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In this episode of *The Childhood Cancer Perspective*, host Curtis Vallier sits down with **Patty and Jason Rodriguez** to share the story of their son, **Aiden**, who was diagnosed with **Grade 3 Choroid Plexus Carcinoma (CPC)**, an extremely rare and aggressive form of pediatric brain cancer. Facing a diagnosis with limited treatment options and significant uncertainty, Patty and Jason found themselves navigating a complicated medical system while searching for the best possible care for their son. They discuss the challenges of understanding rare childhood cancers, advocating for treatment options, and finding medical professionals willing to explore innovative approaches. A major focus of their conversation is **intra-arterial chemotherapy**, a specialized treatment approach that delivers chemotherapy directly into arteries supplying the affected area. Patty and Jason share their experience pursuing this treatment, the role of clinical trials and medical innovation, and the importance of continuing to develop new options for children facing rare and difficult-to-treat cancers. Their discussion also explores the challenges families face when navigating pediatric oncology, including communication with medical teams, finding reliable information, seeking additional opinions, and making difficult decisions under extraordinary circumstances. Throughout Aiden's journey, family, friends, and community support played an important role. Patty and Jason reflect on the people who stood beside them, the emotional realities of childhood cancer, and why no family should have to navigate such a diagnosis alone. **Today, Aiden has been in remission since September 2023.** His story offers a perspective on the importance of pediatric cancer research, innovative treatments, and the determination of parents advocating for their children's futures. Curtis, Patty, and Jason also discuss the lasting effects of treatment, the need for greater awareness and understanding within the medical community, and what they wish other parents knew when facing a childhood cancer diagnosis. This episode is more than a conversation about a rare brain tumor. It is about a family's determination to find answers, the possibilities created through medical innovation, and the hope that continued research can bring to children diagnosed with devastating cancers. ### Topics Discussed - Aiden's diagnosis with Grade 3 Choroid Plexus Carcinoma - Navigating rare pediatric brain cancer treatment options - Intra-arterial chemotherapy and innovative approaches - Clinical trials and the importance of pediatric cancer research - Parental advocacy and communication with medical professionals - Family and community support during treatment - Aiden's remission and long-term treatment effects - Advice for families facing a childhood cancer diagnosis **Medical Disclaimer:** This episode shares one family's personal experiences with pediatric cancer and specialized treatments. Treatment decisions should always be made in consultation with qualified medical professionals. Individual outcomes may vary. Q&A: Dr. Mark Souweidane on Innovating Treatments for Devastating Pediatric Brain Tumors | Commentary | Advances in Pediatric Oncology & Neurology | NewYork-Presbyterian

In this episode of The Childhood Cancer Perspective, Curtis Vallier sits down with Lilian McGrath to share the story of her son, Bryson “Goosey” McGrath, who was diagnosed with Stage 4 high-risk neuroblastoma at just 2 years old. For 1,027 days, Bryson and his family lived through the realities of childhood cancer—intensive treatment, hospital stays, difficult decisions, complications, uncertainty, and ultimately the unimaginable transition to hospice and bereavement. Lilian speaks openly about the medical system failures she believes affected Bryson’s care and the difficult reality that parents can quickly find themselves becoming researchers, interpreters, record keepers, and advocates while simply trying to be Mom or Dad. She and Curtis discuss the importance of asking questions, seeking answers, trusting parental instincts, and making sure a parent’s voice is heard when decisions about their child are being made. The conversation also goes beyond treatment. Lilian shares what it was like navigating hospice care for her child, the realities of grief after losing Bryson, and the gaps in support families can experience both during treatment and after their child dies. They discuss what families actually need during these moments—not assumptions about what might help, but meaningful support built around the lived experiences of childhood cancer families. That experience led Lilian to create Derail Childhood Cancer, a new foundation dedicated to supporting families throughout the childhood cancer journey. Its mission includes helping families at diagnosis, making birthdays spent in the hospital feel special, and providing compassionate bereavement support when a family faces the loss of their child. Bryson’s story is at the heart of that mission. This episode is raw, practical, and deeply personal. It is a conversation about Stage 4 neuroblastoma, medical advocacy, hospice, grief, and turning devastating experience into meaningful support for the families who come next. Most importantly, it is the story of Bryson “Goosey” McGrath—a little boy whose 1,027-day fight continues to inspire his family to advocate, speak up, and make sure other childhood cancer families know they do not have to navigate this road alone. Links: https://www.derailcc.org/ Instagram: _livin_like_lily Instagram: derailchildhoodcancer

In this episode of *The Childhood Cancer Perspective*, host Curtis Vallier sits down with Amelia Fish to share the story of her daughter, Abby, and their family’s experience with **Choroid Plexus Carcinoma (CPC)**—an exceptionally rare and aggressive pediatric brain cancer. Amelia takes us back to the beginning of Abby’s journey, from the first signs that something wasn’t right to the discovery of a brain tumor and the surgery that followed. She discusses what doctors learned about Abby’s tumor, the role genetic findings played in understanding her disease, and the difficult conversations surrounding prognosis and treatment options. The conversation explores the realities families face when treating an extremely rare childhood cancer. Amelia shares the complications Abby experienced during treatment and hospitalization, the side effects and limitations of conventional therapies, and the decisions that led their family to investigate additional holistic and alternative approaches while continuing to search for hope. Curtis and Amelia also discuss the importance of parental advocacy. When treatment options are limited, parents can quickly find themselves researching their child’s disease, seeking additional medical opinions, asking difficult questions, and trying to understand complicated medical and genetic information while simultaneously caring for a seriously ill child. Amelia speaks candidly about the emotional and financial toll pediatric cancer places on an entire family. Their conversation touches on faith, uncertainty, caregiver exhaustion, medical expenses, and the challenge of making decisions when there may be no clear or proven path forward. At the center of the episode is **Abby**—not simply a diagnosis or a rare cancer case, but a daughter whose life profoundly shaped the people around her. Amelia reflects on what Abby taught their family about love, faith, hope, and being present. Her message to other parents is simple but powerful: **cherish every day with your children.** ### Key Takeaways Rare childhood cancers like Choroid Plexus Carcinoma can leave families navigating limited research, difficult treatment decisions, and tremendous uncertainty. Abby’s story demonstrates why continued pediatric cancer research matters—and why families need physicians, researchers, advocates, and communities willing to listen. Parents and caregivers can also become critical members of their child’s medical team. Asking questions, understanding the diagnosis, requesting additional opinions, and learning about available research can help families participate more fully in decisions about their child’s care. Most importantly, behind every diagnosis is a child and a family. Abby’s story is a reminder that childhood cancer is about far more than survival statistics. It is about childhood, family, time, and the people whose lives are forever changed by the experience. ### Topics & Keywords Choroid Plexus Carcinoma (CPC) • pediatric brain cancer • childhood brain tumors • rare childhood cancer • pediatric cancer treatment • genetic mutations • holistic cancer approaches • second opinions • parent advocacy • caregiver experience • childhood cancer research • financial toxicity • faith and cancer • childhood cancer awareness **Medical Disclaimer:** This episode shares one family’s personal experience with pediatric cancer, including discussion of holistic and alternative approaches. Nothing discussed in this episode should be considered medical advice or a substitute for guidance from a qualified medical professional.

Curtis Vallier shares his journey through childhood cancer advocacy, updates on new programs, and insights from CureFest DC, emphasizing community support and innovative treatments. keywords childhood cancer, advocacy, CureFest, youth survivorship, CAR T therapy, community support, care packages, fundraising, medical innovation key topics Childhood cancer advocacy and community support Development of youth survivorship programs with YMCA Innovations in cancer treatment including CAR T therapy The impact of personal stories and community recognition Fundraising and resource sharing for childhood cancer takeaways Community support is vital for families affected by childhood cancer. Creating structured programs like Youth Strong can help normalize life after treatment. Innovations like CAR T therapy are promising but require faster access. Personal stories from children and families inspire advocacy and policy change. Every act of kindness, like care packages, has a profound impact. sound bites "People recognize us, people recognize Battlecorn." "Children turn their pain into inspiration." "Her personality didn't change until her last days."

Tony Garcia [email protected] Book Signing: Sunday October 11th 1-3pm Half Price Books 5803 E. NW Hwy Dallas, TX 75231 Book Purchase Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1957604840 Tony Garcia shares his journey from childhood leukemia diagnosis to survivorship and adulthood, highlighting the emotional, medical, and community aspects of pediatric cancer. This episode emphasizes the importance of understanding survivorship beyond treatment and the power of sharing personal stories to inspire and support others. keywords pediatric cancer, survivorship, childhood leukemia, cancer treatment, medical advances, emotional impact, community support, book writing, hope, advocacy key topics Tony Garcia's experience with childhood leukemia diagnosed in 1973 The emotional and physical toll of cancer treatments in the 70s Advancements in pediatric cancer treatment over the decades The importance of survivorship care and regular checkups The role of community and advocacy in cancer recovery Writing a book to share personal cancer journey The impact of cancer on family and siblings Faith, hope, and the purpose found through adversity

In this episode, Curtis Vallier interviews Lily Moss, a country singer and childhood cancer survivor, about her journey, music, and advocacy. They discuss the impact of childhood cancer, the importance of support systems, and how Lily uses her platform to give back and raise awareness. childhood cancer, survivor, music, advocacy, philanthropy, country music, survivorship, awareness, family support, research *key topics Lily Moss's childhood cancer experience and survivorship Her music career and songwriting process The importance of family and support systems during illness Her advocacy and philanthropy for pediatric cancer The impact of survivorship on life perspective and giving back *sound bites "We are the same fighter, we're the same warrior" "We don't take a single moment for granted" "It doesn't define me, it defines what we do" *Useful Links (Click and Save All of Them) https://linktr.ee/lillymoss.music https://www.facebook.com/LillyMoss.Music/ https://www.lillymoss.com/ https://www.instagram.com/lillymoss.music/ https://www.youtube.com/@lillymoss https://open.spotify.com/artist/5FOKKpkO9t13FKwScZGC18 https://music.apple.com/us/artist/lilly-moss/1629248040 https://music.amazon.com/artists/B0C5VYHFR3/lilly-moss *NEW MUSIC PRE-SAVE https://ffm.to/diggin

In this episode, Curtis Vallier hosts Chris Mallinos to share the emotional journey of Theo's battle with leukemia, highlighting the importance of mental health, family resilience, and community support in pediatric cancer. They discuss the power of hope, the significance of mental health awareness, the importance of Dad's being vulnerable and able to share their stories without the fear of judgement. and the inspiring stories of children facing unimaginable challenges. key topics Theo's leukemia diagnosis and treatment journey The emotional and mental health challenges faced by families The importance of community and support networks Stories of hope, resilience, and inspiration from children with cancer The role of mental health awareness in pediatric cancer care keywords pediatric cancer, mental health, family resilience, childhood leukemia, community support, hope, coping strategies, cancer awareness, family stories, mental health in children Links: “My son was diagnosed with cancer. Metallica’s Toronto concert gave him something to fight for” - Toronto LifeMy 11-year-old son has leukemia. How and when should I talk about it? | CBC News

# The Evolution of Battlecorn: Beyond Care Packages > Discover how a personal journey transformed into a global mission. Welcome back to the Childhood Cancer Perspective. Today, I want to share a deeply personal journey that led to the creation of Battlecorn Global, an organization that started from a place of love and necessity during our daughter Jaycee's battle with cancer. ## The Spark of Inspiration When Jaycee was undergoing her treatments, we experienced firsthand the impact of receiving care packages. It wasn't just the contents that mattered; it was the joy and distraction they brought into her life during such a challenging time. As adults, we often dread receiving mail, but for a child in the hospital, a package can light up their day. It became clear to us that these packages evolved into something much bigger than we anticipated. ## Acknowledging the Broader Impact of Childhood Cancer Childhood cancer doesn't just assault a child's body; it disrupts their entire world. Families face unimaginable stress, and the normalcy of childhood is stripped away. Children find themselves surrounded by medical jargon and procedures instead of birthday parties and soccer games. In this chaos, moments of distraction become precious. > "For five, ten minutes, maybe an hour, cancer isn't the most interesting thing happening in the room." — Curtis Vallier These moments of distraction are crucial. They remind children of their childhood, allowing them to laugh, play, and simply be kids, even if just for a little while. This emotional well-being is vital during treatment — it fosters hope, something we talk about often in the childhood cancer community. ## More Than Just Packages Initially, Battlecorn Care Packages aimed to bring smiles and distractions. It was about sending love and reminding families they are not forgotten. However, as we engaged with other families, we uncovered deeper issues within the childhood cancer landscape — financial struggles, lack of resources, and the need for advocacy. > "Care packages could help families survive moments. But there were bigger problems that required bigger solutions." — Curtis Vallier These insights catalyzed our evolution into Battlecorn Global. We realized that advocacy is not separate from our mission; it's an extension of it. While we strive to make today better with care packages, we also advocate for changes that will improve the future experiences of families facing childhood cancer. ## The Power of Stories Our journey is not just about care packages; it's about sharing real stories — the victories, the failures, the moments of joy, and the heartbreaking ones. These stories matter. They are often overlooked in media portrayals of childhood cancer, which tend to sanitize the experience. > "Stories matter. Real stories, not sanitized by TV and media." — Curtis Vallier Through the Childhood Cancer Perspective, we aim to amplify these voices, ensuring that families, survivors, and caregivers are heard. They are the real experts in this journey and deserve to be part of the conversation. As we move forward, we remain committed to our ever-evolving mission, striving to create a better tomorrow for families affected by childhood cancer. Together, we can make a difference, one package at a time.

Curtis Vallier shares profound insights on grief, the importance of community, and how to navigate the emotional journey after losing a loved one, especially a child. This episode emphasizes that grief is a personal process and highlights the power of support, vulnerability, and authentic connection. keywords grief, support, community, loss, emotional health, healing, mental health, coping, family, friendship key topics The different types of grief including anticipatory grief The importance of surrounding yourself with supportive people How walls and barriers develop during grief and how to break them down The misconception that time heals all wounds The significance of authentic connections and vulnerability The role of outlets like music, writing, and community in healing The impact of loss on relationships and how to manage them The importance of asking for help and letting others support you The unique challenges faced by grieving fathers and men The ongoing process of grief and finding a new normal takeaways Grief is not just about losing someone; it includes lost time and opportunities. You do not have to carry grief alone; support is essential. Walls built during grief can prevent healing; vulnerability is key. There is no timeline for grief; it is a personal journey. Supportive people accept you as you are, without judgment. sound bites "You do not have to do this alone" "Time does not heal all wounds" "Strength isn't carrying everything yourself"

Discussion Curtis Vallier shares insights on the challenges faced by the childhood cancer community, including misinformation, infighting, and political issues, and discusses ways to unite and advocate more effectively. keywords childhood cancer, advocacy, misinformation, infighting, funding, politics, community, awareness, research, healthcare key topics Misinformation as a barrier to awareness Impact of infighting within the community Political influence on funding for pediatric cancer The real day-to-day struggles of families The importance of unity in advocacy efforts Misconceptions portrayed through media The role of government and funding levels Community stories and personal experiences Critical thinking and questioning in research Strategies for effective advocacy and change takeaways Misinformation often comes from those aware of the problem but downplay its severity. Infighting and political disagreements weaken advocacy efforts. Funding for pediatric cancer is often misunderstood and misrepresented. Community unity is essential for effective advocacy and change. Personal stories highlight the real struggles families face. sound bites "Misinformation is the biggest hinder in our fight." "We need to work together despite our differences." "Funding for pediatric cancer is always on the chopping block."

Curtis Vallier shares the inspiring journey of launching the You Strong program, a YMCA initiative aimed at supporting pediatric cancer survivors and their families. Discover how community efforts, fundraising, and collaboration are creating a new pathway to normalcy and hope for families affected by cancer. keywords pediatric cancer, YMCA, survivorship, community support, fundraising, family programs, health and wellness, cancer recovery, youth programs, nonprofit impact key topics The origin and development of the You Strong program Partnerships with YMCA and local organizations Fundraising success and community involvement Program structure and activities for families and survivors The importance of mental and physical rehabilitation after cancer treatment Training and certification for program staff Plans for expansion and replication of the program Support for families dealing with grief and loss sound bites "I want my old normal back" "Cancer is such a lonely disease" "This program will give families the opportunity to come back together"

In this heartfelt interview, Jeremy Kautz shares the emotional journey of his son Ryland's battle with brain cancer, highlighting the importance of community, transparency, and cherishing every moment. This episode offers insights into pediatric cancer, treatment decisions, and the power of love and legacy.

In this heartfelt interview, Jeremy Kautz shares the emotional journey of his son Ryland's battle with brain cancer, highlighting the importance of community, transparency, and cherishing every moment. This episode offers insights into pediatric cancer, treatment decisions, and the power of love and legacy.

Navigating Fatherhood and Resilience Through ChildhoodCancer: An Intimate Conversation This episode shares a powerful dialogue between Curtis andChris, a father whose son Camden has battled brain cancer. They explore societal roles, emotional resilience, and the importance of community support in the pediatric cancer journey. Tune in for insights on how fathers can findstrength, maintain hope, and advocate for their children amidst the challenges of childhood cancer. #ChildhoodCancer #DadStrength #PediatricCancerAwareness#SupportMomsAndDads

Navigating Fatherhood and Resilience Through ChildhoodCancer: An Intimate Conversation This episode shares a powerful dialogue between Curtis andChris, a father whose son Camden has battled brain cancer. They explore societal roles, emotional resilience, and the importance of community support in the pediatric cancer journey. Tune in for insights on how fathers can findstrength, maintain hope, and advocate for their children amidst the challenges of childhood cancer. #ChildhoodCancer #DadStrength #PediatricCancerAwareness#SupportMomsAndDads