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  • 31. Behind the Ripple Effect: How Women Are Leading the Fight Against Pediatric Cancer

    31. Behind the Ripple Effect: How Women Are Leading the Fight Against Pediatric Cancer
    2025/07/15
    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 how one woman found purpose, sisterhood, and tangible impact through CKc’s Ripple Effect event. Learn how this unique event is more than a luncheon — it’s a launchpad for connection, empowerment, and action in the fight against pediatric cancer.

    Get ready to be moved, motivated, and maybe even a little emotional as we talk about:
    • How to lead even when you feel unqualified
    • What it means to be “poured into”
    • Why volunteering changes more than just the cause — it changes you
    • How a glass of wine, a good idea, and a group of women can start a movement

    If you’ve ever wondered what life after cancer really looks like—or how you can be part of advancing pediatric cancer research—this is the episode for you.

    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/

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    Podcast Produced by Hi Hello Labs: Website: https://www.hihellolabs.com/
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    34 分
  • 30. Inside the Life of a Pediatric Cancer Survivor Turned Research Advocate Jasan Zimmerman

    30. Inside the Life of a Pediatric Cancer Survivor Turned Research Advocate Jasan Zimmerman
    2025/07/01
    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 patient to patient advocate. With honesty and vulnerability, he shares what it means to process trauma, show up authentically, and build community with purpose. He also highlights the importance of patient-centered research and the critical impact of including survivors’ voices in medical trials and program design.

    Together, we reflect on the groundbreaking research funded through CKc’s partnership with Stanford, including a clinical trial showing full response in children with DIPG. This is why we do what we do.

    If you’ve ever wondered what life after cancer really looks like—or how you can be part of advancing pediatric cancer research—this is the episode for you.

    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/

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    Podcast Produced by Hi Hello Labs: Website: https://www.hihellolabs.com/
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    39 分
  • 29. Purpose-Driven Work: A CKc Intern Story

    29. Purpose-Driven Work: A CKc Intern Story
    2025/06/17
    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 of working to fund pediatric cancer research.

    Together, they reflect on the transformational power of internships—not just for students but for organizations. From behind-the-scenes event planning to managing the emotional weight of pediatric cancer stories, Deborah opens up about what she's learned, how her perspective on philanthropy has evolved, and what it means to contribute to a mission that truly matters.

    You will walk away inspired by the role of young professionals in nonprofits, the importance of stewardship and educating for change, and how even the smallest tasks—like folding mailers—can be a catalyst for massive impact.

    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/

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    Podcast Produced by Hi Hello Labs: Website: https://www.hihellolabs.com/
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    25 分
  • 28. Game Over for pediatric cancer? Federal Funding Cuts & What’s at Stake

    28. Game Over for pediatric cancer? Federal Funding Cuts & What’s at Stake
    2025/06/03
    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 budget allocated to pediatric cancers, the stakes have never been higher.


    This show calls for more than awareness—it calls for action. Please be encouraged to donate, volunteer, or amplify trusted organizations like CKc to ensure progress doesn't stall in the face of political uncertainty and systemic underfunding.

    Whether you're a donor, advocate, parent, or simply someone who cares, this podcast will equip you with truth, context, and purpose. If you're ready to go beyond the outrage and be part of real change, this is the show for you.

    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/

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    Podcast Produced by Hi Hello Labs: Website: https://www.hihellolabs.com/
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    28 分
  • 27. Through Violet’s Eyes: A Kid’s Take on Fighting Pediatric cancer

    27. Through Violet’s Eyes: A Kid’s Take on Fighting Pediatric cancer
    2025/05/20
    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 cancer.

    From making bows for the Gold Gala auction baskets to hosting a bake sale with her besties, Violet reminds us that helping doesn’t have to be complicated—it just has to come from the heart.

    Please tune in for laughter, inspiration, and a kid’s-eye view on what it means to be part of a ripple effect of hope. Whether you're a parent, volunteer, donor, or advocate, this episode will leave you smiling—and maybe even tearing up.

    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/

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    Podcast Produced by Hi Hello Labs: Website: https://www.hihellolabs.com/
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    16 分
  • 26. From Bake Sales to Breakthroughs: How Cookies Are Funding Cures

    26. From Bake Sales to Breakthroughs: How Cookies Are Funding Cures
    2025/05/06
    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 with hosts Val Solomon and Dana Nichols, they explore the critical role of collaboration in funding pediatric cancer research, why overlap is an opportunity, not a threat, and how innovation in both medicine and fundraising is needed to drive real impact. From grassroots bake sales to million-dollar clinical trials, this episode proves that everyone has something to contribute — and that we’re stronger together.

    Whether you’re a parent, a donor, or just someone who loves cookies, this episode will inspire you to take action, honor the lives behind the statistics, and believe in a future where no child is told there are no more options.

    Learn more on Beth and her initiative at:
    • www.cookiesforkidscancer.org


    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.

    Learn more about Cannonball Kids’ cancer Foundation at www.cannonballkidscancer.org. Like, share, and subscribe to stay informed and inspired! Together, we can make a difference.

    Connect with Dana: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danaknichols/
    Connect with Val: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-solomon-516b50b8/
    Upcoming Ckc Events: https://cannonballkidscancer.org/category/make-an-impact/events/

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    Podcast Produced by Hi Hello Labs: Website: https://www.hihellolabs.com/
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    33 分
  • 25. 10 Years Strong: Building Hope, One Breakthrough at a Time

    25. 10 Years Strong: Building Hope, One Breakthrough at a Time
    2025/04/22
    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-filled conversation about the challenges, victories, and future goals of CKc—including their vision to fund $1M in new research annually and expand support across the country. Whether you've been with CKc since the beginning or are just discovering the mission, this episode is your invitation to be part of what’s next.

    As Dana and Val share behind-the-scenes moments and personal reflections, they highlight how CKC has evolved from raising awareness to becoming a trusted resource and thought leader in pediatric cancer research. You'll hear about the families, researchers, and donors who’ve made this progress possible—and the intentional steps being taken to ensure that every child, no matter where they live, has access to cutting-edge treatment options. This isn’t just a celebration—it’s a call to action.

    Let’s look back, dream forward, and continue creating options and hope for kids fighting cancer.

    Leave us a review to help amplify these stories.

    Subscribe and share to be part of the movement to end childhood cancer.
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    31 分
  • 24. Why We Fight: Allen’s Story

    24. Why We Fight: Allen’s Story
    2025/04/08
    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 emerged with a positive spirit that continues to inspire everyone around him. Now interning with Cannonball Kids’ c*ncer Foundation, he’s using his experience to give back, advocate for change, and help create better futures for kids fighting cancer.

    This episode is a tribute to gratitude, survivorship, and the power of giving back. Whether you're a longtime CKc supporter or learning about pediatric cancer for the first time, Allen’s story will move you and remind you why research, advocacy, and community matter.

    Learn more and read Allen's story go to: https://www.cannonballkidscancer.org

    Leave us a review to help amplify these stories.

    Subscribe and share to be part of the movement to end childhood cancer.



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    30 分