Game Over: c*ncer

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 sens...

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...

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 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 i...

I t’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 wor...

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 treatme...

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, on...

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 a...

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...

In this powerful episode of Game Over: c*ncer, hosts Val Solomon and Dana Nichols dive into the importance of incorporating patient experience into research. Meet Dr. Annalynn Williams, an assistant professor of surgery and cancer control at the University of Rochester Medical Center, and young adult cancer survivor. Dr. Williams shares how her personal battle with cancer shaped her career path an...

In this heartfelt episode of Game Over: c*ncer, hosts Val Solomon, Director of Program Impact at Cannonball Kids' cancer Foundation, and Dana Nichols, Executive Director of CKc, dive into the realities of building a career in nonprofit leadership. Dana shares her personal journey of nearly two decades in the nonprofit sector, her passion for connecting people with impactful missions, and the lesso...

n this episode, we sit down with the incredible  Kay Rawlins —founder of Orlando City and Orlando Pride soccer teams, former CKc board member, and a dedicated advocate for community impact. Known as the " First Lady of Soccer " in Orlando, Kay shares her experiences in board leadership, her philosophy on building community, and the role of sports in driving positive change. Highlights include: The...

In this inspiring episode of Game Over: c*ncer, we sit down with Dr. Joelle Straehla, a CKc-funded young investigator who is revolutionizing pediatric brain cancer treatment with cutting-edge nanoparticle drug delivery systems. Dr. Straehla, a self-proclaimed “nerd” who combines her passion for science, medicine, and engineering, shares her incredible journey — from her days at Dana-Farber and MIT...

Aubrey Reichard-Eline is a dedicated advocate and fundraiser who has turned her family’s battle with cancer into a mission for change. Listen as Aubrey recounts the life-altering moments following her daughter Grace's brain tumor diagnosis and her subsequent career shift from the fashion industry to pediatric cancer research fundraising. Discover how Aubrey balances the demands of engaging deeply...

In this heartfelt episode of Game Over: c*ncer, hosts Val Solomon and Dana Nichols dive into a powerful story of resilience, compassion, and purpose. Meet Nicole Youtz, a nursing student inspired by her brother Tyler’s journey with neuroblastoma, who’s now training to be a pediatric oncology nurse at the same hospital that treated him. Nicole opens up about how her family's experience with childho...

In this powerful episode of Game Over: c*ncer, we delve into the transformative impact of collaborative research in pediatric oncology. Hosts Val Solomon, Director of Program Impact, and Dana Nichols, Executive Director of Cannonball Kids' cancer Foundation (CKc), are joined by special guest Dr. Jonathan Metts, a pediatric oncologist at Moffitt Cancer Center. Dr. Metts shares his inspiring journey...

Aligning your core values could transform life's adversities into powerful catalysts for change. In this uplifting episode, listeners are invited to learn about the concept of "moment momentum" with their special guest, Brant Menswar. Brant, a sought-after speaker and advocate for pediatric cancer, brings his invaluable insights on how anchoring oneself in core values can propel individuals forwar...

Matt Kopkin, embraced the challenge of becoming a full-time grants administrator at Cannonball Kids cancer Foundation. This episode uncovers the crucial role of grant funding in pediatric cancer research, shedding light on how CKc bridges the gap in government resources to fuel groundbreaking clinical trials and support young investigators. Matt opens up about his transition from a temporary posit...

In this episode of Game Over: c*ncer, hosts Val Solomon and Dana Nichols sit down with a clinical psychologist from AdventHealth Orlando, Dr. Carrasco, to discuss the often-overlooked challenges that pediatric cancer survivors face once treatment ends.  They explore the emotional, physical, and cognitive adjustments children and their families must navigate and how the transition from patient to s...

In this heartwarming, lighthearted and at times chaotic episode of Game Over: c*ncer, the lively Wiggins Kids join the show, bringing their joy, energy, and unique perspectives. Eldest brother, Cannon Wiggins, is a pediatric cancer survivor and the namesake of the Cannonball Kids' cancer Foundation. In this episode we showcase the Wiggins kids BEING KIDS, the goal for every cancer family. We dive...

In this deeply moving episode of Game Over: c*ncer, we sit down with Josh and Gallite Kestler as they share the emotional highs and heartbreaking lows of their son Jake’s battle with cancer. From the initial diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia to the devastating glioblastoma, the Kestlers opened up about the impossible choices they faced and the strength they found in each other. They discus...

In this episode of Game Over: c*ncer, we dive into the complex emotions and experiences surrounding cancer with special guest Chelsey Gomez, the artist and advocate behind "Oh You're So Tough." Chelsey shares her journey of turning dark moments into humor and creating a community of support through her art and online presence.  From hosting the transformative Not Dead Yet Fest to fostering an onli...

This week on Game Over: C*ncer, special guest Jim Knight shares his insights on the power of integrating charitable initiatives into your organization's DNA. Join hosts Val Solomon and Dana Nichols as they dive deep into the topics of leadership, employee engagement, and the impact of collective efforts in supporting worthy causes. Jim Knight, an expert in organizational culture, shares his experi...

Join hosts Dana Nichols and Val Solomon in this inspiring episode of the Game Over: C*ncer podcast as they sit down with Kylie Briggs, the new Special Events Manager at Cannonball Kids’ cancer Foundation (CKc). Kylie shares her incredible journey from dedicated volunteer to leading key events for the pediatric cancer nonprofit. Discover what motivated Kylie to shift her career to the nonprofit sec...

Melissa Wiggins, co-founder of Cannonball Kids' cancer Foundation, (CKc) joins us to discuss her journey from combating the harsh realities of childhood cancer to fostering a vibrant community dedicated to making a difference. Learn how Melissa's personal experience with her son's cancer diagnosis fueled her relentless drive to bring change to pediatric cancer treatment. Discover how CKc balances...