Help and Hope Happen Here podcast artwork

PODCAST · health

Help and Hope Happen Here

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.

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  1. 548

    Kelsie Wittmayer's 5 year old daughter Rosie was having fevers every few weeks in May of 2025, and these fevers went unexplained for more than 3 months before she finally was diagnosed with B Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in late August

    In May of 2025, 5 year old Rosie Wittmayer was found to have a double ear infection and then began to develop fevers every 2-4 weeks. These fevers were checked out regularly but no solution was found , with one possibility floated that she had the Mumps. Finally on August 27th, Rosie and the Wittmayer family received her diagnosis of B Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Rosie has been through nearly 11 months of treatment and still has more than a year left as her scheduled date to end her treatment protocol will be in November of 2027. Fortunately Rosie is doing well physically .

  2. 547

    Zach Arter and Emily Niebur will talk about the non-profit HELP 1 PERSON TODAY which Zach started in August of 2024 as a way to help fill the gaps for Pediatric Cancer patients who are going through treatment from this disease.

    Zach Arter had been serving youths in Omaha Nebraska for 15 years in various capacities and then decided to focus on helping Pediatric Cancer patients in August of 2024. That is when he started his HELP 1 PERSON TODAY with this non-profit which tries in a number of ways to help these kids who have to go through difficult treatment during their individual cancer battles.

  3. 546

    Toni and Dylan Franklin will talk about their daughter Noelle who was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma in May of 2024 and was only able to survive this Bone Cancer for 1 year, as she passed away in May of 2025

    As Toni and Dylan Franklin were in the playground with their children Noelle and Dylan in the spring of 2024, Noelle asked her dad to look at a bump that had formed on her leg. Withing a week Noelle was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma, a very difficult Bone Cancer. After being treated at the Pediatric Cancer hospital at Duke University which did not go well, Noelle was transferred to the Pediatric Cancer hospital at the University of North Carolina. Despite the treatment that was more to the benefit to Noelle, she was unable to recover and passed away on May 12th of 2025, almost exactly one year after her original diagnosis. 

  4. 545

    Christina Stiverson will talk about her daughter Adelaide ( Addie) who was diagnosed with the very rare Liver Cancer known as Hepatoblastoma as she approached her 2nd birthday in the fall of 2015 and passed away in December of 2016

    After being shuttled back and forth between her home and hospital emergency rooms for months in 2015 because of recurring fevers, Addie Stiverson received the very difficult diagnosis of Hepatoblastoma in the autumn of 2015 while visiting family in Colorado. Although her doctors were optimistic that Addie would recover from this Liver Cancer, her body said otherwise as after a Liver Transplant, Addie's cancer spread to her lungs and then her brain. Addie passed away on December 20th of 2016, having lived for only 3 years and 17 days.

  5. 544

    Tristin Mercer's daughter Kinley was diagnosed with Stage 4 Kidney Cancer in the summer of 2022 when she was 4 months old. Kinley's cancer spread very quickly and she passed away on November 12th of 2022, just 7 1/2 months after her birth.

    A massive Malignant Rhabdoid Tumor was found on 4 month old Kinley Mercer's left kidney in the summer of 2022 and she was diagnosed with Stage 4 Kidney Cancer.  Upon undergoing chemotherapy treatment, Kinley went through scans that showed that her cancer had spread very quickly, so much so that her doctors declared that her cancer was no longer curable. Kinley passed away from this very difficult form of pediatric cancer on November 12th of 2022, only 7 1/2 months after her birth.

  6. 543

    Andrea Wilson will talk about her daughter Phoenix who was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma in 2017 when she was 3 years old and her older daughter Liberty who's own life was in the balance while Phoenix was in treatment.

    Andrea Wilson had two very difficult health crises on her hands, one with her younger daughter Phoenix who was diagnosed with Stage 3 High Risk  Neuroblastoma when she was 3 years old in 2017,  and one with her older daughter Liberty who contracted Septic Pneumonia while Phoenix was in treatment. Phoenix was on the 7th floor of Phoenix Children's Hospital while Liberty was on the 9th floor. Fortunately both girls are surviving and doing well and Andrea and her family are looking onto the possibility of trying to build a Western Style Ranch with horses, so that Pediatric Cancer families can have a place to go to for healing purposes. 

  7. 542

    Shay McAlister is an Independent Journalist who has been investigating the Cluster of DIPG diagnoses that have surrounded 3 counties in Southeastern Kentucky. Shay will talk about this problem and what the powers that be in Kentucky are doing about it

    The counties of Knox, Laurel, and Whitley, in Southeastern Kentucky have seen 10 DIPG diagnoses since 2024, an extraordinarily high number of cases in such a condensed area. Shay McAlister is an Independent Journalist who has been investigating this issue and will discuss the problems that are related to this most deadly form of Pediatric Brain Cancer, which normally sees 1 or 2 cases in the entire state each year. Shay has written 2 major articles on this issue and will be continuing her goal to find some answers that are needed as to why this is happening.

  8. 541

    Caitlyn and CJ Downings 2 year old son Brooks was diagnosed with a Fusion Mesenchymal Tumor in his lung in the spring of 2025, and passed away on October 25th of last year, just 8 months ago.

    After experiencing a number of illness when he was 2 years old going into the spring of 2025, Caitlyn and CJ Jennings thought that their beloved son Brooks was experiencing normal illnesses that many toddlers may experience. Unfortunately that was not the case. Brooks was diagnosed with a Fusion Mesenchymal Tumor that was located in his lung and then spread to his Pelvic Bone. Brooks continued to feel well until August of last year when his health went downhill, leading to his passing on October 25th of 2025.

  9. 540

    Shaya Rees Frum will talk about her beloved sister and best friend Jessie who passed away after a 10 month battle with DIPG that ended with her passing on January 5th of 2012. Shaya is now very involved with the Jessie Rees Foundation.

    Shaya Rees Frum was 14 years old when her then 11 year old sister Jessie was diagnosed with DIPG on March 3rd of 2011.  Jessie passed away from this terrible Pediatric Brain Cancer on January 5th of 2012, but not before laying the groundwork for the Jessie Rees Foundation that has been directed by her father Eric for the past 14 years. I spoke with Erik about Jessie and the Foundation back in April. Shaya has taken on a major role in the Foundation, it is her full time job, and hopefully she will be the person to take on its Leadership Role, when Erik and Shaya decide that the time is right .

  10. 539

    Maribeth Ditmars will talk about her son Christopher who battled Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia before his passing when he was 14 in 2001, successfully battling her own demons, and the loss of her other son Jarrod in July of 2015

    Maribeth Ditmars has suffered plenty of heartache and loss for the past 25 years, beginning with the diagnosis of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in 1997 and the subsequent passing of her son Christopher at the age of 14 in 2001. This was followed by the passing of her younger son Jarrod when he was 21 years old from an accident on July 4th of 2015, which left him unconscious for the last 4 days of his life. In between those years, Maribeth successfully battled her own demons with her dependence on alcohol, to the point where she has been able to counsel many people who have had similar problems and she is now very involved in helping others. Maribeth has now been sober for 22 years . 

  11. 538

    Alisha Harper will talk about her son Chase who was diagnosed with Down Syndrome officially when he was born and 4 years later was diagnosed with Leukemia. Chase is going strong as he is now 9 years old

    During Alisha Harper's pregnancy, she was told that there was a 60 percent chance that her son would be born with Down Syndrome. That statement turned out to be a correct one as Chase was born in December of 2016 with this illness and by the time Chase was 4 years old, Alisha saw that his Down Syndrome was manageable. One month after feeling as good as possible about how Chase was doing, he developed a body rash which turned out to be a symptom of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Despite having this 1-2 punch thrown at him, Chase is doing well as he is now 9 years old and living his best life possible. 

  12. 537

    Kayla and Charli Martin will talk about Charli's diagnosis of High Risk B Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia when she was 10 years old and in 5th grade in 2023. Charli is now doing well as she has just completed her 8th grade year.

    10 year old Charli Martin hurt her shoulder while competing in the New York State School Wrestling Tournament when she was in 5th grade in 2023. While going for Physical Therapy, Charli noticed a lump on her neck and after taking antibiotics and still in therapy, the pain in her shoulder did not go away. Charli then had this lump biopsied and the result was her diagnosis of High Risk B Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Charli has now completed her 8th grade year and at 13 years of age is back playing sports and living the life of a normal and healthy 13 year old teenager.  

  13. 536

    Gwen Mysiak became the Executive Director of the Punt Pediatric Cancer Collaborative in 2012. This Collaborative was started by former Buffalo Bills Punter Brian Moorman and his wife Amber in 2004 and focuses on 6 major programs.

    Gwen Mysiak worked in the field of Public Broadcasting for 19 years in Buffalo and during that time, her friend's cousin Andrew Pawlak was 13 years old and in 7th grade when he was diagnosed with a form of Pediatric Cancer and passed away 2 years later. Not too much time went by after that before Gwen switched carriers to become the Punt Pediatric Cancer Collaborative's Executive Director in 2012. This Collaborative focuses on 6 major programs to help families deal with a Pediatric Cancer situation, with a special emphasis on their bereavement program.

  14. 535

    Carla and Sydney Belsher will talk about Sydney's battle with Infantile Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia which she was diagnosed with in April of 2014 when she was 6 months old and how she is doing now at the age of 12 1/2.

    Sydney Belsher has been through a great deal in her still very young life as she is 12 1/2 years old, which started with stomach issues almost from her birth in the fall of 2013, and then her diagnosis of Infantile Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia which came when she was 6 months old in April of 2014. Right after her diagnosis Sydney's lifespan was very uncertain as her doctors feared she would have a stroke and may not survive. This did not happen thankfully but Sydney has battled both physical and mental issues over the years . Fortunately Sydney has survived all of her issues and is trying to live her best life possible.

  15. 534

    Heather and Casey Arrayan will talk about their daughter Kalia who was diagnosed with High Risk B Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in November of 2023 and her recovery is now going well after her Bone Marrow Transplant in July of 2024.

    When she was 4 months old on November 14th of 2023, Kalia Arrayan was diagnosed with High Risk B Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. This diagnosis came as a complete shock to her parents Heather and Casey who did not see any clear symptoms before a routine checkup showed a lump on her spleen. Kalia went through a very difficult treatment process for the next 8 months before she underwent a Bone Marrow Transplant with her 11 year old brother being her donor. Kalia has been doing much better over the past nearly two years as she approaches her 3rd birthday.

  16. 533

    Dale and Marissa Metcalf will talk about Marissa's successful fight with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia when she was 3 1/2 years old in 2010 and her goal to become a Pediatric Cancer Oncology Nurse

    Marissa Metcalf does not remember many details from her treatment during her battle with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia which took place in 2010 when she was 3 1/2 years old. What she does know, now that she is 19 years old and looking at possible careers, is that this form of Pediatric Blood cancer has affected her in different ways as she approaches 20 years of age, and wants to help others who have been diagnosed with cancer by becoming an Oncology Nurse, which would be a great accomplishment for her and a good thing for her future patients.

  17. 532

    Lily McGrath will talk about her son Bryson who had a very difficult path to navigate during his 1027 day fight with Neuroblastoma that began in early 2023 and ended with his passing on September 26th of 2025 when he was 5 years old.

    Lily and Sebastian McGrath's 2 1/2 year old son Bryson was first thought to have a Wilms Tumor before his Pediatric Cancer diagnosis was changed to Stage 4 Neuroblastoma in the early days of 2023. Lily and Sebastian had to put up with a number of more than questionable medical decisions during Bryson's fight and also had to endure the final days of Bryson's life who while in Hospice Care, was  promised 24 hour round the clock availability should they be needed and when they were needed the most, they were nowhere to be found. Lily also had to watch after Bryson passed away while one of the Hospice nurses attempted to rip off all of Bryson's dressings, instead of treating her son with the kid gloves that he more than deserved. 

  18. 531

    Cherie Calbom is a well known Nutritionist who will talk about the negative health effects that Seed Oils can have on consumers and the link that exists between these Oils and Pediatric, Adolescent and Young Adult, and Adult Cancer.

    Cherie Colbom is not only an expert Nutritionist, she has written 35 books, including her Juicing For life which has sold 2 million copies and her current book which became available on April 28th entitled The Truth About Seed Oils. Cherie will talk about how Seed Oils can have negative health effects for consumers and will discuss the link between Seed Oils and Pediatric, Adolescent and Young Adult, and Adult Cancer. Cheire has been on television many times discussing this issue and has also written many articles on this subject.

  19. 530

    Lauren and TJ Bailey will talk about their son Brody who was born with a Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia in early 2023 and then just after his first birthday he was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma.

    Brody Bailey is one of possibly two children in the World who have been born with a Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia and then diagnosed with Neuroblastoma. Lauren and TJ Bailey are Brody's parents and will talk about his journey with the good news being that he is more than 3 years old and is doing as well as possible health wise. The Bailey family has received great support from their Township of Deptford New Jersey community, especially from Rich Nardiello who is the head of the great Pop Pop Custom Cars Non-Profit and a wonderful advocate for the cause of Pediatric Cancer. 

  20. 529

    Jordan Belous will talk about her spectacular connections that she has made with so many pediatric cancer patients and their families through her WHIP PEDIATRIC CANCER Non-Profit

    Jordan Belous has always had a soft spot for Pediatric Cancer Patients and when she was 16 years old in 2015 she issued a "challenge", much like the Ice Bucket Challenge, when she created a video that went viral by dancing for 14 seconds to the song WHIP/NAE NAE by Rapper Silento to either Dance or Donate. More than 7000 people took up her challenge and donated more than $100,000 to Memorial Sloan Kettering to fight the cause of Pediatric Cancer. That was the birth of her WHIP PEDIATRIC CANCER Non- Profit. Since that time Jordan has personally developed long standing and iron clad friendships with more than 300 Pediatric Cancer patients and has done extraordinary work for these kids, their families and the cause of Pediatric Cancer. 

  21. 528

    Matt Giegerich will talk about his role as CEO of the Matthew Larson or Iron Matt Foundation for Pediatric Brain Tumors which was started by young Matt's parents Kelly and Greg after his passing from a form of Pediatric Brain cancer in 2007

    Matt Giegerich has been the Chief Executive Officer of The Matthew Larson Foundation for Pediatric Brain Tumors for the past 18 months. This foundation, also known as the Iron Matt Foundation, was started by young Matt's parents Kelly and Greg after Matt passed away from the Pediatric Brain Cancer Choroid Plexus Carcinoma in 2007, when he was 7 years old. This Foundation focuses on helping families with financial assistance as well as focusing on raising money to award Grants to researchers who are trying to help solve the many issues that are involved with Pediatric Brain Cancer.  This Foundation has now awarded over 100 Grants to researchers in the United States and Canada. 

  22. 527

    Leslie and Michael Fox will talk about their son Mason who was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in April of 2023, was doing well, and then was attacked by a Fungal infection that led to his passing in February of 2024.

    Mason Fox was 10 years old when he was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in April of 2023. Mason then went through treatment and was doing very well with his recovery before a Fungal infection got the best of him quickly in February of 2024, and led to his surprising and unfortunate passing, not even 10 full months past his original diagnosis. His parents Leslie and Michael detail the amazing persona that Mason had as he was most concerned with helping others even during treatment for this blood cancer, as he bought toys with his own money and would walk down the halls at St. Joseph's Children's Hospital with these toys in a wagon, hooked up to his IV pole, and would deliver them to the other Pediatric Cancer patients on his floor. 

  23. 526

    Nick and Sarah Bascle will talk about their son Liam who was diagnosed with an Ependymoma Brain Tumor when he was 10 months old in April of 2015, and lived his best life possible before his passing on November 23rd of 2021

    Liam Bascle was only able to live 7 1/2 years because of an Ependymoma Brain Tumor that he was diagnosed with in April of 2015. His persona resonated with many people despite his tender age and many tributes came his way after his very unfortunate passing in November of 2021, after fighting with this Brain Tumor for 6 1/2 years . To honor the memory of their beloved son his father Nick, with support from his mom Sarah, started the Links Fore Liam Golf Tournament in New Hampshire to help raise money for the cause of Ependymoma and Pediatric Cancer. This tournament is now held in  New Hampshire, Colorado, and Louisiana, with at least 4 more locations on the horizon. 

  24. 525

    Amy and Matt Cisneros will talk about their son Cullen who was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia when he was 3 years old in 2012, gained remission quickly, was in good health for the next 8 years, and then was diagnosed with Ewings Sarcoma

    After being diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia when he was 3 years old in 2012, Cullen Cisneros was able to live the next 8 years of his life free of cancer until 2020 when leg pain during a baseball game led to a diagnosis of Ewings Sarcoma. Cullen's parents Amy and Matt will talk about their beloved son, who fought from 2020 until May of 2025 to try and do everything he could to stay alive, only to pass away from this Bone Cancer when he was 15 years old. 

  25. 524

    Amelia Mijach will talk about her son Hayes who was diagnosed with High Risk Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia when he was 2 years old in 2024 and after very difficult treatment, he is finally feeling better and is back to being an active little boy.

    Amelia Mijach's then 2 year old son Hayes was diagnosed with High Risk Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia when he was 2 years old in August of 2024 and the reason for his high risk status was because of his extraordinarily high white blood cell count at diagnosis. Hayes then contacted a serious fungal infection during his consolidation phase of his treatment and during the next year and a half of treatment he needed to fight off a battle of Neutropenic Fever and he experienced other battles as well. Finally in  December of 2025 Hayes turned the corner and is doing much better physically and is as active as possible. 

  26. 523

    Erik Rees will talk about his daughter Jessie who was diagnosed with DIGP on March 3rd of 2011 and passed away only 10 months later on January 5th of 2012 when she was 12 years old. Jessie was the inspiration behind the Jessie Rees Foundation.

    Erik Rees became an amazing Cancer Dad and Pediatric Cancer advocate during and after his daughter Jessie battled with and passed away from DIPG at the age of 12 in January of 2012. Erik talks about his beloved daughter and then details the Jessie Rees Foundation which was started because of Jessie's wish to help Pediatric Cancer patients who were at Children's Hospital of Orange County in California. Jessie started her Jessie's Joy Jars while battling her Pediatric Brain Cancer, and nearly 600,000 patients have received these Joy Jars in the United States and across the globe since Jessie was able to donate 3000 of these to patients before her passing. This foundation now raises 5 1/2 million dollars each year.

  27. 522

    Ben Shroyer will talk about his now 10 year old daughter Hannah who is a survivor of Stage 4 Neuroblastoma and Histiocytosis and will talk about his Casting For The Kids Foundation which he started to help families financially and emotionally.

    Ben Shroyers then  2 year old daughter Hannah was diagnosed with Stage 4 Neuroblastoma in 2018, then was diagnosed with Histiocytosis which ended up in her brain before she became cancer free in 2021. Now 10 years old and in 3rd grade, Hannah is doing well health wise. Ben started the Casting For The Kids Foundation in 2020 during the pandemic as a way to help families both emotionally and financially through a fishing tournament which has now raised $460,000 over the past 6 years . Ben is an amazing advocate for families in the Sarasota, Florida area and what he has accomplished through his foundation for many individuals and families in the Pediatric Cancer world is truly outstanding.

  28. 521

    Kelly DiGiammo and her son Brayden will talk about Brayden's battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia which Brayden was diagnosed with in late February of 2024. Brayden is now just one month away from the second anniversary of his remission and is doing well

    When Kelly DiGiammo's son Brayden was 13 years old in early 2024 he developed troubling health symptoms, including going from being one of the fastest runners in the school to losing his breath and running very slowly, experiencing continuing colds, and then having a bout with the flu. Brayden was diagnosed late in February of that year with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Brayden successfully completed a Stem Cell Transplant and has been in remission since May of 2024. Kelly and Brayden will talk about his journey which has been a successful one and Kelly will also talk about her experiences getting involved in advocacy work for the cause of Pediatric Cancer. 

  29. 520

    Mary Kemp and Kaitlyn Lee will talk about the Society For Emerging Leaders organization which Mary co-founded in 2022 and which Kaitlyn is its Executive Director. This organization is made up by over 350 students..

    The bill AB 703 which was signed into law by California Governor Gavin Newsom and which I talked about with Sahil Metha on my podcast a few weeks ago is just one of the important accomplishments that was led by the Society Of Emerging Leaders, which was co founded by Mary Kemp in 2022 and is under the direction of Kaitlyn Lee. This law now gives the voters in California the option to check off a box on their state tax form if they would like to donate to the cause of Pediatric Cancer. Mary and Kaitlyn will talk about many of the other programs that The Society For Emerging Leaders have started in California to benefit the cause of Pediatric Cancer.

  30. 519

    Jacob Orlick was 11 years old when he was diagnosed with Ewings Sarcoma in 2019. Now 18 years old and doing well, Jacob will talk about his roles as A Motivational Speaker and his podcast, Motvational Mic.

    Jacob Orlick is now a senior in High School and making plans to attend Penn State University in the fall. Jacob was 11 when he was diagnosed with the Bone Cancer Ewings Sarcoma, had his right leg amputated, but has been able to live a fulfilling life which includes his work as a Motivational Speaker and his Podcast entitled Motivational Mic. Jacob is hoping that his career path leads him into becoming a Professional Sports Broadcaster. 

  31. 518

    Dr. Katerina Levy is a Pediatric Psychologist who has written a book entitled THE HEALING GARDEN. This book is fiction but gives great strategies to kids and families who are trying to cope with a Pediatric Cancer diagnosis.

    Dr. Katerina Levy decided to write her book THE HEALING Garden while she was a resident at the Broward Medical Health Center in South Florida. This book was based on the Healing Garden that she saw while at that Medical Center and is full of strategies that work for kids who are trying to cope with being diagnosed with any form of Pediatric Cancer. Dr. Levy is still in the very early stages of her career as a Pediatric Psychologist.

  32. 517

    Meghan Macantee was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia as a sophomore at SUNY Potsdam where she originally hurt her hamstring during swimming practice. Meghan is fine now but went through some terrible times before her diagnosis .

    Being treated terribly by her swimming coach and eventually belittled and made fun of by her teammates, Meghan Macantee was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia in the fall of 2023, during her sophomore year at SUNY Potsdam where she was a member of the swimming team. Before her diagnosis, Meghan went to the emergency room 11 times where she was also treated poorly. In short, no one believed this wonderful young woman The fact that she was diagnosed with such a difficult form of Pediatric Cancer says it all. Meghan is now doing well health wise and giving back to others with her non-profit MEGHANSMISSIONINC. Meghan never received an apology from any of the people who so terribly wronged her. SHAME ON THEM.

  33. 516

    Kim Alexander will talk about her daughter Payton who was 15 years old when she was diagnosed with Ewings Sarcoma in January of 2018 and fought bravely for 3 1/2 years until her passing in November of 2021 at the age of 19

    Payton Alexander was living a healthy and normal life for a 14 year old until late in 2017 when she began experiencing symptoms that needed to be checked out. These symptoms led to her diagnosis of Ewings Sarcoma in January of 2018. Payton continued to try and live as good of a life as possible as she joined the Make A Wish and Little Warrior Foundations to try and help other patients suffering from Pediatric Cancer. Payton fought for 3 1/2 years with this Bone Cancer before her passing in November of 2021 when she was 19. Her mom Kim, who talked beautifully about her beloved daughter during our podcast, has been involved in the cause of Pediatric Cancer since Kim's passing, with her Payton Alexander Foundation. 

  34. 515

    Tamy Bell will talk about her son Griffin who was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma when he was 16 months old in September of 2018, and had his 3rd relapse in April of 2023, leading to his passing at 6 years old in March of 2024.

    Tamy Bell's son Griffin was born 3 months prematurely in June of 2017 and 16 months later was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma in September of 2018. Griffin relapsed on two occasions after that but then in April of 2023, had a 3rd relapse that was more severe as his cancer had spread to his orbital bone. This relapse took away any realistic hope of further treatment that would help Griffin, and he passed away on March 18th of 2024, 3 months before his 7th birthday,

  35. 514

    Sahil Mehta will talk about the amazing and far too short life of his older brother Ronil who passed away from DIPG in 2018 and what Sahil did subsequently in Ronil's honor and memory to greatly affect the cause of Pediatric Cancer.

    Sahil Mehta's older brother Ronil wanted to donate his brain to Stanford University after his passing from DIPG in 2018 in the hope that it would help another DIPG Victim in the future. Sahil took this request as his personal responsibility and then got so involved in the cause of Pediatric Cancer that he eventually worked with California Assemblyman Alex Lee to form the bill AB703, that would give the California State Taxpayers the option on their tax forms to check a box that would allow them to donate to the cause of Pediatric Cancer. This bill was fully formed and ready by July of 2025 to have Governor Gavin Newsom sign it into law. California is now only the 8th state in the country to have this provision on their tax form and Sahil is hoping that many other states will join in this effort to bring much more money into the cause of Pediatric Cancer.

  36. 513

    Carrigan Nelson's mom Tammy, her Aunt Bonnie, and closest friends Devean Piermont, Hannah Nasser, and Madison Quinn will join in a tribute to a true Icon, who passed away from Osteosarcoma on Christmas Day of 2025.

    Carrigan Nelson was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma in March of 2019 and fought for the next 69 months with this form of Pediatric Bone Cancer until her passing on Christmas Day in 2025 when she was 24 years old. Carrigan was a truly Iconic young woman who did so much for the cause of Pediatric and Adolescent Cancer and was beloved by everyone that knew her. A very well accomplished Singer, Dancer, and Artist, she looked at life with Joy and nothing mattered to her more than trying to inspire other young patients with her singing and reaching out in compassion to help others in any way possible. Her mom Tammy, her Aunt Bonnie, and her greatest friends Deaven Pierpoint, Hannah Nasser, and Madison Quinn will talk about their beloved daughter, niece, and friend in this Tribute To Carrigan.

  37. 512

    Tony Garcia is now 55 years old and is a 43 year Pediatric Cancer survivor, having been diagnosed with Leukemia when he was 2 1/2 years old in 1973 and his treatment ended 10 years later in 1983.

    Tony Garcia will talk about his early in life Pediatric Cancer battle which began in 1973 when he was diagnosed with Leukemia  when he was 2 1/2 years old. Tony's treatment finally ended nearly 10 years later in 1983 and since that time he has been doing as well as possible for the past 43 years, as a long term Pediatric Cancer survivor. Now 55 years old, Tony just published his first book (memoir) at the end of January called MY CHILDHOOD CUT SHORT. SURVIVING LEUKEMIA AND FINDING PURPOSE BEOND PAIN. Tony also is involved in supporting Pediatric Cancer patients through fundraising, volunteering, and advocacy work. 

  38. 511

    The Leandro Family which includes 9 year old Jack, 11 year old Sydney, and parents Lyndsey and Adam will talk about Sydney's diagnosis of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia and what her brother Jack did in response to it.

    Sydney Leandro was 5 years old on Easter Sunday of 2020 when she was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Now at age 11, Sydney is feeling and doing well and is able to live a good life. In 2025 her brother Jack, who is now 9 years old, decided to start a non-profit called PUCKS FOR BUCKS in which he shot approximately 200 pucks a day from his driveway into a hockey goal and raised $1.00 for each puck he shot, which he donated in Sydney's honor and to help other Pediatric Cancer Patients. He donated this money to the A Wish Come True Non- Profit which had treated the Leandro family to a trip to San Diego in 2023. Jack will continue his non profit after his current hockey season ends and will begin from where he left off last summer in which he had totaled 10,027 pucks shot.

  39. 510

    Kendel Davy and Meghan Fessenden will talk about Meghan's sister Riley who was diagnosed with the Nasal Cavity cancer Esthesioneuroblastoma when she was 6 years old in 2013 and passed away from this disease in 2016 at the age of 9

    Kendel Davy is a Founding Member of the Riley Rocks Memorial Foundation and Meghan Fessenden is the Director of Social Media and Marketing for the Foundation and is Riley's sister. Together they will talk about Riley who was diagnosed with Esthesioneuroblastoma which is a Pediatric Cancer of the Nasal Cavity when she 6 years old in 2013, and battled for 3 years before her passing on July 20th of 2016 when she was 9 years old. They will also talk about their Foundation which was started by Riley's parents Kamie and Todd.

  40. 509

    Tara Daniels will talk about her 2009 diagnosis of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia when she was 16 years old and her relapses in 2012 and 2016. Tara is now more than 9 years past her last cancer battle and is living as good of a life as possible.

    Tara Daniels is now 33 years old , married, working at a job that she enjoys , and living as good of a life as she can. Back in 2009 when Tara was 16 years old this was not the case as she was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia . Tara relapsed twice, with the last relapse coming in 2016. Tara then received a Bone Marrow transplant and since that time period, she has been cancer free. Tara will talk about all that she has been through, including survivorship on today's podcast.

  41. 508

    Gabriella and Nicholas Conjelko are 22 year old twins who will talk about their cousin Maia who passed away from Ewings Sarcoma at the age of 9 on November 2nd of 2025. They will also discuss their wonderful non-profit Strides For Sarcoma.

    Gabriella and Nicholas are 22 years old, and about to graduate from Purdue University and Indiana University respectively. This fall they will enter Medical School and will likely pursue careers in the medical field that will concentrate on Pediatric Cancer. Their cousin Maddox is now 14 years and well past his battle with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia but Maddox's sister Maia, who was diagnosed with Ewings Sarcoma in 2022 when she was 6 years old, passed away from this Bone Cancer on November 2nd of 2025. Gabriella and Nicholas will talk about what Maia went through during her cancer battle and will also talk about their amazing Strides For Sarcoma Non-Profit which they started after Maia relapsed, which shows both their dedication to Maia and their dedication to doing what they can to help eradicate the disease that Maia was forced to go through.

  42. 507

    Suzanne Graney will talk about being the Executive Director of the Four Diamonds Pediatric Cancer Charity Organization which has raised more than $350 million dollars since it was started in 1972 by Charles and Irma Millard.

    After their son Christopher passed away in 1972 from Rhabdomyosarcoma, Charles and Irma Millard decided to start a Charitable Gift Fund that would help Pediatric Cancer Patients and their families. This organization was named Four Diamonds and Suzanne Graney, who has been its Executive Director for the past 15 years, will talk about this amazing organization which pays all expenses for each child that is treated at Penn State Health Golisano Children's Hospital that are not covered by insurance. Four Diamonds is part of Penn State University and has been partnering with their Dance Marathon known as Thon which is the largest Student Run Philanthropy in the World. All of the proceeds go to Four Diamonds to help Penn State Health Golisano Children's Hospital and Penn State College of Medicine to fight Pediatric Cancer.

  43. 506

    Maithili Shah who is from Mumbai India will talk about her son Agastya who was diagnosed with Medulloblastoma when he was 6 months old in late July of 2023. After a difficult beginning to his treatment, Agastya is now doing as well as possible.

    Maithili Shah was told by one surgeon that her then 6 month old Agastya who was diagnosed with Medulloblastoma in July of 2023, would most likely not survive 4 more months. Thankfully, Matihili and her husband made a change in surgeon's, Agastya's Brain Tumor was totally resected, and now, over 2 1/2 years later , Agastya is doing well physically as he continues to make progress from this Pediatric Brain Cancer. 

  44. 505

    Johanna Annuziata and Angela Blazis will talk about Angela's then 4 year old daughter Ava who was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in 2023 and how Basketball has played such a major role in TEAM AVA

    4 year old Ava Blazis woke up on the morning of March 11th 2023 with a very unusual pain in her abdomen which continued to get worse as the day wore on. Her mother Angela brought her to UMass Memorial Medical Center and 3 days later on March 14th, she was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Angela and Ava then spent the next 65 days at Boston Children's Hospital while Ava was undergoing treatment. Meanwhile Angela's sister Johanna Annuziata got busy with helping to look after Ava's brother Michael, and also helping to start Team Ava, an unofficial Non-Profit, which has already raised over $300,000 to help in the cause of Pediatric Cancer. Ava is now 7 years old and is doing well physically as she has been in remission since May of 2025. 

  45. 504

    Alexandria Rodts and her husband Matthew will talk about their son Brayton who was diagnosd with the Pediatric Brain Cancer ATRT in August of 2023 after a far too long 6 month wait, and now is doing as well as possible as he will be 4 years old in 2026

    Alexandria Rodts's son Brayton got the stomach flu in February of 2023 which had already affected his family in January. Brayton's symptoms continued well past the normal time for a stomach flu to be an issue, and this was not helped by the fact that all the doctors he went to basically came to the same conclusion that by taking Zofran, he would feel better. 6 months later, in August of that year his diagnosis of ATRT which was so shocking, was finally confirmed at Rady's Children's Hospital in San Diego, thanks to his pediatrician who pushed much harder than others to get Brayton's true issue diagnosed correctly. He was 19 months old at the time of his diagnosis. Brayton is feeling well and doing as well as possible as 2026 is underway.

  46. 503

    Marie Gulliver will talk about her son Ezra who was diagnosed with High Risk Acute Myeloid Leukemia when he was 2 years old in 2022, has had many struggles since, but has been cancer free for more than 3 years.

    Persistent colds and a chronic cough were followed by not being able to walk and being constantly tired for Marie Gulliver's 2 year old son Ezra in 2022. These symptoms were finally diagnosed as High Risk Acute Myeloid Leukemia, which was complicated by a genetic mutation and the always difficult Graft vs, Host Disease after Ezra received a successful Bone Marrow Transplant in September of 2022. Ezra has been cancer free for more than 3 years and has ony a 5 percent chance of a relapse which is great news for him and his family.

  47. 502

    Aaira Khan is 13 years old and lives in Sydney Australia. She will talk about her commitment to the cause of Pediatric Cancer since 2021, including riding in the Great Cycle Challenge and starting her own CAN CAMPAIGN to help these kids.

    When Aaira Khan was in 5th grade in 2021 she and her classmates at their school in Sydney Australia received a letter from a Pediatric Cancer patient which talked about the Great Cycle Challenge. Aaira quickly decided to ride in this event to raise money for this patient and for the cause of Pediatric Cancer. Aaira has now ridden in this event each year since and in the fall of last year, started her own CAN CAMPAIGN fundraiser. This fundraiser focuses on people picking up empty cans, bringing them to get recycled, and taking the proceeds that they receive from each can and donating all of these proceeds for research, to help join in the fight for these kids who need as much help as possible as they fight their own cancer battels. This campaign was just started 3 months ago and has already raised $2600.

  48. 501

    Sara Bailey will talk about her daughter Brynlee who was diagnosed with Medulloblastoma in April of 2025 when she was 4 years old, and the much longer then necessary wait for this diagnosis.

    With all types of troubling symptoms which began at the end of 2024, Sara Bailey was told that these symptoms in her then 4 year old daughter Brynlee indicated that she had Strep Throat, after the doctors that she was seeing basically dismissed her symptoms and how she was feeling. This totally unnecessary DELAYED DIAGNOSIS took approximately 4 months until her symptoms were actually examined, thanks to the insistence of Sara that Brynlee needed the proper testing which she finally received. Brynlee is scheduled later this week to Ring The Bell indicating that her treatment  for her Pediatric Brain Cancer Medulloblastoma has ended, and hopefully will go into remission with a much better future then she was allowed to have when she was 4 years old and diagnosed on April 9th of 2025. 

  49. 500

    Katie Taylor will talk about her very successful 15 year career to this point as a Certified Child Life Specialist, as well her accomplishments as a Public Speaker. Author, and Host of the INSIDE THE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL Podcast.

    Among Katie Taylor's successes as a Certified Child Life Specialist over the past 15 years have been focusing on the parents of the children that are undergoing treatment for Pediatric Cancer, and empowering these parents to help get their children and adolescents ready for upcoming doctor's appointments, which can be a tricky proposition. Katie also established a Child Life Services program at a Newborn Intensive Care Unit with an astounding 80 beds to help these critically ill newborns. These accomplishments also go along with her being an Author, Public Speaker, and Podcast Host. Katie is an extremely busy and totally dedicated professional .

  50. 499

    Tony Suttles and James Cumby will talk about the Dirt Track Car Race FIGHT LIKE A KID that Tony started to raise money for the cause of Pediatric cancer in 2024 and the great impact that it has already had.

    When Tony Suttles heard about 9 year old Haley Chandler being diagnosed with a form of Pediatric Cancer in 2020, he decided that he needed to do something to help this girl and their family. His solution was to start a Dirt Track Car Race and decided to call it FIGHT FOR A KID. His first race in 2024 attracted 80 cars on a track that normally had 30 cars race each weekend. By 2025, 106 cars entered and over $12,000 was raised in honor of kids like Haley who were going through their individual cancer battles. Tony and James Cumby, the father of 12 year old Brailynn Cumby who I spoke with on my Podcast on Christmas Day about her Ewings Sarcoma battle, will talk about this race and the expansion plans they have for it beginning in September when their next race is scheduled.  

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

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.

HOSTED BY

Mark Levine

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Help and Hope Happen Here have?

Help and Hope Happen Here currently has 50 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is Help and Hope Happen Here about?

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...

How often does Help and Hope Happen Here release new episodes?

Help and Hope Happen Here has 50 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to Help and Hope Happen Here?

You can listen to Help and Hope Happen Here on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts Help and Hope Happen Here?

Help and Hope Happen Here is created and hosted by Mark Levine.
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