Hearing you or your child has cancer are the most isolating words a family can hear. The beauty of childhood is the innocence and feeling of invincibility, those are both devastated by cancer. A world where the terminology is foreign, and you might be the only one in your community experiencing cancer, you feel like No One Understands. No One Understands will take you through all of the firsts cancer brings to your family, and while no two battles with cancer are the same we are going to introduce you to caregivers, patients and experts who have been in a similar situation.
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.
28 Aug 2024
Nate
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.
1 May 2024
Ryan
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.
25 Apr 2024
Blaine
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.
17 Apr 2024
Marjorie
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.
10 Apr 2024
Allie
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.
3 Apr 2024
Sheridan
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.
27 Mar 2024
Damian
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.
20 Jan 2023
Survivor
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.
27 Oct 2022
Episode 8 - Camp Part 2
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".
21 Jul 2022
Camp - Part 1
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
2 Jun 2022
Curveballs and Setbacks
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.
31 Mar 2022
Mental Health
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.
25 Feb 2022
Treatment is a Marathon
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.
29 Jan 2022
Taking Care of the Whole Family
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.
16 Dec 2021
Treatment
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.
1 Dec 2021
Waiting for the Phone to Ring
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.
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Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
30 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
22 ratings
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