Melody Lomboy-Lowe — Founder, Luna Peak Foundation

Melody Lomboy-Lowe was 6 years old when she planned her own funeral. She had been diagnosed with leukemia, and in 1983, treatment options were limited. But Lomboy-Lowe survived, and today her Los Angeles-based organization, the Luna Peak Foundation, publishes books on cancer and grief. Luna Peak has donated over 4,000 books to children, families, hospitals, palliative care and hospice centers, therapist offices, schools, and universities. This includes workbooks, children’s books, and an inspirational photography book, Beyond Remission. Upstart Crow host Ken Budd profiled Melody for his “Everyday Heroes” column in The Saturday Evening Post and he interviews her here about survival, hope, and helping others.

Episode Highlights

• Melody Lomboy-Lowe shares her remarkable journey from being diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia at age six to becoming a long-term cancer survivor.
• Hear how she planned her own funeral as a child and why that experience gave her a sense of control during treatment.
• Learn how surviving cancer in the 1980s shaped her outlook on life, family, and purpose.
• Discover how the Luna Peak Foundation uses books, care packages, and creative resources to support cancer patients and their families.
• Melody discusses the inspiration behind her books Beyond Remission, Follow Me Cancer Free, Sean's Best Week at Camp Luna Peak, and more.
• An emotional story about a young cancer patient named Zoe illustrates the power of representation and hope.
• Why Melody believes cancer doesn't have to define a person—and can even become a source of strength and purpose.
• A candid conversation about grief, mortality, and why we need to talk more openly about death.

Key Takeaways

Children are often more resilient than adults realize when facing serious illness.

Honest communication can help young patients feel empowered rather than helpless.

Cancer affects entire families, not just the person receiving treatment.

Seeing yourself represented in stories can provide comfort, encouragement, and hope.

Community and connection are critical for cancer patients, survivors, caregivers, and siblings.

Surviving a life-threatening illness can profoundly change your perspective on everyday life.

Hope doesn't always come from grand gestures—it often comes from knowing you're not alone.

"Cancer doesn't have to define you. It can enhance your life and you can become a different person because of it.""There's always a possibility of doing something. Maybe you have to adapt, but there's always a way to reach your goals.""If you can see a survivor, you can see yourself in them."

Discussion Topics

• Childhood leukemia and cancer treatment in the 1980s
• Growing up after a life-threatening diagnosis
• The role of honesty when talking to children about illness
• Cancer survivorship and long-term emotional impacts
• Creating books that inspire hope for patients and families
• Supporting siblings and caregivers during cancer treatment
• Grief, loss, and preparing for life's difficult conversations
• The mission of the Luna Peak Foundation

Who Should Listen?

• Cancer patients and survivors
• Parents and caregivers
• Healthcare professionals
• Nonprofit leaders
• Anyone facing adversity or life challenges
• Readers interested in inspirational true stories
• People seeking hope, resilience, and perspective

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This entire episode is also available for viewing on our YouTube channel.

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Recorded & Produced by Jon D PodCom

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