After an amazing season of sharing stories, we’re taking a pause on the Lighthouse Family Retreat Podcast. Thank you for listening, supporting, and being part of this journey! While we won’t have new episodes for a while, you can still revisit and share all our previous episodes.
We’re looking forward to the next chapter of serving families impacted by childhood cancer. See ya later!
In this heartfelt episode, Chris Woodruff and Christy Richards sit down with Marissa Bondurant, a writer, mother of four, and passionate childhood cancer advocate. Marissa shares the powerful story of her family's journey through childhood cancer, which led her to discover a new purpose: using her experiences to encourage and bring gospel hope to others.
Together, they discuss Marissa’s transition from writing updates for family and friends to creating a ministry that reaches caregivers and cancer families worldwide. They also learn about her book "Who Cares for You?," her inspiring blog, and the 31-Day Prayer Guide for Caregivers, which are resources designed to comfort and strengthen those walking through difficult seasons.
Marissa also shares practical advice for staying connected, instructions for accessing her writing and guides, and a deeply encouraging message for anyone facing challenges: God sees you and will use your story for good.
You can find Marissa's resources on her website.
In this inspiring episode, hosts Chris Woodruff and Christy Richards sit down with special guests Elise Keel, Megan Beasley, and Seamus, a Duke athlete, to discuss the transformative work of Team Impact. Team Impact connects children facing serious illnesses with college athletic teams, fostering meaningful relationships that empower kids and inspire athletes. These connections create a community of support, resilience, and joy for families navigating life with pediatric illness.
Listeners will hear firsthand accounts from the Beasley family and Seamus about how Team Impact has shaped their lives. The Beasleys share their journey of joining the program, highlighting the incredible bonds formed and the emotional support they’ve experienced. Meanwhile, Seamus offers a unique perspective as an athlete, reflecting on his life lessons and personal growth from participating in this initiative. Together, their stories showcase the profound ripple effect of Team Impact’s mission on children, families, and college communities.
Whether you’re a family seeking support, an athlete eager to make a difference, or inspired by the power of connection, this episode is a touching reminder of how compassion and teamwork can create lasting change.
Connect with Team Impact: https://www.teamimpact.org
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In this heartfelt episode of The Lighthouse Podcast, hosts Chris Woodruff and Christy Richards sit down with Amy Jo Osborn, co-founder of the Austin Hatcher Foundation. Amy Jo shares the deeply personal journey that led her and her husband, Jim, to start the foundation after the loss of their first-born son, Austin, to cancer. What began as unimaginable grief grew into a mission to help other families navigate life after a childhood cancer diagnosis. Their goal is to see families thrive—not merely survive—through holistic care and support.
Amy Jo opens up about the early days of the Austin Hatcher Foundation, from its beginnings in 2006 to now serving over 90,000 children and families across 24 states and 42 hospitals. She and the hosts explore the critical need for mental health resources for families touched by pediatric cancer. Listeners will gain insight into the foundation’s unique events, such as the Petit Le Mans weekend, which offers moments of healing through diversionary therapy.
The episode wraps with practical advice for families seeking support, as Amy Jo explains how they can get involved with the Austin Hatcher Foundation. With Lighthouse Family Retreat embedded in her own story, Amy Jo reflects on how both organizations have become intertwined in her life. Tune in to hear her inspiring message of purpose born from pain, and discover ways to connect with the resources that can make a lasting impact.
Find out more about the Austin Hatcher Foundation, by heading to their website.
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In this episode, we dive into the world of music therapy with Austin, a passionate advocate for the healing power of music. We discuss how music impacts children and teens and explore its therapeutic potential. Austin shares insights from his background in music and explains how the Sing Me A Story Foundation empowers children to tell their stories through song.
Join us as we learn how the foundation works, including how kids of all ages can create their own songs, the genres they explore, and the powerful stories that emerge. Austin also shares one of his favorite stories and offers advice on how families can get involved.
Whether you’re a parent looking to inspire your children or simply interested in the transformative power of music, this episode is full of heartwarming moments and practical steps to make music a part of your life.
To connect with Sing Me a Story, head over to their website: https://singmeastory.org
Happy Childhood Cancer Awareness Month! We have gone GOLD this month, and we hope you are, too. We love wearing our first-ever childhood cancer awareness t-shirt. This September, we are sharing all sides of childhood cancer, from medical staff to family stories to incredible non-profits and so much more!
In this episode, we sit down with Mariah Forster Olson to explore her inspiring cancer journey and her vital work with the Coalition Against Childhood Cancer (CAC2). Our conversation begins with a heartfelt reflection on her personal battle with cancer, highlighting the encouragement she drew from seeing her parents lead the family with strength and grace. We also discuss how Mariah has maintained a positive attitude throughout her journey and how this resilience continues to shape her approach to life today.
As the conversation unfolds, Mariah shares the origins of CAC2, detailing the needs and challenges that led to its formation. We dive into her involvement with the organization, uncovering the joys and triumphs she's experienced along the way. The episode also introduces listeners to the CAC2 Toolkit, a valuable resource designed to support families and professionals in the childhood cancer community. Mariah explains who the toolkit is for, how to use it effectively, and the various categories of information it covers, leaving listeners with a powerful sense of hope and practical tools to navigate the challenges of childhood cancer.
In the intro, Chris and Christy discussed our Gold Party fundraiser event and the silent online auction. Everyone is welcome to participate in the auction, which opens on September 6th at noon. You can find out more about it here.
Welcome back to the Lighthouse Podcast! We are so glad you are joining us for the August episode. In this episode, we have a candid conversation with Juanita Prada, who opens up about their extraordinary journey from a young cancer patient to a resilient advocate. Juanita walked through Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) childhood cancer starting at age 10. She has been cancer-free since 2008 when she completed treatment at the age of 15.
We start the episode by getting to know Juanita beyond the diagnosis, exploring a lesser-known facet of their life. We then move into the pivotal moments of her cancer journey, discussing the initial diagnosis during childhood, the challenging relapse as a teenager, and the stark differences in treatment experiences across these stages. Juanita sheds light on the often overlooked delayed side effects of chemotherapy and radiation, sharing personal encounters with uncommon side effects. We also dive into her struggles in school and the sacrifices they made to graduate alongside their peers.
Last but not least, we hear about Juanita's ministry - "Be Hold Be Gold." She shares her dreams and hopes for the future of this inspiring initiative and highlights some defining moments that have shaped their journey. She also offers valuable advice for parents on preparing their children for potential delayed side effects of cancer treatment. Juanita reflects on the evolution of her faith and relationship with God throughout her journey, encouraging those affected by childhood cancer. We conclude with ways our listeners can support this mission and contribute to raising awareness and support for childhood cancer survivors.
In this episode, we sit down with Bryce Knight, who shares their compelling journey of resilience and strength through a family's unexpected challenges. Bryce opens up about her upbringing, family dynamics, and personal interests and provides a glimpse into her life before and after 2010.
The conversation moves into the pivotal year when their family faced a significant upheaval, leading to their brother Brody's hospitalization. Bryce recounts the emotional impact of being separated from their siblings and staying with different family members during this turbulent period.
We explore valuable advice for parents on supporting siblings during such trials and discuss the importance of transparent and age-appropriate conversations. Bryce reflects on how having a deeper understanding of Brody's situation could have shaped their experience and offers insights for siblings on navigating similar journeys.
The episode also highlights the profound impact of Lighthouse, a beacon of support for Bryce and her family. From their first retreat to a transformative summer serving on the Lighthouse summer staff, Bryce shares cherished memories and the joy of giving back to a community that once uplifted them.
Join us for an inspiring and moving discussion that underscores the power of family, resilience, and the incredible bonds formed through shared challenges!
Welcome back to the Lighthouse Podcast! Today, we have the privilege of sharing the heartfelt journey of Nakiso and her family's battle with a challenging diagnosis. In October 2022, Nakiso began experiencing unusual fatigue, nausea, and a persistent stomachache. Despite multiple visits to her pediatrician and urgent care, it wasn't until a blood test at the emergency room on November 6th, 2022, that they finally received a diagnosis.
This life-altering news led to Nakiso switching to virtual schooling, a difficult transition as she missed her friends and struggled to keep up with her studies, even with the school's support. We delve into the severe side effects of her chemotherapy, including a terrifying episode of septic shock and painful pancreatitis. Despite these hardships, Nakiso's incredible resilience inspires us all. In addition, Tawana, Nakiso's older sibling, was incredible at caring for everything else at home and the younger siblings, while Spiwe and Dryden took care of Nakiso.
Join us as we explore the highs and lows of this journey, offering insights, support, and hope to families facing similar challenges.
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Join us as we delve into the inspiring story behind the founding of the Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research. Our hosts sit down in person with Dean Crowe, the driving force behind Rally Foundation, to uncover the grassroots initiatives, community involvement, and cost-efficient strategies that have fueled the organization's mission to combat childhood cancer.
From empowering volunteers, families, and friends to become advocates in the fight against pediatric cancer to the heartwarming stories of Rally Kids, we explore the profound impact of community-driven efforts in driving research and support for young cancer patients. Additionally, we discuss Rally Foundation's collaborations with researchers, scientists, and medical institutions, shedding light on significant breakthroughs and the pivotal role families and patients play in shaping research priorities.
Moreover, we explore the vital role of Rally Kid Research Funds in empowering families and friends to contribute meaningfully, offering support and hope to those battling childhood cancer. Looking toward the future, we discuss the primary goals and milestones that the Rally Foundation aspires to achieve in the coming years to advance childhood cancer research and support young patients and their families.
Connect with the Rally Foundation: Website | Facebook | Instagram
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Welcome back to the Lighthouse Podcast! Last September, we had the privilege of attending a poignant gathering in Washington, D.C., called "CureFest." Amidst the inspiring atmosphere, we had the honor of encountering remarkable individuals and organizations. Today, we're thrilled to share a heartfelt conversation with Leia Hunt, one of the extraordinary souls we met at CureFest.
Leia's journey began at the tender age of 2 1/2 when she was diagnosed with Retinoblastoma. She had a total of 26 surgeries and relapsed during her two-year cancer journey. Inspired by her own family's journey, Leia founded Leia's Kids to offer support and hope to families facing similar challenges. She discusses the creation of journals and the heartwarming children’s book "Princess Marygold," which aimed to bring light to young cancer warriors' lives.
As we explore the long-term effects of chemotherapy, Leia sheds light on what parents can expect and how they can best support their children through any challenges that may arise. She also shares the evolution of her faith throughout their journey and offers words of encouragement to those affected by childhood cancer.
You will walk away from this episode being so encouraged by Leia's voice for childhood cancer and find inspiration in her message of finding beauty and normalcy in every circumstance.
In the opener, Chris mentioned our Amazon wishlist. If you would like to check it out, you can do that by following this link: https://a.co/boWB9K8
Connect with Leia's Kids: Website | Facebook
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Welcome back to the Lighthouse Podcast! This is our March edition, but don't forget that we have 133 other episodes you can also listen to. Today, Chris and Christy have the privilege of talking with Pamela Jones. Pamela's daughter, Sarah, was diagnosed with T-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia at the age of 12.
Before that diagnosis, back when Sarah was an infant, they had a miracle happen that you will want to hear! That miracle set the stage for a powerful faith journey through her life. Pamela and her family realized that God is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. They would continue to claim his promises through the journey ahead.
Going through cancer treatments as you turn from pre-teen to teen was incredibly difficult for Sarah. But she continued to hold on to her faith that could move mountains. The Bible tells us not to fear 365 times, and Sarah, as well as her family held on to that through the valley lows.
Pamela joined a Facebook group for families going through this journey. And it provided friendship, community, and encouragement. She continues to share about the tough times and the blessings along the road. In closing, she encourages families going through this to accept help no matter how hard it is to say "yes."
In the opener, Christy mentioned that we have space for first-time families walking through childhood cancer on our weeklong summer retreats. And that we also have space on an upcoming weekend retreat in Jasper, GA. You can learn about those by going to https://www.lighthousefamilyretreat.org/retreat.
We are so thrilled to be starting season 8 of the Lighthouse Podcast! First and Foremost, we wanted to make you aware that our posting schedule is changing slightly. For this season, new episodes will drop on the first Tuesday of each month. We encourage you to go back and listen to the helpful episodes from Season 1 to 7.
Now, let us introduce you to our guests for the first episode of this season - high school sweethearts - Zach and Karli Lansdell. The Lansdell’s currently reside in Rome, GA, and have one outdoor-loving, huge heart, and all-boy named Levi. Their journey with childhood cancer began when Levi was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia on August 10, 2022.
The journey was long and intense, as they spent over 200 days in the hospital. They did amazing things to make the hospital feel like home and keep Levi comfortable and happy.
They have now moved into the post-treatment plan, and that brings its own challenges. Through their journey, they learned to advocate with gut feelings, ask for help, and be honest with your mental health. Both Zach and Karli leave us with some encouraging advice that can be taken to heart right away.
In the opener, Chris and Christy mentioned that our retreat applications are open for both families walking through childhood cancer and volunteers. You can learn more by visiting our website at www.lighthousefamilyretreat.org
Today, we're joined by Dan and Kate Hutson. Dan & Kate are the parents to 4 beautiful children, Audrey, Elijah, Jack & Greta. In August of 2021, their lives took an unexpected turn when their son, Elijah, began displaying unexplained bruising all over his body within a remarkably short span. On their 8th wedding anniversary, August 3, 2021, Elijah received the diagnosis of ALL, marked by Philadelphia chromosomes—a moment that reshaped their family's trajectory.
In this candid conversation, they emphasize the crucial role of advocating for your family's needs within the hospital setting, highlighting parents' unique understanding of their child's needs. Their story underlines the incredible blessing of support from their family, friends, church community, and the invaluable aid provided by their child life specialist. For parents embarking on a similar journey, they share valuable advice and wisdom born from their own experiences.
They proudly refer to themselves as "Team Hutson," fully aware that the Lord continues to walk alongside them in this journey. Their most heartfelt prayer is to share their testimony and draw others closer to Jesus. All glory to God.
Tune in to this heartfelt conversation of faith, resilience, and insights on navigating the storm as a family.
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Welcome back to The Lighthouse Family Podcast as we welcome the incredible Mary Ann Massolio. As a mother of two, Jay and Kathleen, Mary Ann wears multiple hats—serving as the Executive Director of the 1Voice Foundation and dedicating herself to Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Social Work in Tampa Bay for almost three decades.
Mary Ann's journey took a profound turn when her son, Jay, was diagnosed with 4th stage non-Hodgkin's lymphoma at the tender age of 9. In the midst of his brave battle, Jay tragically passed away just six months into treatment. This heartbreaking experience not only reshaped Mary Ann's professional trajectory but also sparked a deep resolve within her. In honor of Jay's memory, Mary Ann established the first school in the United States exclusively for children battling cancer.
Her vast firsthand understanding—from navigating her own child's treatment to supporting families through bereavement—grants her a wealth of wisdom about the intricate dynamics of family experiences during these trying times. Tune in as Mary Ann shares her remarkable story and the impactful work she continues to carry out in memory of her son.
To learn more about 1Voice Foundation, click HERE
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Welcome back to The Lighthouse Family Podcast! Today, we're privileged to welcome Chalene Skinner as our guest. Her journey is truly extraordinary, centered around her daughter, Easton. Easton's path began at birth, born with Down Syndrome, and took a significant turn at the age of 3 with a diagnosis of ALL (Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia), charting an unexpected journey for their family.
Life took a challenging turn when Easton was 5, and Chalene and her husband went through a divorce. For Chalene, this period was an immensely trying time, navigating her daughter's cancer journey while facing the emotional strains of separation.
In her pursuit of healing and self-expression, Chalene turned to writing. Her book, "6 Rounds to Resilience," offers profound insights from her experiences. This book provides invaluable insights to those facing challenging times. Its simplicity and practicality make it a valuable resource for anyone navigating life's challenges. Join us as we delve into Chalene's inspiring story and explore the invaluable wisdom she shares in "6 Rounds to Resilience."
To purchase 6 Rounds to Resilience click HERE
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Welcome to the Lighthouse Family Podcast. In this episode, we're honored to have Jamie Perkins as our guest. Jamie and her husband, Tommy, are loving parents to two amazing children, Griffin (14) and Julia (12).
Their lives took an unforeseen turn when their son, Griffin, was diagnosed with Optic Nerve Glioma just before third grade. Fast forward to 2021, when the tumor's size doubled, requiring immediate treatment. Jamie delves into the deeply personal experience of caring for Griffin, navigating the challenging adjustments, and reshaping their reality post-treatment, all while witnessing the remarkable strengthening of faith and family bonds.
In our conversation, Jamie bravely discusses Griffin's journey from five stable years without any changes in his tumor to the sudden doubling in size. She candidly reflects on the challenge of overcoming the fear of the tumor potentially changing again, highlighting the difficulty in navigating this new reality without succumbing to constant fear.
She further delves into the post-treatment phase, highlighting the unforeseen challenges of readjusting to home life and the importance of not rushing through the process. Amidst the challenges, Jamie reflects on the growth in her faith, offering words of wisdom and advice to families stepping into life after treatment.
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Welcome to another touching episode of the Lighthouse Podcast. Today, we are honored to have Brindley Drake as our guest. Brindley and her husband, Dillon, share a beautiful family with two amazing boys, Dalton and Cooper. Last fall, just before school started, their lives took an unexpected turn when Cooper began experiencing severe leg pain. A visit to the emergency room unveiled a heartbreaking diagnosis of cancer, altering the course of their lives forever. Throughout their journey, a profound faith in God has been the guiding force, providing hope and strength.
In this episode, we delve into the Drake family's story, exploring the powerful impact of faith in navigating life's challenges. Brindley shares touching moments, including Dalton's heartfelt reaction to Cooper's leukemia diagnosis and the invaluable support they received from a child life therapist and therapy dog, Sabel. The family's relocation to Lubbock, TX, becomes a focal point, prompting reflections on divine guidance.
Brindley graciously imparts advice to other families facing similar challenges, emphasizing the importance of accepting help when offered.
Join us for a heartfelt conversation that showcases the resilience and faith of the Drake family. We hope you find inspiration and encouragement in today's episode of the Lighthouse Podcast.
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Welcome back to the Lighthouse Podcast. In this episode, we have the privilege of talking with Dr. Susan Conradsen, a dedicated mother of two children, Annalise and Daken. Beyond her role as a mother, Dr. Conradsen is a licensed clinical psychologist and currently serves as an Associate Professor of Psychology, Director of the Signature Experience Program, and the Director of the Women's and Gender Studies Program at Berry College in Rome, GA.
Dr. Conradsen's journey in the field of pediatric oncology began during her graduate school years when she specialized in pediatric consults within hospitals. This experience provided her with profound insights into the psychological aspects, family dynamics, and essential resources required for families embarking on the challenging path of childhood cancer.
In this episode, Dr. Conradsen shares invaluable insights with parents, particularly in the context of supporting siblings. Her wealth of expertise and real-world experience equips families with the tools and knowledge they need to navigate the complexities of the journey. Dr. Conradsen emphasizes the importance of maintaining open communication and fostering a sense of inclusion for siblings. We hope the wisdom and guidance shared in this episode will be as beneficial to you as it was to us.
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In this episode of The Lighthouse Family Podcast, we have the privilege of hearing from Dustin and Tatiana Rose. Together, they have a beautiful son, Max (4yrs old). Max was 3 1/2 years old when their world was forever changed.
Max's initial medical concern, suspected scoliosis, led to an MRI revealing a Ganglioneuroblastoma mass near his spine, a diagnosis they never saw coming. Their path forward was uncertain, as they sought opinions from multiple oncologists, each offering different treatment options for this rare tumor's challenging location.
Their story takes a turn as they find a surgeon in New York who holds the confidence to remove the tumor without the need for chemotherapy, leading them on a journey made possible by the incredible organization Flight of Hope. The 10-hour surgery, while successful, marked the beginning of a new set of challenges. Max's development of scoliosis and the necessity for a full upper-body cast add to the complexities they face as he copes with limited mobility and non-verbal communication.
Throughout their story, a common theme emerges - the journey through and beyond childhood cancer is a rollercoaster of emotions, and understanding one another's feelings is paramount. The aftermath of being "cancer-free" can prove just as challenging as treatment, emphasizing the significance of the unwavering support of family and friends.
Join us as we dive deep into this extraordinary story, and witness the incredible strength and resilience of Dustin, Tatiana, and Max on The Lighthouse Family Podcast.
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Welcome back to the Lighthouse Family Podcast. Today, we have the privilege of speaking with Martika Peterson, a devoted mother alongside her husband Damien, raising two beautiful children, Kaidence and Damien.
In this episode, Martika shares a heart-wrenching journey that began with her daughter's severe headaches in October 2021. Their world took a devastating turn in September when Kaidence's grandmother was diagnosed with COVID-19 and tragically passed away in October.
Initially, Martika believed Kaidence's headaches were stress-related due to the loss of her best friend, her beloved grandmother. It wasn't until Thanksgiving Day 2021 that she decided to seek medical help, concerned for her daughter's health. The emergency room visit revealed a mass on Kaidence's right temporal bone.
Their journey then led them to Birmingham, where a series of tests and a biopsy unveiled a diagnosis on January 11, 2022: Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis. Since then, Kaidence has been receiving dedicated treatment and care.
Martika takes us through the challenging days, the emotional rollercoaster, and the gratitude she feels as they near the end of this challenging journey, with everything going according to their dedicated oncologist's plan. Join us for an inspiring and heartfelt conversation as Martika shares her family's resilience and unwavering love in the face of childhood cancer.
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