Game Over: c*ncer

Game Over: c*ncer really lives up to its name in this one. In this special episode, we celebrate 10 years of impact with the very first researcher Cannonball Kids’ cancer Foundation (CKc) ever funded, Dr. Ted Johnson.Dr. Johnson is a professor of pediatric oncology and co-director of the Pediatric Immunotherapy Program at Augusta University, a destination program for children with brain cancer who have run out of standard options. Val Solomon and Dana Nichols sit down with him to talk about how one early CKc grant helped launch a decade of progress in pediatric brain cancer immunotherapy, from saving and studying monthly blood samples to building a powerful biological sample bank that is now changing what is possible for kids.You will hear how a “leap of faith” investment became the spark behind clinical trials that have now provided experimental immunotherapy to more than 270 children and young adults from over 30 states. Dr. Johnson explains how indoximod-based immunotherapy works, why activating a child’s immune system is so rare and so important, and how small donations, bake sales, and grassroots philanthropy truly keep this work alive.The conversation also pulls back the curtain on CKc’s Scientific Advisory Board, why it was built to push research out of the lab and into the clinic, and how that original vision has grown into a Zoom screen full of experts carefully reviewing targeted grants that directly impact kids and families. Dr. Johnson shares what he is seeing on the NIH Review Board, why pediatric grants are still outnumbered by adult oncology proposals, and what this means for the future of funding and innovation in childhood cancer.If you have ever wondered whether your $50 or $100 really matters, this episode is for you. You will hear exactly how early seed funding, focused clinical trial grants, and community support create a snowball effect that leads to new therapies, better outcomes, and real hope for children with brain cancer.Learn more about the grants we fund, our Scientific Advisory Board, and how to make a gift at: cannonballkidscancer.orgIf 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.----------------------------------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/----------------------------------Podcast Produced by Hi Hello Labs: Website: https://www.hihellolabs.com/

In today’s episode of Game Over: c*ncer, we explore one of the greatest superpowers in pediatric cancer research: collaboration. From co-funding grants to global scientific networks, teamwork is driving lifesaving breakthroughs, especially for the rarest and hardest-to-treat childhood cancers.Hosted by Val Solomon (Director of Program Impact) and Dana Nichols (Executive Director of CKc), this episode features an inspiring conversation with Dr. Anirban Das, a pediatric neuro-oncologist and cancer geneticist at SickKids Hospital in Toronto and assistant professor at the University of Toronto.Dr. Das is a 2024 Cannonball Kids’ Cancer Young Investigator, a grant co-funded with Kindred Foundation, supporting his groundbreaking work on DNA replication repair deficiency and central nervous system tumors. His research not only spans advanced biology and immunotherapy but also reaches families across the world, including low- and middle-income countries, through the International Replication Repair Deficiency Consortium, which now includes more than 50 countries.What We Cover in This Episode:How Dr. Das unexpectedly found his path into pediatric neuro-oncologyWhy early-career funding (like CKc Young Investigator grants) is critical to innovationHow collaboration between foundations accelerates research for rare cancersThe global consortium bringing efficiency, shared data, and evidence-based care to families worldwideWhat makes replication repair deficiency tumors unique, and why they were once considered “rare”The reality of the research pipeline: grant writing, mentorship, and the challenges young investigators faceHow CKc and Kindred partnered to fuel the next generation of cancer breakthroughsWhy teamwork is not just helpful in pediatric cancer, it’s essentialIf this conversation moves you, please like, comment, and share to help us educate for change. Leaving a review helps more families find tangible hope.To learn more about Kindred Foundation, visit www.kindredfoundation.caTune 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/----------------------------------Podcast Produced by Hi Hello Labs: Website: https://www.hihellolabs.com/

In this timely episode, hosts Val and Dana break down what’s shifting in pediatric cancer research funding, and why it matters for kids right now. As a follow-up to an earlier episode about federal funding in 2026, we unpack details on the appalling federal funding cuts planned for pediatric cancer research.In this episode we see:What a projected 37% cut to NCI’s budget could mean for pediatric research (fewer grants, center consolidations, and mid-stream project disruptions).Why “More than Four” still matters, and how 4% of NCI funds for pediatrics has always fallen short.The latest on the Childhood Cancer Data Initiative (CCDI), including the executive order matching $50M (bringing CCDI to $100M for the year) and how data + AI can accelerate precision options for kids.Potential impacts to programs like the Pediatric Brain Tumor Consortium, Pediatric Early Phase Clinical Trials Network, intramural high-risk research, and training awards for emerging scientists.On-the-ground advocacy updates from Capitol Hill, and the power of survivor voices leading the charge.Bright spots in Florida’s state investments in cancer research infrastructure, and why long-term, consistent funding is still essential.If you'd like to read more:Recap the facts from this conversation in our blog on federal funding cuts.Review the NCI's report directly by clicking this link.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/----------------------------------Podcast Produced by Hi Hello Labs: Website: https://www.hihellolabs.com/

Game Over Cancer is back with a high-energy, heart-forward episode for runners, running-curious friends, and anyone who loves the magic of Run Disney. Dana and Val sit down with Meghan and Stephanie from CKC’s Run Disney Committee to talk training, community, and why running for a cause hits different.From first 5Ks to finishing marathons, they unpack the moments that made them feel like “real runners,” the reality of fundraising for a charity bib, and what makes Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend unforgettable. You will hear practical tips for first-timers, how to choose the right distance, what Dopey and Goofy actually mean, and small strategies that make a big difference on race day.CKC invests in innovative pediatric cancer research so kids can have safer, more effective treatment options. If you want to run with purpose, this episode will help you get started and stay consistent.In this episode:The runner’s high and the power of communityTraining plans, consistency, and handling start-line nervesWhy Run Disney is uniquely supportive and funDopey Challenge and Goofy Challenge explainedReal talk on fundraising for a charity bibFirst-timer tips: arrivals, corrals, character stops, sleep, and recoveryCreative ideas to connect miles to meaning for CKC kidsConnect with our Guests on Instagram at:Stephanie Calabro:  https://www.instagram.com/stephyluwho/?hl=enMeghan Swope: https://www.instagram.com/meghanswope/?hl=enIf 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/----------------------------------Podcast Produced by Hi Hello Labs: Website: https://www.hihellolabs.com/

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 mattersGrief, fear, and PTSD: naming it, facing it, and finding tools to healBoundaries, marriage, and moving through hard things togetherThe mission and impact of Mia’s Miracles Foundation Practical ways anyone can help, because small gifts add up to big changeConnect with our guest and learn about and support Mia’s Miracles Foundation at:mias-miracles.orgIf 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/----------------------------------Podcast Produced by Hi Hello Labs: Website: https://www.hihellolabs.com/