Today I speak with Mel, an ALL survivor currently in her second year of university. Mel was diagnosed at 17, and just recently rang the bell this past summer, so her account of treatment is still really fresh and honest. Our talk today is from Mel’s lens as an AYA patient, and how we as parents can best support our teens and young adult children going through treatment at an age when they are fully aware of every single layer of their cancer diagnosis.

Mel talks about what helped and didn’t help when it comes to support from her peers and family, and how the moments when her parents acknowledged how hard treatment was, rather than bright side it away, were the moments she connected the most. As a parent, all we want to do is take away our child’s suffering, so for her mom and dad to have the fortitude and strength to sit with Mel in her fear and discomfort is a level of love and commitment I am so deeply proud of in them. I also happen to know Mel’s parents, and want to take this chance to publicly acknowledge their strength and internal compass to know exactly how to best support their daughter. I adore Mel, and her family, and can’t wait to share her story. So, let’s dive deep with Mel.

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Today I speak with Leah, a pediatric nurse and nutritional coach who has spent more than a decade supporting families through some of the most meaningful and vulnerable times of their life. She’s worked in pediatric intensive care and birthing centres, and later built her own practice — one that helps parents navigate those early years of nutrition and development with a more holistic, compassionate approach. Her goal was always to make a real difference — to help children heal not just from illness, but to help parents build a strong, stable foundation that would set their babies up for life.

And then, when her third child, Etta, was diagnosed at three years old with neuroblastoma, everything destabilized. Leah suddenly found herself on the other side — in that upside-down world we all know too well — where it’s not someone else’s tragedy anymore, it’s your own.

In our conversation, Leah speaks with such honesty and wisdom about what that transformation feels like — how our bodies go into motion to keep our children alive, while our hearts and souls have to step back to protect us from a pain too big to hold all at once. And we talk about how later, when treatment ends, there’s that quiet reckoning — when life asks you to come back to yourself, and how it feels to reenter a body that has just been through war. How turning on the washing machine feels impossible, because everything feels so broken. Leah talks about how she healed, and continues to heal, with such warmth, depth and grounded insight.

She’s thoughtful, gentle, and I deeply trust her — she is someone who makes you feel safe just by being in her presence. I loved this conversation, and I think you’ll feel her steadiness and grace too.

Leah's Cookbook https://www.amazon.ca/All-Organic-Baby-Food-Cookbook-Nutritious/dp/0593196759

Leah's Website https://www.bloomingmotherhood.co/

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Today I speak with Dr Jackie, a naturopathic doctor and mom to 3 beautiful boys. Jackie’s life was completely upended when her youngest son Spencer was diagnosed with high risk ALL at 13 months old. And when I say her life, I mean her entire foundation. As a naturopath, Jackie was consciously raising her family in alignment with her practice - this meant using things like natural remedies, tinctures, supplements and diet to not only help her kids through fevers, bumps and bruises, but to also work preventatively to prepare their little immune systems for a long healthy life. So when Spencer was diagnosed, Jackie had to embrace a type of intervention that was the complete opposite of what she had built her family and practice on. Western medicine and pharmaceuticals don’t typically have a place in a naturopathic practice, and within hours her baby was needing them to survive. Jackie talks about the rapid switch she had to make, which of course she did, and how it felt to accept and even find peace with what was needed to save Spencer's life.

In our chat, Jackie shares the simple and gentle practices she brought into Spencer's treatment, and how she advocated and worked alongside their team to provide him with the support he needed. This is such a great episode for families, much like mine, who were raising their kids with natural and holistic treatments and had to instantly pivot and embrace the most toxic and harsh medicines being administered to their child’s body. I learned so much from Jackie's confidence and calm, assured belief that cancer is more than a physical disease and it's equally important to heal the body as well as our mind, soul and spirit.

You can find Jackie at www.doctorjackie.ca and/or IG @doctorjackieND

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Todays talk with my friend Lindsay hit so close to home, in many ways. I first connected with Lindsay because our kids were diagnosed with the same cancer, rhabdo. It felt really good to talk to another parent who knew all the same things I knew - like meeting someone in a foreign country who spoke the same language AND also knew all the same people. She was comfortable, familiar and we instantly connected.

So it was a matter of minutes before Lindsay told me that ON THE SAME DAY she found her son’s cancer, 32 years prior when she was 7 yrs old, SHE was diagnosed with Wilms. Lindsay was now a child cancer survivor AND a cancer mom - I don’t need to highlight what a unique and complicated journey it’s been for Lindsay, but also a journey where her insights are already baked in, giving her a vantage point that not many of us have.

I had a million questions for Lindsay about what it’s like ushering your child through a treatment you yourself had, and this is where our chat got even deeper, because hearing Lindsay share her memories of treatment, especially integrating back into her life post treatment, felt like I was listening to my own daughter share her exact same experience. Lindsay talked about the shame of having cancer and what it felt like to be different from her peers, and how she went to extreme lengths to hide her scars and bald head - and it was all just the same for us.

Hearing Lindsay share her stories of shame and wanting to hide her cancer went straight to my core because not only was I witnessing this exact same struggle with my child, but I knew there had to be other parents out there feeling the same helplessness watching their child desperately try to blend in post treatment. This prompted our episode today where Lindsay goes deep into her feelings of being different, of looking sick and getting sad pitiful eyes from strangers, and how complicated it was to feel embarrassed about her cancer when everyone was telling her it was something to be proud of.

This talk will resonate so deeply with parents whose kids were a little older during treatment or maybe more self aware and who struggle with the whole idea that children with cancer are celebrated as being brave and warriors when really, they want to blend in and not be recognized at all - until, as you’ll hear Lindsay say, she came through her teen years and realized that she was, in fact, tremendously brave and she decided to truly embrace her cancer. But that had to be on her terms, in her own way, and not because everyone told her so.

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My conversation today with Matt got so deep, so fast, and I think it’s because he’s worked really hard at clearing the path towards the place he holds his pain and grief around losing his son Landon. When Landon was 10.5 years old he passed away from medulloblastoma, leaving Matt with a choice to follow his grief in a bad, destructive direction, or in a powerful and healing direction.

A friend challenged him to run for 21 days to start a habit and hopefully give Matt an outlet for his grief, and so he started to run. And run, and run, and run for miles and miles. At first around his neighborhood, and then through the trails near his home. The more he would run, the more pain his body would endure, the closer he would get to feeling his grief - and to feeling his son. Running became his catharsis, and his direct path to connecting with Landon.

He pulled from all the mental endurance he learned during treatment and applied it to long distance running, and then ultra running - and then to running 140 miles to raise money and awareness for childhood cancer.

Matt documented his run and made it into a film called No Finish Line because, this isn’t a spoiler, at the end of Matt’s 140 mile run, he DNF’s which stands for Did Not Finish - because as Matt knows, and as we all know, childhood cancer doesn’t end. It’s a loud message to everyone watching that kids in treatment are up against a heck of a lot more than the physical and mental strain of running 140 miles, and his message lands.

This conversation today is really bold, really honest and has so many meaningful takeaways on processing pain, choosing the ultimate good vs the ultimate bad, our dragons, our grief, and what it’s like to live - truly live - when the biggest fear in your life happens. How does that change the trajectory of your path, how do you run it, and most importantly, how far can you go when you aren’t running from the pain, but running purposefully, and with great intention, towards it.

So, let’s dive deep, with Matt.

No Finish Line can be watched here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QL6irMXCIM8

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Today I talk with five incredible oncology moms who met during their kids treatments and felt the need to create a collective for cancer moms to come together, feel seen, supported and less alone. Katelyn, Sarah, Amanda, Nicole and Lindsay discuss the importance of having a support system of other oncology moms, the emotional challenges they face, and how they found strength in their shared experiences.

Our discussion highlights the birth of the Golden Moms community, the significance of connecting with others who understand our journey, and the role of social media in fostering these relationships. Each mom shares their personal story, emphasizing the importance of community, shared experiences, and the need for emotional support. They discuss the discomfort that often arises in friendships during crises, the healing power of connecting with others who understand, and the necessity of caring for caregivers as well.

To find the Golden Moms, visit their instagram @goldenmoms05, and the Ottawa Golden Moms group @goldenmomsottawa

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In this conversation, Sam and mindset coach/oncology mom Kayleigh Kennedy explore the emotional landscape for parents post treatment and the profound impact of trauma on our mental and physical health. Kayleigh shares her personal experiences and insights on mending the broken heart her son's cancer treatment left her with, and the ongoing process of healing, highlighting the significance of setting boundaries and prioritizing self-care. One of the ways Kayleigh has approached her healing is through somatic therapy and integrated somatic trauma processing (ISTP).

She discusses the healing power of breath work, the importance of releasing suppressed emotions, and the journey of letting go of control. The conversation highlights the physical and emotional challenges faced during therapy sessions, including intense releases of energy and emotions. Kayleigh emphasizes the significance of trusting oneself and exploring personal healing needs, while also acknowledging the discomfort that comes with the healing process.

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My talk with Lily has really stuck with me. This is a mom who simply refused to let cancer define her family’s life. There was no way cancer was going to interrupt their normal, and there was no way it was going to interfere with her son’s growth and learning and development. Lily was determined to maintain Wyatt’s full and active life, and not only maintain, but better it. Cancer wasn’t something that would stop him, it was something that would make him stronger.

When Wyatt was 5.5 yrs old, he was diagnosed with T cell ALL, and like all parents, Lily was floored when she was told the news over the phone after some routine blood work, But you’ll hear her say Wyatt’s diagnosis completely shifted her perspective and made her even more optimistic and less concerned and worried about the things in life that don’t matter. I’ve had a lot of talks with parents who come to those realizations, maybe after treatment, but for Lily, it was right off the bat, and she harnessed this optimism and perspective into making Wyatt’s cancer treatment an opportunity for growth and something that wasn't going to define him.

One of the areas of our chat that will stick with me forever is when we talk about how Lily made treatment so positive for Wyatt that he legitimately mourned when it was over. This makes so much sense when you hear Lily’s story, but I mean, we can all agree it’s not the most common reaction coming from a little kid who’s just gone through 3 years of gruelling cancer treatment. But port removal and final lumbar punctures were devastating for Wyatt, and we go into how Lily is managing these really honest and deep emotions. We also talk about her other son Jack and how in many ways Wyatt’s cancer treatment was hardest on him. So much insight and deep conversations in this episode.

I love Lily, she is incredible and so is this chat. I know it will stick with you too. So, let’s dive deep with Lily.

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Sam Albert, a recreational therapist at Roger Nielson Children's Hospice, shares her experience supporting families and siblings through treatment and end of life care. Sam shares personal stories of growing up with a brother who had cancer, the impact of grief, and the importance of validating the sibling's experience. The conversation also emphasizes the significance of peer support among siblings and the creative ways they express their emotions.

Sam explores the profound experiences of supporting families in palliative care, emphasizing the importance of creating lasting memories, the privilege of holding space for families during their hardest moments, and the unique emotional journey caregivers undergo. The discussion highlights the beauty found in love amidst grief, the impact of personal experiences on caregiving, and also touches on the examination of belief systems and the diverse needs of families after the loss of a child.

https://www.rogerneilsonchildrenshospice.ca/

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In this chat, Scott Walker shares his family's journey through his teenage daughter's cancer diagnosis of rhabdomyosarcoma and treatment. He discusses the shock of receiving the diagnosis, the protective 'armor' parents wear, and the importance of finding moments of release. Scott emphasizes the significance of approaching treatment in phases, coping with the hair loss phase, and the vital role of team sports and community support in their journey. Scott shares the profound impact of team dynamics and community support during his daughter Peyton's cancer treatment. He emphasizes the importance of mutual support within teams, the significance of billeting, and the courage required to let go as a parent. The discussion highlights the role of community in fostering resilience and the emotional journey of navigating treatment while maintaining a sense of normalcy for Peyton. The conversation emphasizes teamwork, resilience, and the power of community in navigating difficult times.

March 31- April 4th is Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Awareness Week. Here are some links to learn more:

https://www.childrenscancercause.org/ayaweek

https://acpmp.org/aya-cancer-awareness-week/

https://www.uhn.ca/PrincessMargaret/Clinics/Adolescent_Young_Adult_Oncology

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This conversation spans the epic journey of Shara and her wife Karen navigating their son's stage IV osteosarcoma diagnosis while immigrating to Canada. Friends from childhood, Shara and Karen grew up together in the Philippines. Their paths went in different directions, Shara to Canada where she’s a nurse, and Karen to becoming a psychologist, marrying and becoming a mother. Years later, when Karen was a single mom to Tim, still in the Philippines, she reconnected with Shara, and it didn’t take long for these lifelong friends to realize there was more to their connection. They fell in love, and you’ll hear Shara say, falling in love with Karen also meant falling in love with Tim, who was 7 at the time they reconnected.

As many families who are immigrating do, Karen immigrated to Canada first to be with Shara while they worked endlessly to get Tim’s paperwork approved so he could join them. It was one day over a FaceTime call that Tim told his moms that he banged his knee and there was a sore lump. After tests and scans, Shara and Karen were told over facetime from the Philippines that their son had stage IV osteosarcoma. Like all of us, their lives were instantly fractured and they were forced to navigate treatment on the other side of the world.

This conversation emphasizes the importance of hope, community support, and the unconditional love that drives parents to fight for their children's well-being. Shara's resilience and determination shine through as she recounts the struggles and triumphs of their journey, ultimately showcasing the power of love in overcoming adversity.

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In today's conversation, Sarah Bailey shares her emotional journey as a single mother navigating the challenges of her daughter's leukemia diagnosis. The discussion covers her life before the diagnosis, the shock of receiving the news, the transition into a new reality, the importance of connection and support, and the complexities of parenting during treatment. Sarah emphasizes the loneliness of her experience and the significance of sharing her story to help others feel less isolated. Sarah discusses the overwhelming responsibilities of being both a medical parent and a regular parent, the emotional toll it takes, and the coping mechanisms she employs. The dialogue explores the importance of maintaining a sense of normalcy, the challenges of navigating the healthcare system, and the healing power of nature and movement. Sam and Sarah discuss how nature serves as a metaphor for resilience and healing, the importance of self-care for parents, and the lessons learned through hiking. Sarah shares her journey of dedicating hikes to raise awareness for childhood cancer and the significance of supporting siblings of cancer patients. The conversation emphasizes the healing power of nature and the importance of community support.

If you would like to follow along with Sarah and Bellamy's hikes, or have one dedicated to your child, you can reach out to Sarah on instagram at @bellamywillwin

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In today’s episode, medical mom and mindset coach Cortney Given shares her experience as a “heart mom” to daughter Zola who was diagnosed with hypo plastic left heart syndrome during Cortney’s pregnancy, and required her first heart surgery when she was only 36 hours old. Cortney has since become a coach and leader in the medical parent community, supporting parents through their child’s diagnoses and complex needs with practical and well earned tools to help us hold our hope, and our fear. Cortney is also the host of the Mindset for Medical Moms podcast where she shares so many excellent stories and strategies for parents to make this journey more safe for our mental, physical and emotional health.

You can find Cortney @cortneygiven and her podcast Mindset for Medical Moms everywhere you listen.

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This conversation delves into the emotional and practical challenges faced by two mothers, Jenna and Alex, as they navigate their children's leukemia diagnoses. They share their experiences from the initial diagnosis to the ongoing treatment, highlighting the shock, fear, and isolation that accompany such a journey. The discussion emphasizes the importance of connection and support among parents in similar situations, illustrating how their friendship has provided strength and understanding during one of the most challenging times in their lives.

In this heartfelt conversation, Sam, Alex, and Jenna explore the profound connections formed during the challenging journey of childhood cancer treatment. They discuss the anticipatory fears parents face, the importance of finding community, and the unexpected joys that can arise amidst the pain. The dialogue emphasizes the duality of experience, where sorrow and growth coexist, and highlights the significance of vulnerability in forging deep connections. As they share their stories, they reflect on the lessons learned and the hope that emerges from shared struggles, ultimately reinforcing the message that no one has to navigate this journey alone.

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In this episode, host Sam Taylor and parent Nicole talk about all the unknowns that come up when your child is diagnosed with a rare cancer that doesn’t respond to all the traditional treatments like chemotherapy and radiation. When Nicole’s son Hayden was 12 years old, he had a bad fall while snowboarding and complained of serious pain in his side that brought them to the hospital. After tests and ultrasounds, Nicole was told that Hayden’s fall had ruptured a15 centimetre tumor on his kidney, diagnosing him with a rare type of cancer called Papillary Renal Cell Carcinoma, typically only found in men over the age of 50. Treatment for Hayden’s cancer was surgery to remove the tumor, and 3 month follow up scans to check for recurrence.

Nicole and Sam talk about Hayden’s rare diagnosis, and how difficult it is to resume a “normal” life when the lingering fear of Hayden’s cancer returning is always present. With no other treatments to try to eradicate his cancer, Nicole talks about how she moves forward with so many unknowns. Sam and Nicole also talk about Hayden’s age, and how he is old enough to understand his cancer and have a lot of questions about it, in particular, asking if he is going to die. This conversation is so important for families who also have rare diagnoses, non traditional treatments and families whose kids are old enough to experience all the unknowns alongside their parents.

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Julie Middleton, founder of Zippaport, shares her journey of her daughter's leukemia diagnosis and how it led to the creation of Zippaport, a charity that provides zippered shirts for kids port access. Our chat covers topics such as the challenges of treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic, the impact of Zippaport on families, and the process of ordering and receiving shirts. Julie also opens up about her own experience as a cancer mom and emphasizes the importance of community and giving back, and how it can be a healing process for parents. Julie also talks about the challenges of hair loss during treatment and the feelings of shame and embarrassment it can bring. She shares her own experience and the impact it had on her daughter. Finally, Julie discusses her daughter's relapse and the roller coaster of emotions that come with it, as well as the importance of self-care and taking time for oneself during treatment.

You can learn more about Julie and her incredible work, and order a shirt, at zippaport.ca

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