No Act Too Small: Turning a Family’s Cancer Journey into Community Impact

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In this powerful episode of Act to Impact, Brandi visits with Lori, a passionate advocate and mother of childhood cancer survivor, Thomas. Lori shares her family’s emotional journey through Thomas’s high-risk acute myeloid leukemia diagnosis and the challenges they faced during treatment. Now, three years off treatment, their story has become a mission.

Lori opens up about the impact of programs like Beads of Courage, the value of blood donations, and her active involvement in organizations like St. Baldrick’s and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. From receiving the Mission Award for the Living your Advocacy Pillar to crowning young fighters with their own sashes, Lori shows that advocacy isn’t about perfection—it’s about presence, passion, and taking action, no matter how small.

✅ Takeaways

• Lori’s son Thomas is a childhood cancer survivor, recently celebrating three years off treatment.
• Beads of Courage served as a powerful visual representation of Thomas’s strength through treatment.
• Community support is crucial during a family’s cancer journey.
• Blood donations and clinical trials are vital in saving lives.
• Lori’s advocacy work began with her personal experience and grew into a mission.
• She’s involved with St. Baldrick’s, LLS, and local community efforts.
• Small acts of kindness—like a care package, a sash, or a supportive message—can have a lasting impact.
• She encourages others to take action where they are, with what they have.
• Lori was honored with the Mission Pillar Award for her dedication.
• Education, empathy, and asking questions are key to understanding and supporting pediatric cancer families.

🚀 Call to Action. Feeling inspired by Lori’s story? Take one small step today—donate blood, support a local family, or share this episode to raise awareness. 

Whether you donate, volunteer, or simply reach out to a family in need, every action matters. Visit ChildrensCancer.org to explore ways you can support pediatric cancer families today—and be the light someone needs in their darkest hour.

💛 Are you inspired to take action? Take action and make an impact on a child affected by childhood cancer. Support the much-needed funding for childhood cancer by making a donation NOW to CCRF!

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Hosted by Brandi DeVries: Advocate, fundraiser, and Mrs. Minnesota International 2025.

Thank you to guest Lori Williams.

This episode is brought to you by: MTL Companies.

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