No One Understands

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".

Episode 7 is the first of two episodes where we will be 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 current camper Fiona Campbell and Camp One Step’s President, Jeff Infusino. For more information on Camp One Step visit camponestep.org

In episode six, we cover Curveballs and Setbacks. There are times when we must deal immediately with whatever is thrown at us, and there might even be a time when we are pulled in the opposite direction of where we are going. Individuals diagnosed with cancer often have the concern of recurrence, so in this episode we will be joined by Caleb Steffen who is a two-time cancer survivor pursuing his nursing degree at George Fox University. Dr. Jennifer Schneiderman, MD, MS, Associate Professor of Pediatrics, Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy Program at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago will also join us to discuss her specialty and thoughts on this important topic.

On our fifth episode, we are going to discuss a subject that is very important to us, mental health. Families are deeply impacted by a cancer diagnosis, the patient and their loved ones are facing trauma, depression, anxiety and so many fears. We hope to speak to the range of feelings and emotions families face and how they can prioritize mental health.

We will be joined by Amanda and Robbie Tesmond, who will share their experiences with mental health during Robbie’s cancer treatments and during survivorship. We will also be joined by Dr. Jeffrey Karst a Pediatric Psychologist in the MACC Fund Center at Children’s Wisconsin.

If you are having a medical emergency, dial 911 immediately.

If you are in emotional distress or experiencing a suicidal crisis, or know someone who is, call 1-800-273-8255. If you are listening to this podcast on or after July 16, 2022, you also can call 988.

* The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only, and are not necessarily the opinions of Camp One Step. Medical content in this Podcast is not medical advice. Please consult your healthcare professional for medical questions.

Episode 4 checks back in on the topic of treatment. We know for most pediatric cancer families, treatment becomes a marathon. That marathon brings emotional challenges for the patient and caregivers. It also brings challenges to family, friends and community as they try to navigate support during months of hospital stays, medications and procedures. Luke and Beth Strotman join us to share their personal experiences of managing life through Luke's cancer diagnoses. We also chat with Steph Marder, who is a Child Life Specialist and cancer survivor. Steph is a wealth of knowledge on all resources a Child Life Specialist can offer pediatric cancer families in the hospital.

A childhood cancer diagnosis impacts the whole family, not just the patient. Navigating life on a daily basis is very challenging. How do caregivers balance work, take care of your other children and learn to let your friends and family help you? In this episode, we discuss resources for caregivers, siblings and so much more. Episode 3 guests include Mary Eileen Weber (Caregiver - Sister of our host Colleen McGrath) and our episode expert is Sheila Dodds, MSW - Children's Hospital Wisconsin.

In this episode, we discuss the physical and emotional toll of treatment. We will hear from both a cancer survivor and a pediatric oncology nurse. As navigating pediatric cancer treatment may seem like a daunting task, both our guests will share important treatment information, helpful tips and key takeaways for both patients and caregivers.

In this episode we explore the very beginnings of a cancer diagnosis. The thing about cancer is that it can just be such a shock. Few people are really ready to hear the words “It’s cancer”. Once you hear those words, you are overcome by many emotions that deliver so much shock and uncertainty. Immediately, there is a feeling that No One Understands. The feeling of loneliness is overwhelming. Where do you turn? Where do you go? Hear from parents, patients and experts who have been there and can answer some of those questions.