroup.com----------------------------------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/----------------------------------Podcast Produced by Hi Hello Labs: Website: https://www.hihellolabs.com/

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 yearWhy joining forces with partner families and merging organizations created real momentumWhat recent progress means for DIPG treatment and why speed still matters for kids todayHow cuts to federal research funding impact pediatric cancer labs and what we can do togetherThis 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.orgIf 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/----------------------------------Podcast Produced by Hi Hello Labs: Website: https://www.hihellolabs.com/

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 diagnosisAndy’s rotationplasty explained in simple terms and why he chose itHow 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 againMinecraft, Jack Black, F1 engineering, and why curiosity matters in survivorshipThe story behind the Andy Alberts Next Step Clinical Trial Grant and how funding research creates options for kidsIf 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/----------------------------------Podcast Produced by Hi Hello Labs: Website: https://www.hihellolabs.com/

In this inspiring episode of Game Over: c*ncer, we sit down with Clifton Scott, COO at AdventHealth for Flagler and St. John’s Market, and a passionate board member at Cannonball Kids’ c*ncer Foundation (CKc). We dive deep into what board service really looks like—from training and fiduciary responsibility to leadership, diversity, and alignment with your purpose.Whether you’ve served on a board before or are curious about getting involved, Clifton’s journey through the Black Boardroom Leadership Institute and into meaningful nonprofit service is eye-opening, encouraging, and packed with valuable insights. He shares what he learned from his first nonprofit audit, how corporate leaders can show up for their communities, and why board service isn’t just for the experts—it’s for those willing to grow, learn, and lead with heart.Topics Covered:The truth about nonprofit board serviceHow leadership training prepared Clifton for CKcWhy diversity in the boardrooms mattersBalancing board service with a full-time careerWhat every new board member should knowTune 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/----------------------------------Podcast Produced by Hi Hello Labs: Website: https://www.hihellolabs.com/

In this inspiring episode of Game Over: c*ncer, Hosts Val and Dana of Cannonball Kids' c*ncer Foundation sit down with Natasha Maio Lonbaken, chair of the Ripple Effect Luncheon. Natasha shares her personal journey from first-time volunteer to nonprofit leader all rooted in one bold decision of saying yes before she felt ready.Through honest conversations about leadership, growth, and the power of showing up, this episode explores how one woman found purpose, sisterhood, and tangible impact through CKc’s Ripple Effect event. Learn how this unique event is more than a luncheon — it’s a launchpad for connection, empowerment, and action in the fight against pediatric cancer.Get ready to be moved, motivated, and maybe even a little emotional as we talk about:• How to lead even when you feel unqualified• What it means to be “poured into”• Why volunteering changes more than just the cause — it changes you• How a glass of wine, a good idea, and a group of women can start a movementIf you’ve ever wondered what life after cancer really looks like—or how you can be part of advancing pediatric cancer research—this is the episode for you.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/----------------------------------Podcast Produced by Hi Hello Labs: Website: https://www.hihellolabs.com/

In this heartwarming and insightful episode of Game Over: c*ncer, hosts Val and Dana of Cannonball Kids' cancer Foundation sit down with standout intern Deborah Bello to explore how the next generation is shaping the future of nonprofit work. Deborah, a University of Central Florida student and CKc’s social media intern, shares her journey into purpose-driven work, from her Nigerian roots and sense of community, to the deep impact of working to fund pediatric cancer research.Together, they reflect on the transformational power of internships—not just for students but for organizations. From behind-the-scenes event planning to managing the emotional weight of pediatric cancer stories, Deborah opens up about what she's learned, how her perspective on philanthropy has evolved, and what it means to contribute to a mission that truly matters.You will walk away inspired by the role of young professionals in nonprofits, the importance of stewardship and educating for change, and how even the smallest tasks—like folding mailers—can be a catalyst for massive impact.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/----------------------------------Podcast Produced by Hi Hello Labs: Website: https://www.hihellolabs.com/