Game Over: c*ncer – Details, episodes & analysis

In this episode of Game Over: c*ncer, we dive into the complex emotions and experiences surrounding cancer with special guest Chelsey Gomez, the artist and advocate behind "Oh You're So Tough." Chelsey shares her journey of turning dark moments into humor and creating a community of support through her art and online presence. 

From hosting the transformative Not Dead Yet Fest to fostering an online space where people can openly share their stories, Chelsey’s approach highlights the importance of finding light even in the darkest times.

Join hosts Val Solomon and Dana Nichols as they explore the power of laughter, art, community, and cussing in healing. Whether you’re a cancer patient, caregiver, or supporter, this episode offers insights and inspiration on navigating the tough topics with grace and resilience.

Connect with Chelsey:
@ohyouresotough
https://www.etsy.com/shop/Ohyouresotough

How YOU can make a difference: 
https://cannonballkidscancer.org/other-ways-to-activate/

Connect with Dana: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danaknichols/
Connect with Val: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-solomon-516b50b8/
Learn more about the Cannonball Kids cancer Foundation: https://cannonballkidscancer.org/

This week on Game Over: C*ncer, special guest Jim Knight shares his insights on the power of integrating charitable initiatives into your organization's DNA.
Join hosts Val Solomon and Dana Nichols as they dive deep into the topics of leadership, employee engagement, and the impact of collective efforts in supporting worthy causes. Jim Knight, an expert in organizational culture, shares his experiences working with Hard Rock International and how it inspired him to incorporate philanthropy into his own business endeavors.

Discover how aligning your company's values with charitable actions can attract both employees and customers who share your passion for making a difference. Learn practical tips on involving your team in choosing a cause to support and how to effectively communicate your efforts to build trust and credibility.

By the end of this episode, you'll have a roadmap for starting or enhancing your company's charitable initiatives, no matter your size or industry. You'll understand the importance of leading by example and empowering your employees to rally around a common goal. Most importantly, you'll be inspired to make a positive impact on the world while strengthening your organization's culture and brand. Tune in now to learn how you can be a force for good in the fight against pediatric cancer! 

#GameOverCancer. #PediatricCancer  #CannonballKidscancer  #CancerResearch #ChildhoodCancerAwareness #CorporatePhilanthropy #EmployeeEngagement #CharitableGiving #CompanyCulture #LeadershipValues


Connect with Jim: https://instragram.com/JimKnightSpeaker/

How YOU can make a difference: 
https://cannonballkidscancer.org/other-ways-to-activate/

Connect with Dana: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danaknichols/
Connect with Val: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-solomon-516b50b8/
Learn more about the Cannonball Kids cancer Foundation: https://cannonballkidscancer.org/

Join hosts Dana Nichols and Val Solomon in this inspiring episode of the Game Over: C*ncer podcast as they sit down with Kylie Briggs, the new Special Events Manager at Cannonball Kids’ cancer Foundation (CKc). Kylie shares her incredible journey from dedicated volunteer to leading key events for the pediatric cancer nonprofit. Discover what motivated Kylie to shift her career to the nonprofit sector, the challenges and rewards of working with pediatric cancer families, and gain behind-the-scenes insights into CKc’s biggest fundraising event, the Gold Gala. 

Kylie also provides valuable advice for anyone aspiring to a career in nonprofit management and shares exciting details about CKc’s upcoming Ripple Effect Luncheon and Sporting Clays Against Cancer events. Whether you're passionate about nonprofit work or interested in the inner workings of major charity events, Kylie’s candid discussion offers valuable insights and inspiration. Don’t miss this behind-the-scenes look at finding meaning in your career with CKc.

Connect with Kylie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylienbriggs/

Connect with Dana: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danaknichols/

Connect with Val: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-solomon-516b50b8/

Learn more about CKc Events: 
https://cannonballkidscancer.org/category/make-an-impact/events/

#GameOverCancer. #PediatricCancer  #CannonballKidsCancer  #CancerResearch #ChildhoodCancerAwareness

Melissa Wiggins, co-founder of Cannonball Kids' cancer Foundation, (CKc) joins us to discuss her journey from combating the harsh realities of childhood cancer to fostering a vibrant community dedicated to making a difference.

Learn how Melissa's personal experience with her son's cancer diagnosis fueled her relentless drive to bring change to pediatric cancer treatment. Discover how CKc balances hard work with a fun culture, emphasizing the importance of engagement and community support. Hear about the significant milestones of CKc's early years, from raising $100,000 for brain cancer research to establishing a scientific advisory board.

Understand how she dealt with the emotional and ethical complexities of sharing sensitive images and stories to educate others. Explore CKc's ambitious plans to expand the foundation's impact, fund more research, and include more children in clinical trials. Learn how a community's combined effort can transform fear into courage. Whether you're a parent, supporter, or simply inspired by tales of resilience and leadership, this episode offers valuable lessons on making a tangible difference.

#GameOverCancer. #PediatricCancer  #CannonballKidsCancer  #CancerResearch #ChildhoodCancerAwareness
Connect with Melissa: https://www.instagram.com/coachmummabear_/

Connect with Dana: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danaknichols/

Connect with Val: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-solomon-516b50b8/

Learn more about the Cannonball Kids Cancer Foundation: https://cannonballkidscancer.org/

Rachel Pierce, is a compassionate and dedicated advocate, is well-known for her work behind the scenes at events and charities that aim to create a safe and supportive atmosphere. Balancing her role as a mom, she found her calling in helping children battling cancer and young adults aging out of foster care. Her journey with fostering and her work with organizations like Cannonball Kids' cancer and Faine House highlight her unwavering commitment to making a difference.

Listeners will hear about Rachel's transformative realization from an article on fostering, which led her to step into her role as a mom and community leader through the innovative Ripple Effect event. Learn how this event aims to unite women, build relationships, and empower them to contribute to causes they care about deeply. By tuning in, you'll gain insights on converting fear into courage, the significance of aligning values with actions, and how showing up authentically can make a difference. 

Join us as we explore how small actions can ripple out to create significant change, igniting hope and courage in the fight against pediatric cancer. Like, subscribe, and share to be part of this empowering journey.

Connect with Ripple Effect Winter Park: http://give.classy.org/ckcrippleeffect
Connect with Dana: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danaknichols/
Connect with Val: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-solomon-516b50b8/

Learn more about the Cannonball Kids cancer Foundation: https://cannonballkidscancer.org/

In this episode, we explore the challenges and triumphs of advancing cancer treatments with the distinguished Dr. Tanja Gruber. Learn about the intricate decision-making process behind grant funding and the critical role of a volunteer scientific advisory board in ensuring scientific rigor and impactful research. Hear Dr. Gruber's inspiring journey through groundbreaking clinical trials and the development of innovative treatment options for infants with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. 
 
Discover the value of mentorship and persistence in the world of scientific research through compelling anecdotes, from a successful surgeon's 100 grant rejections to the story of a clinical fellow progressing immensely under Dr. Gruber's guidance. Explore the promising shift in pediatric oncology as more women take on leadership roles, setting a powerful example for future generations. Understand the collaborative efforts between researchers, funders, and the community in driving progress and the importance of supporting young investigators. 
 
Join us for an enlightening conversation that not only uncovers the complexities of pediatric cancer research but also emphasizes the power of collective effort and enduring hope. You'll walk away inspired by real stories of perseverance, the importance of critical feedback, and the future of cancer research driven by passionate scientists and dedicated supporters. 
 
Learn more about CKc’s grant cycle: https://cannonballkidscancer.org/apply-for-a-grant/

Connect with Dana: 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/danaknichols/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/danaknichols/)

Connect with Val:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-solomon/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-solomon/)

Learn more about the Cannonball Kids’ cancer Foundation: 
https://cannonballkidscancer.org/ (https://cannonballkidscancer.org/)

Are you ready to be moved by an incredible story of resilience, dedication, and hope? Dive into a heartfelt conversation with Bob Szafranski, a construction industry veteran whose journey is as inspiring as it is impactful. 

Bob, who tragically lost his daughter Sarah to cancer over 20 years ago, has since dedicated his life to honoring her legacy by successfully raising over a million dollars for pediatric cancer research. This episode sheds light on the humble beginnings and extraordinary growth of Bob’s event, Sarah’s Sporting Clays Against Cancer, the emotional drive behind it, and the role of the dedicated volunteers and organizations that have helped make it a significant industry gathering.
 
Listeners will be inspired by Bob’s touching narrative, including a heartwarming story about fulfilling Sarah's wish to drive a new car before she passed. They’ll gain insight into how ordinary people can make tremendous impacts, the importance of innovative cancer treatment, and the role of community and perseverance in fighting pediatric cancer. Join us as we share valuable lessons on living life to the fullest, the power of community support, and actionable ways to get involved in the fight against pediatric cancer. 
 
Learn more about Sarah’s Clays: give.classy.org/sarahsclays

Connect with Dana: 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/danaknichols/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/danaknichols/)

Connect with Val: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-solomon/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-solomon/)

Learn more about the Cannonball Kids Cancer Foundation: https://cannonballkidscancer.org/

Game Over: c*ncer" is an inspiring podcast exploring pediatric cancer research, solutions, and family stories. In this pilot episode, Valerie Solomon, Director of Program Impact, and Dana Nichols, Executive Director of Cannonball Kids’ cancer Foundation (CKc), introduce the mission and the importance of innovative treatments for children fighting cancer.

Val and Dana share why they started this podcast, creating a space for hopeful yet difficult conversations about pediatric cancer. Learn about the journey that led to CKc's creation and how this nonprofit tirelessly funds research, raises awareness, and educates for change.

Discover the realities of pediatric cancer treatments, the role of dedicated researchers, and the power of community support. Hear personal stories from affected families and insights from donors and volunteers making a difference.

"Game Over: c*ncer" mixes brutal truths with beautiful moments to empower, inspire, and motivate action against pediatric cancer. Join us on this journey to transform fear into courage and adversity into opportunity.

Like, subscribe, and share to stay connected and be part of the conversation to end pediatric cancer. Game over, cancer. We're coming for you.

Connect with Dana: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danaknichols/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/danaknichols/) 

Connect with Val: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-solomon/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-solomon/) 

Learn more about the Cannonball Kids’ cancer Foundation: https://cannonballkidscancer.org/ (https://cannonballkidscancer.org/)  

In this heartwarming, lighthearted and at times chaotic episode of Game Over: c*ncer, the lively Wiggins Kids join the show, bringing their joy, energy, and unique perspectives. Eldest brother, Cannon Wiggins, is a pediatric cancer survivor and the namesake of the Cannonball Kids' cancer Foundation. In this episode we showcase the Wiggins kids BEING KIDS, the goal for every cancer family.

We dive into fun games, interesting "would you rather" questions, and some surprising hot takes as we explore what brings happiness to these young warriors. 

From their favorite sweets to their dream vacations, this episode is all about celebrating the small moments that bring light in the midst of challenging times. Tune in for a dose of laughter, love, and the inspiring resilience of these incredible kids. Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe to support the fight against pediatric cancer!


How YOU can make a difference: 
https://cannonballkidscancer.org/other-ways-to-activate/

Connect with Dana: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danaknichols/
Connect with Val: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-solomon-516b50b8/
Learn more about the Cannonball Kids cancer Foundation: https://cannonballkidscancer.org/

In this deeply moving episode of Game Over: c*ncer, we sit down with Josh and Gallite Kestler as they share the emotional highs and heartbreaking lows of their son Jake’s battle with cancer. From the initial diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia to the devastating glioblastoma, the Kestlers opened up about the impossible choices they faced and the strength they found in each other.

They discuss the challenges of navigating the complex world of pediatric cancer treatments, the importance of innovative research, and the legacy they are building in Jake’s honor through their foundation, Trial Blazers. This episode is a powerful testament to love, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of hope.

Join us as we honor Jake’s memory and explore how the Kestlers, along with CKc, are making a difference in the fight against pediatric cancer.


How YOU can make a difference: 
https://cannonballkidscancer.org/other-ways-to-activate/

Learn more about Trail Blazers for Kids:
https://www.trialblazers.org/

Connect with Dana: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danaknichols/
Connect with Val: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-solomon-516b50b8/
Learn more about the Cannonball Kids cancer Foundation: https://cannonballkidscancer.org/