In the season finale, we bring together an inspiring group of campers, all childhood cancer survivors, for an open and heartfelt conversation about their experience. 

They share what it feels like to have their world turned upside down, how friendships change after a cancer diagnosis, the lasting impact of cancer on their lives, advice they would give to friends and family, and what eventually helped them feel whole again. 

We are thrilled for you to meet Luis, Lily, Sydney, Bailey, and Sean.

Nate Hinze, a childhood cancer survivor, assistant principal, and Paralympian, shares his experience and passion for wheelchair basketball in this episode. Nate joins us ahead of the 2024 Paralympics, where he will be competing for gold. He talks about the challenges he faced in accepting that his active lifestyle would be different after a childhood cancer diagnosis, and how he eventually found wheelchair basketball as an adaptive way to play sports. Nate also discusses his perspective on being a cancer survivor and the impact it has had on his mental health. He shares his experiences as a father and the balance he strives to maintain between pursuing his dreams and being present for his family. 

In this episode of "No One Understands," host Colleen McGrath interviews Ryan Sartori, a cancer survivor and volunteer at Camp One Step. Ryan shares his experience as a camper and counselor at camp, as well as his journey as a cancer survivor. He discusses how his cancer diagnosis impacted his childhood and his passion for sports, and how through that he found a new career path in radio and broadcasting. Ryan also reflects on the importance of gratitude and perspective, and offers advice to young cancer survivors pursuing their dreams. He emphasizes the importance of enjoying the journey and staying present in the moment. Ryan's story highlights the resilience and growth that can come from overcoming cancer and finding purpose in helping others.

Blaine, mother of a child with a brain tumor, shares her family's journey and experiences episode 5. Blaine's daughter, Abigail, was diagnosed with a brain tumor at 11 months old and has relapsed twice since. Blaine also talks about the process of discovering Abigail's diagnosis and the subsequent surgeries, treatments, and complications they have experienced. She highlights the unique aspects of the brain tumor journey, such as the long-term follow up and the potential for various side effects. Blaine also emphasizes the need for support from organizations and the importance of taking help when it is offered. She offers advice to other families facing a brain tumor diagnosis, including the importance of taking notes and asking questions, and the value of spreading out resources and support over time.

In this episode, Marjorie discusses her experience as a sibling of a child with cancer. She shares that her brother Pat was diagnosed with leukemia when she was eight years old. Marjorie reflects on how her perspective shifted as she got older and realized the impact of her brother's illness on her and her family. She also talks about the positive impact of Camp One Step on her brother's life and how it helped him find a supportive community. She shares about her own experiences at Sibling Camp and the importance of having a support system. Marjorie emphasizes the need for self-care and finding people who understand and support you during difficult times. She encourages others to share their stories and memories as a way of honoring their loved ones and finding healing.

Allie, a parent whose daughter Liv was diagnosed with leukemia at the age of eight, shares her family's experience with childhood cancer and their advocacy work experience with Camp One Step in Washington D.C. Allie discusses the emotional toll of the diagnosis and treatment on Liv and the family, as well as the importance of finding a supportive community.  Allie and her family participated in a trip to Washington D.C., where they met with representatives and senators to advocate for funding and research for childhood cancer. She emphasizes the importance of using their voices to make a difference and encourages other families to get involved.

In this episode, Sheridan Weiss shares her experience with cancer and fertility. At 29 years old, Sheridan discovered a lump in her neck and was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma. She quickly realized the importance of preserving her fertility before starting treatment. Sheridan underwent two rounds of fertility treatment, including egg retrieval, before beginning chemotherapy. She emphasizes the importance of advocating for oneself and seeking support from doctors, nurses, therapists, and loved ones. 

Damian Buchman, the founder and Executive Director of The Ability Center, joins Colleen on the Season 2 Premier of Camp One Step's podcast, No One Understands. Damian chats about his experience as a cancer survivor, adaptable sports, becoming a father, and his passion for creating the first universally inclusive park where individuals of all abilities can play and feel welcome.

No childhood cancer diagnosis has a clear conclusion. At some point, each person makes the choice to embrace the title survivor. Our season finale of No One Understands features Hailey Danz. Hailey is a cancer survivor, above-knee amputee, former Camper, and two-time Paralympian in the sport of triathlon. Hailey’s episode will dive into the decisions she made to live her best life after cancer.

Episode 8 is the second of two episodes where we are discussing the impact of “CAMP” and all the incredible experiences that Camp One Step brings to campers and their families. For over 43 years, Camp One Step’s mission is to deliver happiness, joy and lifelong friendships through their year-round programs. In this episode, you will hear from a camper parent, Eric Conlon and from a former camper and current camp volunteer, Erin Hyerczyk. A quote from Erin, "The best thing I can do as a survivor is give back to the place that saved my life".