In this powerful episode of the Game Over: c*ncer, hosts Dana and Val sit down with Maria Ochoa, president and co-founder of Mia’s Miracles Foundation. Maria, along with her husband, professional golfer Camilo Villegas, created Mia's Miracles in honor of their daughter Mia, who passed away from brain and spine cancer at just 22 months old.


Maria opens up about surrender, grief, PTSD, and the unseen weight caregivers carry. She shares how love, boundaries, and support can transform the hardest seasons. She shares Mia’s story, the impact of treatment on the family, and why caregiver well-being is essential to a child’s care. Maria also discusses her own recent health battles, the choices she made, and the peace she’s found on the other side, offering wisdom for anyone navigating fear, trauma, or loss.

In this episode we explore:

• The reality of pediatric cancer for the whole family, and why caregiver health matters
• Grief, fear, and PTSD: naming it, facing it, and finding tools to heal
• Boundaries, marriage, and moving through hard things together
• The mission and impact of Mia’s Miracles Foundation 
• Practical ways anyone can help, because small gifts add up to big change

Connect with our guest and learn about and support Mia’s Miracles Foundation at:
mias-miracles.org

If 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/

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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 year
• Why joining forces with partner families and merging organizations created real momentum
• What recent progress means for DIPG treatment and why speed still matters for kids today
• How cuts to federal research funding impact pediatric cancer labs and what we can do together

This 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.org


If 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/

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Podcast Produced by Hi Hello Labs: Website: https://www.hihellolabs.com/

In this survivor spotlight, hosts Val and Dana sit down with Lily Bakour — a two-time childhood cancer survivor, advocate, and longtime CKc partner.

At 15, Lily faced surgery, traditional chemo, and radiation. After relapse, an immunotherapy clinical trial helped her reach remission. Today, she opens up about survivorship with honesty and hope: processing survivor’s guilt, reclaiming your story on the internet, healing long-term treatment effects, and choosing calm, strength, and community.

This conversation is a reminder that every survivor story is unique and deeply human. If you care about innovation in pediatric cancer and tangible hope for families, you are in the right place.

What you’ll hear:

• Lily’s diagnosis, relapse, and the immunotherapy trial that worked
• Surviving adolescence, high school, and adulthood milestones while fighting cancer
• Survivor’s guilt, identity, and setting boundaries around your story online
• Healing from long-term effects and rebuilding health and routine
• Why community action and research funding change outcomes for kids

Why it matters:  Cannonball Kids’ c*ncer Foundation (CKc) funds bold pediatric cancer research to create innovative treatment options, reduce toxicity, and improve long-term quality of life for children who grow up to be adults like Lily.

If 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/

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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 diagnosis
• Andy’s rotationplasty explained in simple terms and why he chose it
• How 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 again
• Minecraft, Jack Black, F1 engineering, and why curiosity matters in survivorship
• The story behind the Andy Alberts Next Step Clinical Trial Grant and how funding research creates options for kids

If 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/

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Podcast Produced by Hi Hello Labs: Website: https://www.hihellolabs.com/

Welcome to another powerful episode of the Game Over: c*ncer podcast by Cannonball Kids’ cancer Foundation (CKc)!

In this conversation, hosts Dana and Val sit down with Dr. Cassie Kline, attending physician and Director of Clinical Research in the Department of Neuro-Oncology at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

Dr. Kline shares her journey into pediatric oncology, her personal connection to cancer research, and her role in advancing innovative treatments for children with brain and spinal cord tumors. From her early days as CKc’s first Young Investigator to serving on CKc's Scientific Advisory Board, Dr. Kline’s story highlights the critical impact of research funding, mentorship, and collaboration in creating real hope for families.

You’ll hear insights on:

• The challenges young investigators face and why early funding is crucial
• How clinical trials and immunotherapy are changing the future of pediatric brain tumor care
• The role of CKc’s Scientific Advisory Board in ensuring the most innovative research is funded
• Dr. Kline’s perspective as a woman in STEM and the importance of diversity in medicine

This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about pediatric cancer research, advocacy, and the fight to deliver better treatment options for kids.

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 our Guest Dr. Cassie Kline:  https://www.chop.edu/doctors/kline-cassie
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/

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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 service
• How leadership training prepared Clifton for CKc
• Why diversity in the boardrooms matters
• Balancing board service with a full-time career
• What every new board member should know

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/

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Podcast Produced by Hi Hello Labs: Website: https://www.hihellolabs.com/

In this inspiring episode of Game Over: c*ncer, we sit down with two incredible community leaders and pediatric cancer advocates — Dr. Michelle Norden, a board-certified pediatrician, and her husband, Nick Norden, a personal injury attorney at Norden Leacox Accident and Injury Law.


From attending the first Gold Gala, to co-chairing the event two years in a row, the Nordens share how saying "yes" to leadership unlocked a whole new level of passion and impact in CKc's mission. They open up about balancing family, careers, and philanthropy — and how the power of their partnership helped them lead with joy. 

You’ll hear:

• How Michelle’s experience as a pediatrician fuels her advocacy
• Nick’s personal motivation to give back through his law firm
• Why community involvement can be both meaningful and fun
• Their new adventure: Running the 10K for CKc at the 2026 Walt Disney World® Marathon Weekend Presented by State Farm

Whether you’re a seasoned volunteer or considering getting involved for the first time, this episode is a heartwarming reminder that small steps can lead to big impact. There’s a place for everyone in the fight against pediatric cancer.

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/

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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 movement

If 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/

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Podcast Produced by Hi Hello Labs: Website: https://www.hihellolabs.com/

In this powerful and deeply personal episode of Game Over c*ncer, we sit down with Jasan Zimmerman—a three-time childhood and young adult cancer survivor, former molecular biologist, and now the Senior Director of Foundation Relations at the Lucile Packard Foundation for Children’s Health.

Jasan opens up about his lifelong journey through cancer, the mental health struggles that often follow survivorship, and his evolution from patient to patient advocate. With honesty and vulnerability, he shares what it means to process trauma, show up authentically, and build community with purpose. He also highlights the importance of patient-centered research and the critical impact of including survivors’ voices in medical trials and program design.

Together, we reflect on the groundbreaking research funded through CKc’s partnership with Stanford, including a clinical trial showing full response in children with DIPG. This is why we do what we do.

If 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/

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Podcast Produced by Hi Hello Labs: Website: https://www.hihellolabs.com/

In this deeply moving and powerfully unifying episode, Game Over: c*ncer welcomes Beth Robertson from Cookies for Kids’ Cancer — an organization so aligned with Cannonball Kids' cancer Foundation, it feels like a “soulmate” in the fight against childhood cancer. Beth shares her powerful story of advocacy born from personal heartbreak, including the loss of her grandson KJ, and how cookies turned into a catalyst for change.

Together with hosts Val Solomon and Dana Nichols, they explore the critical role of collaboration in funding pediatric cancer research, why overlap is an opportunity, not a threat, and how innovation in both medicine and fundraising is needed to drive real impact. From grassroots bake sales to million-dollar clinical trials, this episode proves that everyone has something to contribute — and that we’re stronger together. 

Whether you’re a parent, a donor, or just someone who loves cookies, this episode will inspire you to take action, honor the lives behind the statistics, and believe in a future where no child is told there are no more options.

Learn more on Beth and her initiative at:
• www.cookiesforkidscancer.org


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/

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Podcast Produced by Hi Hello Labs: Website: https://www.hihellolabs.com/

It’s more than a milestone—it’s a movement. In this special episode, hosts Dana Nichols (Executive Director) and Val Solomon (Director of Program Impact) reflect on Cannonball Kids’ c*ncer Foundation’s 10-year journey. From humble beginnings to national impact, they share what it’s taken to build a nonprofit focused on innovative pediatric cancer research and the ripple effects of a decade of work. 

Tune in for an honest and hope-filled conversation about the challenges, victories, and future goals of CKc—including their vision to fund $1M in new research annually and expand support across the country. Whether you've been with CKc since the beginning or are just discovering the mission, this episode is your invitation to be part of what’s next.

As Dana and Val share behind-the-scenes moments and personal reflections, they highlight how CKC has evolved from raising awareness to becoming a trusted resource and thought leader in pediatric cancer research. You'll hear about the families, researchers, and donors who’ve made this progress possible—and the intentional steps being taken to ensure that every child, no matter where they live, has access to cutting-edge treatment options. This isn’t just a celebration—it’s a call to action.

 Let’s look back, dream forward, and continue creating options and hope for kids fighting cancer.
 
Leave us a review to help amplify these stories.  

Subscribe and share to be part of the movement to end childhood cancer.  

How do you go from saying, “Somebody should do something about that,” to actually being the one to take action? In this episode of Game Over c*ncer, we dive into that exact moment—the first, scary step toward making a difference.  

Hosts Val Solomon and Dana Nichols are joined by Whitney Brittain, a former CKc board member, who shares her journey from being deeply impacted by a social media post about pediatric cancer to organizing a beloved annual event, Santa Comes to Scottsdale. What started as a way to avoid long mall lines for Santa photos turned into a powerful community fundraiser that raised thousands for pediatric cancer research.
 
Whitney’s story is proof that making an impact doesn’t have to be overwhelming—it can be fun, easy, and deeply rewarding. Whether you're thinking about starting your own event or just looking for ways to contribute, this episode will inspire you to take that first step.  
Tune in to hear how one small idea turned into a six-year movement and why it’s okay to evolve, adapt, and pass the torch when the time is right.  

 Like, subscribe, and share to help spread awareness about pediatric cancer research. Your action—no matter how small—can make a world of difference.  

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/

In this special episode of Game Over c*ncer, we turn the spotlight on our very own host, Val Solomon! From her 17-year journey in the nonprofit sector to her role at Cannonball Kids' cancer Foundation, Val has worn just about every hat imaginable. Join Dana Nichols as she dives into Val’s experience navigating the highs and heartbreaks of pediatric cancer research, the pivotal moments that shaped her career, and the passion that fuels her mission.  

From the early days at CKc to building a culture of impact, Val shares candid insights about leadership, resilience, and the power of storytelling in advocacy. Plus, Dana and Val discuss the delicate balance of being working moms in the nonprofit space—raising not just funds, but also little philanthropists.  

This episode is filled with heart, humor, and a behind-the-scenes look at what it truly takes to fight for better treatments for kids. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and leave a review—every listen helps us educate for change! 

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.

Check out the latest from Cannonball Kids’ cancer Foundation at https://cannonballkidscancer.org/blog/
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/

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/

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.