Mark Levine

Help and Hope Happen Here

Health EN ↓ 556 episodes

This Podcast is going to be about Pediatric Cancer and the need to keep the awareness of this terrible disease in the public eye. My plan is to be able to interview a wide spectrum of people who all have a passion and a stake in finding a way to make the lives of these Pediatric Cancer Patients easier. I will interview oncologists, nurses, recovered patients, parents who have had to oversee their children's cancer fight, heads of Pediatric Cancer Foundations and Organizations , and others who would like to use this forum to advocate for these children.

Author

Mark Levine

Episodes

On today's podcast Stephanie Yost will talk about being diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia in 2013 when she was 14 years old, the difficult treatment that she went through, and her decision to become a Child Life Specialist. 03.04.2023 40:12

After running a low grade fever for over a week that was thought to be a virus, Stephanie Yost Was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia at the age of 14 in 2013. Stephanie will talk about her 3 Chemotherapy treatments, her Stem Cell Transplant, and her decision to become a Child Life Specialist on today's podcast.

Emma Blaser will talk about her advocacy role as a sibling for her younger sister Ava, who was diagnosed with Stage 5 Bilateral Wilms Tumor when she was 3 years old in 2011, relapsed when she was 10, and has now been cancer free for more then 4 years. 30.03.2023 49:34

Ava Blaser was 3 years old when she was diagnosed with Stage 5 Bilateral Wilms Tumor in 2011. Her sister Emma, who is 6 years older than Ava will talk about her sister's ultimately successful fight against this form of Pediatric Cancer in which Ava relapsed when she was 10, but has now been cancer free for more than 4 years. Emma took it upon herself at 16 years old when Ava relapsed to becom...

Michael and June Gossling will talk about their son Grant, who fought a heroic 22 month battle against Stage 4 Neuroblastoma before his passing on March 28th of 2016. 27.03.2023 1:00:22

After feeling listless , having little appetite, and experiencing arm pain, 2 year old Grant Gossling was diagnosed with Stage 4 Neuroblastoma in June of 2014. On today's podcast, Michael and June Gossling will talk about their beloved son who fought a 22 month battle against this form of Pediatric Cancer before passing away on March 28th of 2016. The Gossling's will also discuss their...

On today's podcast, Terry Cechin will talk about his daughter Desi who passed away from Stage 4 High Risk Neuroblastoma at the age of 6 in 2016. Terry will be joined by Jessica McWhirter and they will discuss Desi and the Desi Strong Foundation. 23.03.2023 44:59

Terry Cechin is the Founder, President and Chief Operating Officer of the Desi Strong Foundation. Terry started this foundation in honor of his daughter Desi who passed away from Stage 4 High Risk Neuroblastoma in March of 2016 at the age of 6. Terry will be joined on the podcast by Jessica McWhirter who is the Vice President of the Foundation. This foundation focuses on providing dolls to Pediatr...

Nicole de Lara Puente will talk about Bella Rodriguez-Torres who passed away from Rhabmayosarcoma in March of 2013, and the Live Like Bella Foundation, which Nicole has been the CEO of since 2017. 20.03.2023 1:04:45

Nicole de Lara Puente has been the Chief Executive Officer of the Live Like Bella Foundation since 2017. This foundation was started in honor of Bella Rodriguez- Torres, who passed away in March of 2017 after a 6 year fight with Rhadbdomayosarcoma. Nicole will talk about Bella and this foundation, which in conjunction with the State of Florida started the Live Like Bella Pediatric Cancer Initiati...

Debbie Ross will talk about her 40 year career as the Housing Director of the Ronald McDonald House in Albany, New York. Debbie is the longest serving Housing Director in the history of this home away from home 16.03.2023 1:00:08

As the Housing Director of the Ronald McDonald House in Albany New York, Debbie Ross has greeted more than 20,000 families as they begin their stay at this home away from home while their children receive treatment at the Millie Duker Children's Hospital at Albany Medical. Debbie will talk about her career which has lasted over 40 years , making her the longest serving housing director of th...

John and Shannon Sorensen will talk about their son Gabe who is doing well despite his diagnosis of the Pediatric Brain Cancer Pineal Parenchymal Tumor Of Intermediate Differentation in January of 2021. 13.03.2023 55:05

After John and Shannon Sorensen noticed that their son Gabe's eyes were pointing inward, they took him to an Opthamologist and shortly thereafter he was at St, Jude Children's Research Hospital after he was diagnosed with the very rare Pediatric Brain Cancer Pineal Parenchymal Tumor Of Intermediate Differentation. John and Shannon will talk about their son's ordeal which began in Ja...

Keith Desserich will talk about his daughter Elena who was another unfortunate victim of DIPG, and will discuss his THE CURE STARTS NOW Foundation, which he plans to run as long as it takes to cure ALL cancers. 09.03.2023 1:04:20

Keith and Brooke Desserich's daughter Elena passed away from DIPG after a less than 9 month fight against a Pediatric Brain cancer which has no long term survivor's. Keith will talk about Elena and her fight and THE CURE STARTS NOW Foundation which he and Brooke founded in 2007. This foundation has a mission to cure ALL Cancers and he pledges to stay with the foundation until his goal of...

On today's podcast Megan Fonte will talk about her 6 year old son Jake who passed away from ALL in 2008. After that, Megan organized a grief group for parents who had also lost a child to cancer. This group now has over 1600 members. 06.03.2023 1:02:52

Megan Fonte's son Jake was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia just before his 3rd birthday in March of 2004 and passed away in January of 2008, after a final relapse on Halloween in 2007 at the age of 6. Megan will talk about her beloved son and will also talk about the online grief group that she organized for parents who have also lost a child to cancer. This group is called PARENT...

On today's podcast Jennifer Amundsen will talk about her role as Executive Director of the Children's Oncology Camping Association, and Ryan Campbell will talk about his role as the Director of Happiness is Camping. 02.03.2023 1:00:55

As the Executive Director of the Children's Oncology Camping Association, Jennifer Amundsen oversees 122 summer camps for children battling with some form of Pediatric Cancer. This translates into about 30,000 campers each summer spread out over the United States and Canada. Jennifer will talk about her role overseeing these camps and Ryan Campbell will talk about Happiness is Camping. Ryan...

Dr. Lauren Powlovich will talk about her role as the Associate Chief Medical Officer for the Non-Profit Focused Ultrasound Foundation, which uses Therapeutic Technology as a basis for helping its patients. 27.02.2023 54:18

The Focused Ultrasound Foundation has designed a novel approach in trying to help patients who have a myriad of illnesses and diseases , including Pediatric Cancer. On today's podcast Dr. Lauren Powlovich who is the Associate Medical Director of the Foundation will talk about the highlights of what they do, including their most important approach which is to use non invasive technology. As t...

Jenny Olson will talk about her son Will who was born 2 months early and weighed 2 pounds, and was diagnosed with Stage 3 Hepatoblastoma when he was 2 years old. Will has now been cancer free for over 12 years . 23.02.2023 49:20

Jenny Olson's son Will was born 2 months early in January of 2008 and spent his first 61 days in a Newborn ICU Unit. 2 years later, he was diagnosed with Stage 3 Hepatoblastoma and went through a nine month treatment protocol. Will is now 15 years old, as he has been cancer free for over 12 years. During Will's battle, Jenny decided to pursue a career in public speaking and becoming an...

Lisa Hill will talk about her iconic daughter Lauren who achieved her goal of scoring one basket as a freshman member of her college basketball team, while dealing with a worsening condition of DIPG. Lauren's journey electrified the world. 20.02.2023 1:08:01

Lauren Hill began to experience dizziness while practicing with her High School Basketball team before her senior season began in 2013. Shortly thereafter, Lauren was diagnosed with DIPG. On today's podcast, her mother Lisa will talk about Lauren's amazing journey which saw Lauren continuing to play during her senior season. Already accepted to attend Mt. St. Joseph's college and pl...

Steve Wosahla is the CEO of the Non- Profit Children's Cancer Cause. On today's podcast Steve will talk about the many successes they have had working with the government on policies that have greatly improved the lives of Pediatric Cancer patients. 16.02.2023 48:44

Steve Wosahla has spent many years working in major positions in the Health Care industry and since 2020 he has been the CEO of the Non-Profit Children's Cancer Cause. Steve will talk about the policies and legislation that this organization has worked on with various facets of the government to help insure improvements in the lives of Pediatric Cancer patients and their families, and will al...

Max Manyak is a Senior at Notre Dame and Captain of the Lacrosse Team. He will talk about his amazing PEDIATRIC PEP TALK Non-Profit, which focuses on Student Athletes creating videos for Pediatric Cancer patients to put a smile on their faces. 13.02.2023 53:14

Max Manyak met 10 year old Ian McMillan who was battling Leukemia through a Notre Dame University program called Fighting Irish Fighting For Life in early 2020. Then Covid hit and while Max was back home in California he communicated with Ian. Upon returning to school he decided to send Max videos of what was happening during the Lacrosse practices that he and his teammates were taking part in. As...

Hailey Adams began her advocacy work for the cause of Pediatric Cancer when she was 6 years old. Now 17 and a High School senior, Hailey will talk about that work and her current status as Miss Alabama's Outstanding Teen on today's podcast. 09.02.2023 52:19

Hailey Adams was 3 years old when her older sister Hannah was diagnosed with a Wilms Tumor. Even though she was so young , Hailey remembers watching her older sister go through such a tough but ultimately successful cancer battle. 3 years later at the age of 6, Hailey began her advocacy work for Pediatric Cancer by joining the American Cancer Society's Relay For LIfe. Now 17 years old and a H...

Rachael Walkup will talk about her role in the Non-Profit LIGHTHOUSE FAMILY RETREAT which invites families facing a Pediatric Cancer situation to come to a seaside setting for a week to have as much fun as possible. 06.02.2023 46:34

Rachael Walkup is the Resources Project Manager for the Non-Profit LIGHTHOUSE FAMILY RETREAT. This Non -Profit sets up seaside settings in Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina to invite families dealing with Pediatric Cancer to get away from thinking about Pediatric Cancer for one week to enjoy life. Rachael will talk about these retreats and the many activities that take place. Racheal will also...

Jessica LaBella will talk about her daughter Anna, who was diagnosed with Ewing's Sarcoma in July of 2019 and spent much of the next 3 years giving to others, before she passed away on August of 2022 at the age of 12 02.02.2023 51:45

It is always so inspiring to hear about children who are diagnosed with Pediatric Cancer and they are still able to find it in themselves to give back to others even when undergoing treatment. We will hear a story just like this today as Jessica LaBella will talk about her daughter Anna, who was diagnosed with Ewing's Sarcoma in July of 2019 when she was 9 years old. Anna spent the next 3 yea...

Melissa Fleming will talk about her son Brock who fell and hit his head while walking the dog, suffered a severe concussion and a short time later, was diagnosed with DIPG 30.01.2023 53:31

Melissa and James Fleming's son Brock was out for a simple walk with James and his sister Jenna on May 4th of 2016 when he fell and hit his head. Brock suffered a severe concussion, one that was so bad that for a brief time he called his mother DAD, and his father, MOM. Everything looked fine in his neurological examination but when Brock smiled, his doctor was concerned and sent him to have...

Jackie Walker will talk about the Non-Profit Lucy's Love Bus, which focuses on bringing Integrative Therapies to Pediatric Cancer patients. This non-profit was started by Lucy Grogan, who passed away from Leukemia when she was 12 years old. 26.01.2023 1:17:01

Lucy Grogan was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia when she was 8 years old. By the time she was 11 she decided that she was "Done" with cancer and wanted to do something to help other Pediatric Cancer patients. On today's podcast Executive Director Jackie Walker will talk about the Non-Profit LUCY'S LOVE BUS which Lucy started, 6 months before her passing at the age of 12....

Dr. Elaine Ostrander will talk about her Canine Genome Project and the similarities between dogs and humans when it comes to being diagnosed with cancer. Each specie can suffer from the same cancers and can be given the same treatment protocols. 23.01.2023 57:28

Not only are dogs man's best friends, they also have many common traits when it comes to the subject of cancer. On today's podcast, Dr. Elaine Ostrander will talk about the many similarities that the canine and human specie have when it comes to cancer, including similar forms of cancer, similar treatment protocols that they experience, and similar clinical trails that can work for both...

Hannah Adams survived her Wilms Tumor cancer battle when she was 5 1/2 years old. Now a sophomore at the University of Alabama and the reigning Miss Birmingham, Hannah will talk about her amazing advocacy work for the cause of Pediatric Cancer. 19.01.2023 1:01:55

Hannah Adams began her Pediatric Cancer advocacy work when she was just 8 years old, becoming the youngest captain in Florida for the Relay For Life event that is sponsored by the American Cancer Society. That was followed up by her being chosen at the age of 12 to be the National Youth Ambassador for Hyundai Motors for their Hope on Wheels Program. Hannah will talk about her incredible advocacy w...

Paoola Sefair is a two time cancer survivor and now has No Evidence of Disease. In 2022 she started an informational cancer App called MY CARE CREW so cancer patients can communicate with one another. 16.01.2023 56:10

In 2014 after having trouble swallowing, Paoola Sefair was diagnosed with Thyroid Cancer. In 2020 Paoola was diagnosed again with cancer but the good news is that there is now No Evidence Of Disease. Paoola will talk about her cancer battles and will also talk about her Informational App MY CARE CREW that she started along with her friend Aneshka, which allows anyone involved in a cancer battle t...

Ian Lock will talk about his battle with Osteosarcoma which began in 2010, his Pediatric Cancer advocacy work which started in high school, and his current focus which is to get his PHD in Molecular Cancer Biology from Duke University. 12.01.2023 1:03:38

After hurting his leg as a sophomore in high school during a school football game in 2010, Ian Lock went to his pediatrician who saw a dark spot on his leg while examining him. This spot turned out to be Osteosarcoma. Ian went through the usual difficult treatment for this most common form of bone cancer, and fortunately he did not suffer a relapse which so many Osteosarcoma patients do. Ian then...

Lisa and Mac Tichenor will talk about their son Willie who passed away from Osteosarcoma in 2006. They will also talk about their Quad W Foundation and the Osteosaroma Institute which they started to honor Willie and help Osteosarcoma patients. 09.01.2023 1:03:34

Lisa and Mac Tichenors' son Willie lost his battle with Osteosarcoma in 2006. On today's podcast Lisa and Mac will talk about Willie, who lived a life which was full of meaning before he passed away after his first semester at the University of Texas. They started the Quad W Foundation in his honor, and almost all of the Board Members were comprised of Willie's friends, which show...