Game Over: c*ncer

Game Over: c*ncer

Through poignant interviews with pediatric cancer survivors, families, medical professionals, and advocates, Game Over: c*ncer sheds light on the realities of childhood cancer. Each episode explores the efforts and advocacy taking place to find more solutions and make changes for this fatal disease. Hope exhibited by these young warriors and their loved ones is also crucial to our message. From discussing the latest research advancements to sharing personal stories of triumph and loss, the show aims to spark meaningful conversations, foster community support, and drive action toward a world free of childhood cancer. Join us in amplifying these voices, raising awareness, and standing in solidarity with these tiny champs and their families.

Episodes

November 18, 2025 39 mins
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 co...
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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 f...
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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 share...
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In this episode of the Game Over: c*ncer, hosts Val Solomon and Dana Nichols, sit down with Tammi Carr, co-founder of the ChadTough Defeat DIPG Foundation. Tammi shares the story of her son Chad, her family’s fight against DIPG, and how powerful collaboration across families, foundations, and researchers is accelerating progress.

You will hear:
  • How Chad’s legacy inspired a movement that now fuels millions in research each year
  • Why...
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In this survivor spotlight, hosts Val and Dana sit down with Lily Bakour — a two-time childhood cancer survivor, advocate, and longtime CKc partner.

At 15, Lily faced surgery, traditional chemo, and radiation. After relapse, an immunotherapy clinical trial helped her reach remission. Today, she opens up about survivorship with honesty and hope: processing survivor’s guilt, reclaiming your story on the internet, healing long-term tre...
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In this inspiring episode, hosts Dana and Val from Cannonball Kids’ c*ncer sit down with Andy Albert, an osteosarcoma survivor and the namesake of CKc’s 2025 clinical trial grant with Dr. Allison O’Neill at Dana-Farber.

Andy opens up about his diagnosis at age 12, the big decision to have a rotationplasty, becoming his own advocate during treatment, and life now as a curious, science-loving teenager who’s into engineering, Minecraft...
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Welcome to another powerful episode of the Game Over: c*ncer podcast by Cannonball Kids’ cancer Foundation (CKc)!

In this conversation, hosts Dana and Val sit down with Dr. Cassie Kline, attending physician and Director of Clinical Research in the Department of Neuro-Oncology at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

Dr. Kline shares her journey into pediatric oncology, her personal connection to cancer research, and her role in advanc...
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In this inspiring episode of Game Over: c*ncer, we sit down with Clifton Scott, COO at AdventHealth for Flagler and St. John’s Market, and a passionate board member at Cannonball Kids’ c*ncer Foundation (CKc). We dive deep into what board service really looks like—from training and fiduciary responsibility to leadership, diversity, and alignment with your purpose.

Whether you’ve served on a board before or are curious about getting ...
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In this inspiring episode of Game Over: c*ncer, we sit down with two incredible community leaders and pediatric cancer advocates — Dr. Michelle Norden, a board-certified pediatrician, and her husband, Nick Norden, a personal injury attorney at Norden Leacox Accident and Injury Law.


From attending the first Gold Gala, to co-chairing the event two years in a row, the Nordens share how saying "yes" to leadership unlocked a whole new le...
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In this inspiring episode of Game Over: c*ncer, Hosts Val and Dana of Cannonball Kids' c*ncer Foundation sit down with Natasha Maio Lonbaken, chair of the Ripple Effect Luncheon. Natasha shares her personal journey from first-time volunteer to nonprofit leader all rooted in one bold decision of saying yes before she felt ready.

Through honest conversations about leadership, growth, and the power of showing up, this episode explores ...
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In this powerful and deeply personal episode of Game Over c*ncer, we sit down with Jasan Zimmerman—a three-time childhood and young adult cancer survivor, former molecular biologist, and now the Senior Director of Foundation Relations at the Lucile Packard Foundation for Children’s Health.

Jasan opens up about his lifelong journey through cancer, the mental health struggles that often follow survivorship, and his evolution from pati...
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In this heartwarming and insightful episode of Game Over: c*ncer, hosts Val and Dana of Cannonball Kids' cancer Foundation sit down with standout intern Deborah Bello to explore how the next generation is shaping the future of nonprofit work. Deborah, a University of Central Florida student and CKc’s social media intern, shares her journey into purpose-driven work, from her Nigerian roots and sense of community, to the deep impact ...
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In this week's episode, Dana and Val unpack the rising concern around potential federal funding cuts and their devastating impact on pediatric cancer research. Drawing from real-time experiences with researchers and families, they discuss the challenges of navigating social media noise, burnout, misinformation, and how research cycles already measured in decades could be further delayed. With only 4% of the national cancer research...
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In this heartwarming and insightful episode of Game Over: c*ncer, we’re joined by a very special tiny guest—Violet Nichols, daughter of CKc Executive Director Dana Nichols, and one of our most enthusiastic members of our Champion Society! Together with co-host Val Solomon, Violet shares what it's like to grow up around a nonprofit that's fighting for a cure—and how even kids can make a difference in the lives of children battling c...
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In this deeply moving and powerfully unifying episode, Game Over: c*ncer welcomes Beth Robertson from Cookies for Kids’ Cancer — an organization so aligned with Cannonball Kids' cancer Foundation, it feels like a “soulmate” in the fight against childhood cancer. Beth shares her powerful story of advocacy born from personal heartbreak, including the loss of her grandson KJ, and how cookies turned into a catalyst for change.

Together ...
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It’s more than a milestone—it’s a movement. In this special episode, hosts Dana Nichols (Executive Director) and Val Solomon (Director of Program Impact) reflect on Cannonball Kids’ c*ncer Foundation’s 10-year journey. From humble beginnings to national impact, they share what it’s taken to build a nonprofit focused on innovative pediatric cancer research and the ripple effects of a decade of work. 

Tune in for an honest and hope-fi...
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April 8, 2025 30 mins
In this heartwarming and powerful episode of Game Over: c*ncer, hosts Val Solomon and Dana Nichols sit down with Allen Roberson—college student, brain cancer survivor, and current CKc intern. Diagnosed as a teenager with an extremely rare brain tumor, Allen shares his incredible story of resilience, hope, and the unwavering support of his family.  

Through six brain surgeries, 40 radiation treatments, and months of rehab, Allen emer...
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In this episode of Game Over: c*ncer, hosts Dana Nichols and Val Solomon dive into the complex and emotional tightrope of balancing hope and reality in pediatric cancer.  

Joining the conversation is Dr. Claire Wakefield, a psychologist, researcher, and professor specializing in pediatric psycho-oncology. Dr. Wakefield leads the Behavioral Sciences Unit at UNSW and Sydney Children’s Hospital, one of the largest pediatric cancer surv...
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How do you go from saying, “Somebody should do something about that,” to actually being the one to take action? In this episode of Game Over c*ncer, we dive into that exact moment—the first, scary step toward making a difference.  

Hosts Val Solomon and Dana Nichols are joined by Whitney Brittain, a former CKc board member, who shares her journey from being deeply impacted by a social media post about pediatric cancer to organizing ...
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February 18, 2025 36 mins
In this special episode of Game Over c*ncer, we turn the spotlight on our very own host, Val Solomon! From her 17-year journey in the nonprofit sector to her role at Cannonball Kids' cancer Foundation, Val has worn just about every hat imaginable. Join Dana Nichols as she dives into Val’s experience navigating the highs and heartbreaks of pediatric cancer research, the pivotal moments that shaped her career, and the passion that fu...
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