In this powerful and deeply personal episode of Game Over c*ncer, we sit down with Jasan Zimmerman—a three-time childhood and young adult cancer survivor, former molecular biologist, and now the Senior Director of Foundation Relations at the Lucile Packard Foundation for Children’s Health.

Jasan opens up about his lifelong journey through cancer, the mental health struggles that often follow survivorship, and his evolution from patient to patient advocate. With honesty and vulnerability, he shares what it means to process trauma, show up authentically, and build community with purpose. He also highlights the importance of patient-centered research and the critical impact of including survivors’ voices in medical trials and program design.

Together, we reflect on the groundbreaking research funded through CKc’s partnership with Stanford, including a clinical trial showing full response in children with DIPG. This is why we do what we do.

If you’ve ever wondered what life after cancer really looks like—or how you can be part of advancing pediatric cancer research—this is the episode for you.

Tune in to hear this inspiring and informative conversation. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and join the fight to make Game Over: c*ncer a reality.

Connect with Dana: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danaknichols/
Connect with Val: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-solomon/

Upcoming Ckc Events: https://cannonballkidscancer.org/category/make-an-impact/events/

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Podcast Produced by Hi Hello Labs: Website: https://www.hihellolabs.com/

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 into a catalyst for change.

Together with hosts Val Solomon and Dana Nichols, they explore the critical role of collaboration in funding pediatric cancer research, why overlap is an opportunity, not a threat, and how innovation in both medicine and fundraising is needed to drive real impact. From grassroots bake sales to million-dollar clinical trials, this episode proves that everyone has something to contribute — and that we’re stronger together. 

Whether you’re a parent, a donor, or just someone who loves cookies, this episode will inspire you to take action, honor the lives behind the statistics, and believe in a future where no child is told there are no more options.

Learn more on Beth and her initiative at:
• www.cookiesforkidscancer.org


Tune in to hear this inspiring and informative conversation. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and join the fight to make Game Over: c*ncer a reality.

Learn more about Cannonball Kids’ cancer Foundation at www.cannonballkidscancer.org. Like, share, and subscribe to stay informed and inspired! Together, we can make a difference.

Connect with Dana: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danaknichols/

Connect with Val: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-solomon/



Upcoming Ckc Events: https://cannonballkidscancer.org/category/make-an-impact/events/

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Podcast Produced by Hi Hello Labs: Website: https://www.hihellolabs.com/

It’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 work. 

Tune in for an honest and hope-filled conversation about the challenges, victories, and future goals of CKc—including their vision to fund $1M in new research annually and expand support across the country. Whether you've been with CKc since the beginning or are just discovering the mission, this episode is your invitation to be part of what’s next.

As Dana and Val share behind-the-scenes moments and personal reflections, they highlight how CKC has evolved from raising awareness to becoming a trusted resource and thought leader in pediatric cancer research. You'll hear about the families, researchers, and donors who’ve made this progress possible—and the intentional steps being taken to ensure that every child, no matter where they live, has access to cutting-edge treatment options. This isn’t just a celebration—it’s a call to action.

 Let’s look back, dream forward, and continue creating options and hope for kids fighting cancer.
 
Leave us a review to help amplify these stories.  

Subscribe and share to be part of the movement to end childhood cancer.  

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 about pediatric cancer to organizing a beloved annual event, Santa Comes to Scottsdale. What started as a way to avoid long mall lines for Santa photos turned into a powerful community fundraiser that raised thousands for pediatric cancer research.
 
Whitney’s story is proof that making an impact doesn’t have to be overwhelming—it can be fun, easy, and deeply rewarding. Whether you're thinking about starting your own event or just looking for ways to contribute, this episode will inspire you to take that first step.  
Tune in to hear how one small idea turned into a six-year movement and why it’s okay to evolve, adapt, and pass the torch when the time is right.  

 Like, subscribe, and share to help spread awareness about pediatric cancer research. Your action—no matter how small—can make a world of difference.  

Tune in to hear this inspiring and informative conversation. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and join the fight to make Game Over: c*ncer a reality.

Learn more about Cannonball Kids’ cancer Foundation at www.cannonballkidscancer.org. Like, share, and subscribe to stay informed and inspired! Together, we can make a difference.

Connect with Dana: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danaknichols/
Connect with Val: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-solomon-516b50b8/
Upcoming Ckc Events: https://cannonballkidscancer.org/category/make-an-impact/events/

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 her career, and the passion that fuels her mission.  

From the early days at CKc to building a culture of impact, Val shares candid insights about leadership, resilience, and the power of storytelling in advocacy. Plus, Dana and Val discuss the delicate balance of being working moms in the nonprofit space—raising not just funds, but also little philanthropists.  

This episode is filled with heart, humor, and a behind-the-scenes look at what it truly takes to fight for better treatments for kids. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and leave a review—every listen helps us educate for change! 

Tune in to hear this inspiring and informative conversation. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and join the fight to make Game Over: c*ncer a reality.

Check out the latest from Cannonball Kids’ cancer Foundation at https://cannonballkidscancer.org/blog/
Like, share, and subscribe to stay informed and inspired! Together, we can make a difference.

Connect with Dana: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danaknichols/
Connect with Val: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-solomon/