Episodes

  • 20. From Survivor to Scientist: Dr. Annalynn Williams on Changing Cancer Research

    20. From Survivor to Scientist: Dr. Annalynn Williams on Changing Cancer Research
    Feb 4 2025
    In this powerful episode of Game Over: c*ncer, hosts Val Solomon and Dana Nichols dive into the importance of incorporating patient experience into research.

    Meet Dr. Annalynn Williams, an assistant professor of surgery and cancer control at the University of Rochester Medical Center, and young adult cancer survivor. Dr. Williams shares how her personal battle with cancer shaped her career path and fueled her passion for survivorship research. She introduces the concept of the survivor scientist and explains how her work focuses on cancer-related cognitive effects and accelerated aging in pediatric, adolescent, and young adult cancer survivors.

    This episode unpacks the evolving landscape of survivorship research, the critical need to improve post-treatment quality of life, and how research informs safer, more effective treatment options for future generations. Dr. Williams also shares invaluable resources for survivors and caregivers, shedding light on the ongoing work to help patients not just survive—but thrive.

    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.

    Learn more about Cannonball Kids’ cancer Foundation at www.cannonballkidscancer.org. Like, share, and subscribe to stay informed and inspired! Together, we can make a difference.

    Connect with Dana: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danaknichols/
    Connect with Val: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-solomon-516b50b8/
    Upcoming Ckc Events: https://cannonballkidscancer.org/category/make-an-impact/events/
    Show more Show less
    36 mins
  • 19. A Lifelong Mission: Dana Nichols on Leading with Heart in Nonprofit Work

    19. A Lifelong Mission: Dana Nichols on Leading with Heart in Nonprofit Work
    Jan 21 2025
    In this heartfelt episode of Game Over: c*ncer, hosts Val Solomon, Director of Program Impact at Cannonball Kids' cancer Foundation, and Dana Nichols, Executive Director of CKc, dive into the realities of building a career in nonprofit leadership. Dana shares her personal journey of nearly two decades in the nonprofit sector, her passion for connecting people with impactful missions, and the lessons she's learned about resilience, balance, and staying inspired in the face of challenges.

    From her early days in nonprofit to her transformative leadership role at CKc, Dana reflects on the moments that shaped her commitment to the fight against pediatric cancer and how she has navigated both professional and personal adversity, including her own battle with breast cancer.

    This episode is a masterclass in leading with compassion, counting the wins—big and small—and building a legacy of hope. Whether you're a nonprofit professional, a donor, or someone looking to make an impact, you’ll find valuable insights and inspiration here.

    Learn more about Cannonball Kids’ cancer Foundation at www.cannonballkidscancer.org.Like, share, and subscribe to stay informed and inspired! Together, we can make a difference.

    Connect with Dana: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danaknichols/

    Connect with Val: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-solomon-516b50b8/

    Upcoming Ckc Events: https://cannonballkidscancer.org/category/make-an-impact/events/

    Learn more about the Cannonball Kids c*ncer Foundation: https://cannonballkidscancer.org/

    Game Over: c*ncer. Together, we transform fear into courage.

    Don’t forget to like, share, and leave a review to help us reach more listeners! Tune in now and join us in turning fear into courage.
    Show more Show less
    36 mins
  • 18. The First Lady of Soccer: Kay Rawlins on the Power of Transformational Leadership

    18. The First Lady of Soccer: Kay Rawlins on the Power of Transformational Leadership
    Jan 9 2025
    n this episode, we sit down with the incredible Kay Rawlins—founder of Orlando City and Orlando Pride soccer teams, former CKc board member, and a dedicated advocate for community impact. Known as the "First Lady of Soccer" in Orlando, Kay shares her experiences in board leadership, her philosophy on building community, and the role of sports in driving positive change.Highlights include:
    • The power of showing up for your community and leaving a lasting impact
    • The emotional reality of pediatric cancer and how to inspire hope while driving change
    • Insights into the MLS "Kick Childhood Cancer" campaign and its meaningful moments
    • Kay’s advice on joining nonprofit boards and using your talents to make a difference
    Kay’s wisdom and heartwarming stories remind us of the importance of working together to create tangible hope for families facing the unthinkable.

    Learn more about Cannonball Kids’ cancer Foundation at www.cannonballkidscancer.org.Like, share, and subscribe to stay informed and inspired! Together, we can make a difference.

    Connect with Dana: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danaknichols/

    Connect with Val: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-solomon-516b50b8/

    Upcoming Ckc Events: https://cannonballkidscancer.org/category/make-an-impact/events/

    Learn more about the Cannonball Kids cancer Foundation: https://cannonballkidscancer.org/

    Game Over: c*ncer. Together, we transform fear into courage.

    Don’t forget to like, share, and leave a review to help us reach more listeners! Tune in now and join us in turning fear into courage.
    Show more Show less
    38 mins
  • 17. From the Lab to the Clinic: Dr. Joelle Straehla’s Mission to Save Young Lives

    17. From the Lab to the Clinic: Dr. Joelle Straehla’s Mission to Save Young Lives
    Dec 17 2024
    In this inspiring episode of Game Over: c*ncer, we sit down with Dr. Joelle Straehla, a CKc-funded young investigator who is revolutionizing pediatric brain cancer treatment with cutting-edge nanoparticle drug delivery systems.

    Dr. Straehla, a self-proclaimed “nerd” who combines her passion for science, medicine, and engineering, shares her incredible journey — from her days at Dana-Farber and MIT to her new role at Seattle Children’s Hospital.

    We discuss:
    -Her path to becoming a physician-scientist.
    -How nanoparticles are changing how we treat pediatric brain cancer.
    -The importance of celebrating small wins on the long road to finding a cure.
    -Mentoring the next generation of researchers and building a community of hope.

    Dr. Straehla’s story is a reminder that finding a cure isn't a singular success — it’s about progress, innovation, and collaboration every step of the way.

    Learn how you can support groundbreaking research and be part of the fight: cannonballkidscancer.org

    Connect with Dana: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danaknichols/

    Connect with Val: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-solomon-516b50b8/

    Upcoming Ckc Events: https://cannonballkidscancer.org/category/make-an-impact/events/

    Learn more about the Cannonball Kids cancer Foundation: https://cannonballkidscancer.org/

    Game Over: c*ncer. Together, we transform fear into courage.

    Don’t forget to like, share, and leave a review to help us reach more listeners! Tune in now and join us in turning fear into courage.
    Show more Show less
    32 mins
  • 16. Life After Diagnosis: Aubrey Reichard-Eline’s Family Story

    16. Life After Diagnosis: Aubrey Reichard-Eline’s Family Story
    Dec 3 2024
    Aubrey Reichard-Eline is a dedicated advocate and fundraiser who has turned her family’s battle with cancer into a mission for change. Listen as Aubrey recounts the life-altering moments following her daughter Grace's brain tumor diagnosis and her subsequent career shift from the fashion industry to pediatric cancer research fundraising. Discover how Aubrey balances the demands of engaging deeply with cancer-related topics while ensuring her own and her family’s well-being.

    Aubrey shares her insights on the importance of psychosocial research, the pivotal role of resilience and humor, and the urgent need for interventions focusing on survivorship and psychosocial well-being in cancer treatment. Emphasizing her work with the With Grace Initiative and excitement for new research endeavors at Rutgers Cancer Institute, Aubrey invites listeners to join her in advocating for and supporting innovative treatments for pediatric cancer.

    This episode will inspire anyone involved in or affected by pediatric cancer to transform adversity into opportunities, motivating them to join conversations about creating impactful change. Get ready to be moved by Aubrey’s story and learn how to be a part of the transformative power of community and research.

    Support Cannonball Kids cancer and their mission and don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share to educate for change.

    Connect with Dana: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danaknichols/

    Connect with Val: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-solomon-516b50b8/

    Upcoming Ckc Events: https://cannonballkidscancer.org/category/make-an-impact/events/

    Learn more about the Cannonball Kids cancer Foundation: https://cannonballkidscancer.org/

    GameOverCancer. #PediatricCancer #CannonballKidsCancer #CancerResearch #ChildhoodCancerAwareness
    Show more Show less
    40 mins
  • 15. Turning Childhood Adversity into a Calling

    15. Turning Childhood Adversity into a Calling
    Nov 19 2024
    In this heartfelt episode of Game Over: c*ncer, hosts Val Solomon and Dana Nichols dive into a powerful story of resilience, compassion, and purpose. Meet Nicole Youtz, a nursing student inspired by her brother Tyler’s journey with neuroblastoma, who’s now training to be a pediatric oncology nurse at the same hospital that treated him. Nicole opens up about how her family's experience with childhood cancer shaped her career path and led to the creation of Toys from Tyler, an effort her family has run for 20 years to bring holiday joy to children in treatment.

    Hear how Nicole's family transformed their trauma into a mission to support others and learn more about the impact of asking the right questions, offering genuine support, and honoring each family's unique journey. If you're ready to be moved by stories of strength and learn how you can make a difference, tune in and share this episode with others.

    Support Toys from Tyler and learn how you can join the mission at: facebook.com/toysfromtylerinc
    Show more Show less
    23 mins
  • 14. Pioneering Hope: Dr. Metts on New Frontiers in Pediatric c*ncer

    14. Pioneering Hope: Dr. Metts on New Frontiers in Pediatric c*ncer
    Nov 5 2024
    In this powerful episode of Game Over: c*ncer, we delve into the transformative impact of collaborative research in pediatric oncology. Hosts Val Solomon, Director of Program Impact, and Dana Nichols, Executive Director of Cannonball Kids' cancer Foundation (CKc), are joined by special guest Dr. Jonathan Metts, a pediatric oncologist at Moffitt Cancer Center. Dr. Metts shares his inspiring journey from a kid motivated by his father’s battle with cancer to a dedicated researcher at the forefront of developing safer, more effective treatments for children with solid tumors.

    Listen in as Dr. Metts discusses his innovative clinical trial focusing on tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy and the complex, multi-institutional collaborations that bring this groundbreaking research to life. Learn about the critical role of cellular therapies in advancing care for young cancer patients, and discover how organizations like CKc and others are uniting to fund, support, and drive vital research forward.

    Whether you're a supporter, family member, or advocate for change, this episode will inspire you to join the fight against pediatric cancer. Get ready to be part of Team CKc as we educate for change, provide tangible hope, and empower our community to make a difference.

    Support CKc’s mission at cannonballkidscancer.org, and don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share to educate for change.

    Connect with Dana: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danaknichols/

    Connect with Val: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-solomon-516b50b8/
    Upcoming Ckc Events: https://cannonballkidscancer.org/category/make-an-impact/events/
    Learn more about the Cannonball Kids cancer Foundation: https://cannonballkidscancer.org/

    GameOverCancer. #PediatricCancer #CannonballKidsCancer #CancerResearch #ChildhoodCancerAwareness
    Show more Show less
    29 mins
  • 13. What YOU Can Do to Turn Tragedy into TRIUMPH (ft. Brant Menswar)

    13. What YOU Can Do to Turn Tragedy into TRIUMPH (ft. Brant Menswar)
    Oct 22 2024
    Aligning your core values could transform life's adversities into powerful catalysts for change. In this uplifting episode, listeners are invited to learn about the concept of "moment momentum" with their special guest, Brant Menswar. Brant, a sought-after speaker and advocate for pediatric cancer, brings his invaluable insights on how anchoring oneself in core values can propel individuals forward, even in the toughest of times.

    He shares how the tragic loss of his son, Theo, to cancer continues to drive his work in the pediatric cancer landscape. Listeners will discover how aligning values can lead to impactful outcomes and foster a sense of belonging and purpose. They explore how to crush the inner critic and manage stress responses, offering techniques like treating negative self-talk as a foreign language that needs fun reinterpretation.

    Walk away with practical tips on creating emotional engagement and discovering "black sheep values," those non-negotiable core values that guide meaningful contributions. Whether for personal growth or inspiring community action, this episode promises to leave audiences with a fresh perspective on turning life's storms into opportunities for change. So tune in, share, and be part of a movement that transforms fear into courage in the fight against pediatric cancer.

    Connect with Brant: https://www.instagram.com/brantmenswar

    How YOU can make a difference:
    https://cannonballkidscancer.org/other-ways-to-activate/

    Connect with Dana: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danaknichols/
    Connect with Val: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-solomon-516b50b8/
    Learn more about the Cannonball Kids cancer Foundation: https://cannonballkidscancer.org/

    GameOverCancer. #PediatricCancer #CannonballKidsCancer #CancerResearch #ChildhoodCancerAwareness
    Show more Show less
    44 mins