The Childhood Cancer Perspective

S8:E129 Interview with Keith Royer Pt.1

Sharing Personal Stories and Advocacy in Childhood Cancer: The Brave Like McKenna Foundation. In this episode of the Childhood Cancer Perspective podcast, Curtis Vallier interviews Keith Royer, a father who shares the harrowing journey of his daughter McKenna’s fight with pediatric cancer,the foundation they started, and the importance of advocacy, awareness, and community support. This heartfelt conversation highlights the power of storytelling, legislative efforts, and collective action to support families impacted by childhood cancer. Key topics discussed: * McKenna's diagnosis, treatmentjourney, and the aggressive nature of her tumor * The emotional and mental healthchallenges faced by parents during and after treatment * The founding and mission of theBrave Like McKenna Foundation to provide financial support * The importance of advocacy andlegislation for pediatric cancer research and family support * How community, peer support, andstorytelling empower families and drive change * The ripple effect of childhoodcancer on families, schools, and communities * Strategies for engaging lawmakersand raising awareness at the state and federal levels * The ongoing battles inlegislation, funding, and resource allocation for pediatric cancer * The role of children as advocatesand the legacy McKenna left behind * Opportunities for broadercommunity involvement and how listeners can help * Resources & Links: Brave Like McKenna Foundation [https://bravelikemckenna.org/] * Battlecorn Global - Resources & Support [https://battlecornglobal.org/resources] * CureFest for Childhood Cancer [https://curefest.org/] * Climb the Hill Advocacy Initiatives [https://climbthehill.org/] * Kids V Cancer [https://kidsvcancer.org/] Connect with Keith Royer: * Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/bravelikemckenna] * Instagram [https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fbravelikemckenna%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExQUtINUYzb0lLd3hrMUVacXNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR6CHQLJ5tDAXyvWwRpPi-bKkTy1keczv1wTNlSa3Qdy8up_7Pv6sd25MwAeYQ_aem_-YBndmU8wneoyNWzaqqWyA&h=AUAGjtvZ6WAgI5w7X0Biy3qAW5UqZl6ob2_OW5w5J6BJ3tJu1r1o2gsfwNlENF1rM-l_FsparhFELHe65JJLwCWwrD78WFwrcuC1E4433DsC_N4SacPH3BqqY6iO8L1IuQYknqlQEY_ONV38hg] Note: This episode shares personal stories, advocacy initiatives,and educational insights to raise awareness about childhood cancer. Always consult with healthcare professionals for medical advice or treatment decisions.

S8:E128 We Just Need 60 Seconds of Your Time

Summary Curtis Vallier shares a heartfelt perspective on pediatric cancer awareness, the challenges faced by families, and the importance of community support and awareness. He emphasizes the need for greater engagement, understanding, and action to combat pediatric cancer and honor the legacy of those affected. Key Topics The perception of pediatric cancer in society The personal journey of a family affected by childhood cancer The importance of community engagement and awareness Keywords pediatric cancer, awareness, community support, childhood cancer stories, advocacy, fundraising, early detection, medical research Sound Bites "It could be your child at any moment." "We didn't want to get that phone call." "I wish I hadn't changed the channel." Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Personal Struggles 02:37 The Reality of Pediatric Cancer Awareness 05:29 Experiences at the Farmer's Market 08:09 The Challenge of Ignoring Pediatric Cancer 10:40 The Importance of Awareness and Understanding 13:05 Community Connections and Support 15:34 Reflections on Purpose and Impact 18:00 The Emotional Weight of Advocacy 20:20 Call to Action for Awareness 22:45 Conclusion and Future Episodes

S8:E127 Interview with PJ Myers Pt.2

This heartfelt interview with Princecine Johnson and her daughter Ailani shares their journey through childhood cancer, highlighting the importance of community, advocacy, and hope. Discover insights into treatment options, the emotional toll, and ways to support families affected by pediatric cancer. keywords childhood cancer, pediatric cancer, clinical trials, advocacy, community support, hope, treatment journey, Ailani's story, CureFest, childhood cancer awareness key topics Childhood cancer diagnosis and symptoms Treatment journey and clinical trials Community support and advocacy for pediatric cancer Titles Hope and Healing: A Childhood Cancer Journey Ailani's Fight: A Story of Resilience and Community "Never give up hope, no matter how hard it gets." "Our kids are the future, and they need us." "We need your help to fight childhood cancer." resources CureFest - https://curefest.org/ Kids Versus Cancer - https://kidsvcancer.org/ Johns Hopkins Pediatric Oncology - https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/pediatric-oncology/ St. Jude Children's Research Hospital - https://www.stjude.org/ Clinical Trials.gov - https://clinicaltrials.gov/ Ronald McDonald House Charities - https://www.ronaldmcdonaldhouse.org/

S8:E126 Interview with PJ Myers Pt.1

This heartfelt interview with Princecine Johnson and her daughter Ailani shares their journey through childhood cancer, highlighting the importance of community, advocacy, and hope. Discover insights into treatment options, the emotional toll, and ways to support families affected by pediatric cancer. keywords childhood cancer, pediatric cancer, clinical trials, advocacy, community support, hope, treatment journey, Ailani's story, CureFest, childhood cancer awareness key topics Childhood cancer diagnosis and symptoms Treatment journey and clinical trials Community support and advocacy for pediatric cancer Titles Hope and Healing: A Childhood Cancer Journey Ailani's Fight: A Story of Resilience and Community "Never give up hope, no matter how hard it gets." "Our kids are the future, and they need us." "We need your help to fight childhood cancer." resources CureFest - https://curefest.org/ Kids Versus Cancer - https://kidsvcancer.org/ Johns Hopkins Pediatric Oncology - https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/pediatric-oncology/ St. Jude Children's Research Hospital - https://www.stjude.org/ Clinical Trials.gov - https://clinicaltrials.gov/ Ronald McDonald House Charities - https://www.ronaldmcdonaldhouse.org/

S8:E125 Who would Jaycee be Today?

Curtis shares a heartfelt and personal perspective on the emotional, relational, and mental challenges faced by families dealing with childhood cancer. He discusses the loneliness, guilt, relationship strain, and mental health impacts, emphasizing the importance of support and understanding. keywords childhood cancer, caregiver mental health, relationship strain, survivor guilt, family support, emotional trauma, pediatric cancer statistics, coping strategies key topics Emotional trauma of caregiving Impact on relationships and marriage Guilt and survivor's guilt Anticipatory grief and mental health Support systems and community awareness The Hidden Toll of Childhood Cancer: 80% Divorce Rate Exposed Surviving Childhood Cancer: The Unseen Emotional Battle sound bites "Anticipatory grief can consume you." "Sibling care often goes unnoticed." "Post-treatment trauma is real." Chapters 00:00 The Loneliness of Caregiving 02:40 The Impact of Trauma on Relationships 05:46 Navigating Grief and Emotional Disconnect 08:15 The Financial Strain of Childhood Cancer 11:09 The Role of Siblings in the Journey 13:46 Surviving the Aftermath of Loss 16:18 The Importance of Connection and Communication 18:57 Understanding PTSD and Ongoing Struggles 21:28 The Reality of Relationships Post-Treatment 24:20 Final Thoughts and Advice for Families