In this episode, we hear the story of actor and comedian Daniel Stolfi. Daniel was diagnosed with Lymphoma when he was 25 years old. Like every cancer warrior, Daniel’s story is remarkable. He kept a journal throughout his treatment, and before his treatment was even over, he wrote and performed an award-winning one-man comedy show called Cancer Can’t Dance Like This. It was met with rave reviews! He has performed this show at venues across North America, and in the process, he has raised more than $100,000 for cancer research. Daniel has also written a book, his memoir, called The Comedian v ..read more

In this episode, I am thrilled to share my conversation with Jenny Edmonds, Director of In-Hospital & Community Programs with Campfire Circle. Campfire Circle is a privately funded charity in Ontario that brings laughter and joy to kids and families affected by childhood cancer.  Campfire Circle is passionate about helping kids to just be kids. These are the cheerful folks who visit your hospital room to play a song on the ukulele, to play a boardgame with your child. They coordinate in-hospital activities, such as painting or crafts, and they have year-round programming outside the h ..read more

In this episode, we hear the story of Nicole Raso. Nicole is the mother of 5 year old Luca, who recently completed his treatment for a Wilms tumour, which was found on his kidney in August 2022. Nicole tells us about how she discovered that her son was sick, and the arduous journey that she and her family travelled in order to bring him back to health.  Nicole also explains why she started her Instagram page @donate4kids. Her mission is to spread awareness about childhood cancer, to share helpful resources for families, and to raise funds for cancer research. Nicole is determined to ensur ..read more

When we undergo a major crisis in our lives, we sometimes experience an epiphany about what actually matters. In some cases, we are changed for the better. Heather feels that she has had the opportunity to learn some very important lessons during her brush with childhood cancer, and shares them in this episode.  Note from Heather - I accidentally skipped #5! I want to fix it, but I just don’t have time. Also, I’m happy with the flow of the episode, so I’m leaving it as is. In the spirit of this topic, here is lesson #5. Life moves fast and we are doing our best. If my best is not perfect ..read more

In this episode, Heather shares her family’s experience arriving at the end of treatment, 2.5 years after her child received a diagnosis of Leukemia B-ALL. She details the various steps that brought her family to that final moment, how they celebrated the occasion, and how they are looking ahead to life after cancer.  ..read more

In this episode, we hear the story of Sarah DeMelo. Sarah is the mother of a young family that includes 4 year old Benjamin, who has spent the last year and a half in treatment for Leukemia. Sarah shares the story of Benjamin’s illness, and his path to recovery. She also shares an important reminder of how important it is to advocate for our children, and for ourselves. Sarah herself is a warrior, and she tells the remarkable story about her own battle with a rare form of cancer.  Sarah’s perspective is beautiful, and her story is one that you won’t soon forget. You can learn more about S ..read more

In this episode, I am pleased to bring you my conversation with Susan Kuczynski – Lead Parent Liaison with Ontario Parents Advocating for Children with Cancer, also known as OPACC.   OPACC is a registered charity whose mission is to be the parent voice for families with children diagnosed with cancer across Ontario, Canada. OPACC helps families through free programs and support services including in-hospital and virtual peer support, financial support, and community support. Susan is a parent who has been there. Her daughter has been a childhood cancer survivor for 28 years, and Susan’s e ..read more

In this episode, Heather ponders whether it is harder to have a young child, or an older child in treatment. Each scenario comes with its own unique set of challenges, and both are hard. She also shares a long list of fun things to do to pass the time with your child (no matter what age or stage of treatment) while staying in the hospital… plus one activity that can only be done at home.    ..read more

At this time of year, many of us are getting back into the routine of being back at school. However, not everyone gets to return to the classroom, particularly those kids who are undergoing treatment for cancer. Heather talks about some of the things that parents need to consider when preparing for the start of the school year.  Also, September is Childhood Cancer Awareness month. Heather talks about what it is like to hear all of the messaging around this occasion. She'd like to know how you are feeling about all of those statistics that are circulating.  ..read more

In this episode, I share an update on some of the ‘lasts’ that we are experiencing as we approach the end of my child’s treatment. I have a sweet song recommendation from Susanne, my guest in episode 7, and a funny story about something that happened in the waiting room at the hospital last week. For a podcast that is about such a heavy topic, this is a nice, light episode.  ..read more