Childhood Cancer Talk Radio Podcasts

CCTR interviews Christopher Winters, Chief of Staff to PA House of Representatives Honorable Member Tom Caltagirone about his extensive experience in public service and work since 2013 in the Childhood Cancer Community, how he became one of the fiercest advocates for kids fighting cancer and their families in the nation. We discuss Running For The Kids, why he started running, his goals, this years marathon in Philadelphia 5/17,his running team, his collaborating groups and his hopes for "Running For The Kids", as he prepares to launch that effort as a 501(c)3 organization.

CCTR interviews BethAnn Telford, originally from Harrisburg, PA and now living in Fairfax, VA; she is a brain cancer survivor and ultra-distance runner for brain cancer research. BethAnn talks about the children who inspire her to run, and the urgently needed research for brain cancer funded by ABC2; Max Wallace, CEO, joins us also to help give a full picture of the selfless and heroic stature of this rather small but unstoppable dynamo and force for good. On January 23, 2017, BethAnn is scheduled to begin the World Marathon Challenge, running 7 marathons on 7 continents in 7 days of time!

Pediatric brain tumors are the leading cause of death in children with cancer, of which DIPG and HGGs (high-grade gliomas) represent a significant need for effective and timely solutions. Researcher Dr. Adam Green gives a clear explanation of the high-grade gliomas and a look into the research that he's currently working on in his own laboratory at the University of Colorado Denver. Caring for patients also at Children's Hospital Colorado, Dr. Green talks about his calling to pediatric neuro-oncology and the various pathways to this area of expertise that welcome young and upcoming researchers. With the advent of many parent-initiated foundations for pediatric brain tumor research in the last decade, the funding possibility is making the future look brighter for solutions.

CCTR interviews George Dahlman, CEO of the Children's Cause for Cancer Advocacy, the United State's Premier Childhood Cancer Advocacy organization. Mr. Dahlman is responsible for identifying and advancing issues that will improve the treatment and lives of childhood cancer patients and their families with Congress, the Administration, federal agencies and state governments. He is also responsible for ensuring that families have the opportunity to participate as advocates in the policy process. The focus for today's show is current legislation for Childhood Cancer, the uncertainty of a new Congress and Administration, and the predictable march forward with larger numbers and louder voices for our kids.

CCTR interviews Laura Thrall, CEO of CureSearch since 2012, with five years of refining purpose, innovation, and efficiency in the medical research industry to benefit pediatric cancer research funding. The primary goal and measure of the success of any new policy should be evident in patient care, access, and improved treatment options for children. The history of CureSearch is highlighted, and the intricacy of the industry is illuminated with more to tackle than simply increasing the 4% of the Federal funds for cancer research designated for pediatric research. Advocacy, the importance of the pharmaceutical industry, and pragmatic solutions to the long-standing difficulty to improving treatment options for children are highlighted.

CCTR interviews Emma Wrenn who's daughter Keira is a survivor of DIPG, diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma, a virtually unheard-of experience. Emma shares with us the realities of diagnosis and experimental treatment, and the inevitable challenges of living with the effects of brain cancer treatment, and the anxiety by which even a clear MRI scan is accompanied. Emma comes to us from Alford, Lincolnshire in the United Kingdom.

CCTR interviews Ann Graham, founder and CEO of MIB Agents, an organization devoted to making the lives of children and young people with osteosarcoma better. A groundbreaking conference, FACTOR, is scheduled for 2/24-25 of 2017 including experts, clinicians, patients, and families of children who have perished or who are currently battling osteosarcoma, to create new solutions for the many problems common to children with cancer. Support the MIBagents mission at www.MIBagents.org.

CCTR interviews Emily Belcher, advocate, event planner, mother of a childhood cancer survivor, and CureFest volunteer, who tells us about the early days of CureFest, the events goals and influence, and the direction of the Childhood Cancer Awareness Movement. Emily discloses her daughter's frightening experience with PNET, a pediatric brain cancer, subsequent triumph, and family's commitment to improving life for those children yet to be diagnosed.

CCTR intereviews Marisa Martinez, mom to Zamora Moon, a little 12-year old girl battling DIPG, diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma, arguably one of the deadliest cancers which is almost exclusively pediatric. Her pioneering journey into the unknown includes treatments in Germany and the UK. Lisa Spedale, who's daughter Kira was the first child in the United States to undergo CED surgery and treatment for DIPG, joined us with compassion and perspective. Our prayers for steadfast determination for brave Zamora continue as we follow her story.

CCTR interviews Caitlin Lee (12) and her mom, Kelly about Caitlin's recent diagnosis with BPDCN and course of treatment. Blastic plasmacytoid dentritic cell neoplasm is a rare, especially among children, acute leukemia subtype with no therapeutic protocol because it is so rare and newly categorized. Stories of hope and unparalleled strength are tempered with the pending realities of a bone marrow transplant...stem cells, and a baby donor's umbilical cord. Caitlin is a gifted student with scientific aspirations. We will be following her story with high hopes of a full and complete recovery.