43. Treatment, Survivorship, and Family, Part 1

Cancer doesn’t just affect the patient. It impacts the entire family.

Welcome back to Game Over: c*ncer, as we kick off 2026 with Part One of a powerful two-part conversation exploring how pediatric cancer shapes family life, resilience, and hope.

In this episode, hosts Val Solomon and Dana Nichols of Cannonball Kids’ cancer Foundation sit down with Mara Feuerstein, a remarkable young cancer survivor diagnosed with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia at age six. Now thriving in middle school, Mara courageously shares what she remembers from treatment, how cancer shaped her childhood, and why she’s choosing to use her voice to help other kids facing similar battles.

Mara opens up about growing up during treatment, navigating school during COVID, supporting friends who later faced cancer, and finding joy through swimming, theater, and being a big sister. Her story is honest, hopeful, and deeply inspiring, reminding us that even during the hardest seasons, kids can still dream, grow, and live full lives.

This episode also sets the stage for Part Two, where we hear from Mara’s mother to further explore the ripple effects of pediatric cancer on families.

If you care about pediatric cancer research, survivor stories, or how we can better support families facing childhood cancer, this conversation is for you.

If this conversation encourages you, please like this video, subscribe to the Game Over: c*ncer Podcast, and share it with someone who cares about changing the future for kids with cancer. Together, we can transform fear and fuel the next decade of breakthroughs.

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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/