Curtis Vallier & Bryan Simons

Voices from the Background: The Dad's Perspective

Kids EN ↓ 7 episodes

In the pediatric cancer community, Dads are often in the background and not much of their story is told. This podcast features two dads facing a similar fight but at different stages and will relate to a part of the community often fighting in silence.

Author

Curtis Vallier & Bryan Simons

Episodes

E7: Holidays are Different 03.01.2026 35:42

Keywords holidays, pediatric cancer, family dynamics, emotional toll, community support, safety, traditions, childhood memories, treatment, family gatherings Summary In this conversation, Bryan Simons and Curtis Vallier discuss the complexities of navigating family dynamics during the holiday season while dealing with pediatric cancer. They share personal experiences, the emotional toll on sibling...

E6: Managing Illness with Multiple Children 22.11.2025 35:21

online criticism, misinformation, societal impact, parenting, food safety, mental health, internet culture, public opinion, personal experiences, social media Summary In this conversation, Curtis & Bryan discusses the challenges of dealing with online criticism and misinformation, particularly in relation to parenting and personal experiences. He highlights the ignorance of some individuals on...

E5: Stopping Treatment 08.11.2025 30:47

This episode features an unthinkable decision made by parents and children, a decision that can ultimately have only one outcome.

E4: D.C. Conversations Pt.2 25.10.2025 51:58

Here is the 2nd Part of our conversation from Curefest 2025 in Washington D.C.

E3: D.C. Conversations 18.10.2025 59:10

Keywords CureFest, childhood cancer, advocacy, community support, funding, visual representation, political advocacy, environmental factors, grief, survivorship Summary This conversation delves into the experiences and challenges faced by families affected by childhood cancer, particularly during CureFest. The speakers discuss the importance of community support, the need for increased funding and...

E2: Holding it Together at the Hospital 11.10.2025 44:28

Keywords hospital stays, childhood illness, parental roles, emotional toll, coping mechanisms, preparation, family dynamics, childhood cancer, COVID-19 impact, healthcare experience Summary In this episode, Curtis and Bryan share their personal experiences navigating the challenges of hospital stays for their children. They discuss the emotional toll of being separated from family, the fear and gu...

E1 : Diagnosis Day 04.10.2025 43:22

Summary In the inaugural episode of 'Voices from the Background,'hosts Curtis Vallier and Bryan share their personal experiences as fathers navigating the pediatric cancer journey. They discuss the emotional weight of diagnosis days, the challenges of treatment decisions, and the importance ofadvocacy in healthcare. Through their stories, they aim to provide support and insight to other...