The First 48 Hours: When You Hear “Your Child Has Cancer”

Life After the Storm: The Reality of Childhood Cancer Survivorship

What happens after treatment ends? In this episode of Senya’s Lighthouse, we talk about the part of the childhood cancer journey that isn’t often shared—the “after.” When the bell rings and the world celebrates, families are expected to move on. But survivorship is more than a finish line. It’s a new season filled with gratitude, uncertainty, healing, and quiet courage. Senya is now 12 years old—thriving in sixth grade, playing basketball, skiing with the Superiorland Ski Team, and running track. She’s been off treatment for nearly a year and a half and remains cancer-free. But behind that strength are the moments many don’t see—bimonthly labs, waiting for results, and learning how to live again after everything has changed. This episode is for families in the middle of treatment, those navigating survivorship, and anyone who wants to better understand what life looks like beyond cancer. You are not alone in this. If this episode resonates with you, share it with someone who might need it. And if you feel called to support families walking this journey, you can be part of the mission at Senya’s Lighthouse. Because even after the storm… families still need a lighthouse.

The First 48 Hours: When You Hear “Your Child Has Cancer”

What are the first 48 hours after a childhood cancer diagnosis really like? In this deeply personal episode of Senya’s Lighthouse, Erica Smith shares the raw and unfiltered experience of hearing the words no parent ever wants to hear: “your child has leukemia.” From the shock of diagnosis in the emergency room to an urgent 8-hour drive for treatment, Erica takes you inside those first 48 hours—the fear, the confusion, the information overload, and the moments of unexpected peace and connection. She opens up about:• The emotional impact of a childhood cancer diagnosis• What it’s like to suddenly leave home for treatment• The first hospital experiences, procedures, and decisions• How faith, community, and other parents helped her get through• Practical tools that made those early days more manageable This episode is for parents and caregivers navigating a new diagnosis, especially in rural communities where access to care can feel overwhelming. If you are in the middle of this right now, or love someone who is—you are not alone. 🔗 Resources mentioned:Senya’s Lighthouse: senyaslighthouse.orgCaringBridge (for family updates) 🎙️ Senya’s Lighthouse is a podcast for families navigating pediatric cancer—offering honest stories, support, and hope

A Sibling’s Perspective: Growing Up Alongside Childhood Cancer

In this episode of Senya’s Lighthouse, Erica sits down with her daughter Ainsley to share a powerful sibling perspective on childhood cancer. When Ainsley’s younger sister was diagnosed with leukemia, their family faced long hospital stays, time apart, and emotional challenges that deeply impacted everyone — especially siblings. Ainsley opens up about coping with fear and uncertainty, missing holidays, finding support through friends and theater, and what helped her stay strong. This conversation highlights the importance of supporting siblings of children with serious illness and reminds families they are not alone. Perfect for parents, caregivers, siblings, and anyone navigating childhood cancer, medical trauma, or family health journeys.

A Father’s Perspective: When Your Child is Diagnosed with Cancer

In this deeply personal episode of Senya’s Lighthouse, Erica sits down with her husband of 20 years, Travis Smith, to share their family’s story from a father’s perspective. Travis reflects on the early signs that something wasn’t right, the devastating day of Senya’s leukemia diagnosis, and the emotional whirlwind that followed — from emergency flights and months of treatment to life at C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital and the long road through childhood cancer. This episode offers an honest look at: • Recognizing early symptoms of childhood leukemia • The shock and trauma of diagnosis • Navigating long hospital stays and emergency transports • How marriage, faith, and family are tested and strengthened • The emotional toll on siblings • What survivorship looks like after treatment ends • Why Senya’s Lighthouse was created to support other families This is a story of fear, resilience, faith, community, and hope — shared to help families feel less alone and more supported on their own journeys.

Welcome to Senya’s Lighthouse

Welcome to Senya‘s Lighthouse. In this introductory episode, I’ll share the heart behind this podcast and our family‘s journey through childhood cancer. This is a space for faith, reflection and practical support for families navigating diagnosis, treatment, grief, survival, and life beyond the hospital. You are not alone- there is light here.