The Childhood Cancer Perspective

About The Childhood Cancer Perspective

As an Angel Father I discuss topics related to Childhood Cancer from an inside perspective. Topics not seen in the marketing for donations and care, things we as parents understand and wish the public would know. Together as a community we will create and drive awareness for Childhood Cancer and create a better future through knowledge for our kids.

Publisher

Curtis Vallier

Category

education

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

1 Jun 2023

Latest episode

4 Nov 2026

Latest episodes

181 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   4 Nov 2026

   S9:E149 Carson's Legacy How One Child Helped Change Childhood Cancer Advocacy

   What does it take to turn unimaginable loss into a movement that changes the future of childhood cancer? In this episode of **The Childhood Cancer Perspective**, host Curtis Vallier sits down with **Annette Leslie**, longtime childhood cancer advocate and former leader of the Carson Leslie Foundation, to share the remarkable story of her son, Carson, and the lasting impact of his legacy. Diagnosed with medulloblastoma, an aggressive form of pediatric brain cancer, Carson had one extraordinary wish: that researchers study his tumors to help save other children. That wish helped inspire a mission built around research, advocacy, and supporting families facing childhood cancer. Annette shares how Carson's story and his book, *Carry Me*, helped spark a movement that reached the halls of Congress. From working alongside Congressman Michael McCaul to helping establish the Congressional Childhood Cancer Caucus, she reflects on the power of bipartisan advocacy and the fight for meaningful legislation, including the Creating Hope Act. The conversation also explores Texas's multibillion-dollar investment in cancer research through CPRIT, promising research into blood-based early detection of pediatric brain tumors, and the importance of supporting teenagers and siblings throughout the cancer journey. But beyond legislation and research, Curtis and Annette have a deeply personal conversation about grief, preserving their children's legacies, and finding purpose after unimaginable loss. Annette also offers practical advice to newly diagnosed families and reminds friends, relatives, and communities that sometimes the simplest acts of kindness make the greatest difference. **In this episode:** - Carson's battle with medulloblastoma and the legacy he left behind - How childhood cancer advocacy helped shape federal legislation - The importance of bipartisan cooperation in Washington - Texas cancer research funding and the future of early detection - Why teenagers with cancer need dedicated mental health and hospital support - The often-overlooked needs of siblings - Navigating grief while keeping our children's stories alive - How communities can meaningfully support families facing childhood cancer **"We have so much more work to do." — Annette Leslie** This is more than a conversation about childhood cancer. It's about the children who inspire change, the parents who refuse to stop fighting, and the work that still needs to be done. **Learn more:** Carson Leslie Foundation: https://carsonlesliefoundation.org Battlecorn Global: https://battlecornglobal.org **The Childhood Cancer Perspective** is a pediatric cancer advocacy platform sharing real stories, hard truths, and the fight for better outcomes. Subscribe, share this conversation, and help amplify the voices of families affected by childhood cancer.

2. 

   28 Oct 2026

   S9:E148 Why Childhood Cancer Needs More Than Awareness with Joe McDonough of the B+ Foundation

   Joe McDonough B+ Foundation Why Childhood Cancer Needs More Than Awareness | Joe McDonough In this episode of *The Childhood Cancer Perspective*, host Curtis Vallier sits down with **Joe McDonough, President of the B+ Foundation, for a deeply personal conversation about childhood cancer, grief, advocacy, and the responsibility to create meaningful change for future generations. Drawing from their own experiences in the pediatric cancer community, Curtis and Joe discuss the devastating realities families face, the importance of preserving the legacies of children lost to cancer, and how personal tragedy can become a driving force for advocacy. Their conversation explores the critical need for increased childhood cancer research funding, stronger legislative support, and greater collaboration among researchers, medical institutions, and advocacy organizations. They examine the challenges of turning awareness into action and why meaningful progress requires more than good intentions—it demands sustained investment, accountability, and a willingness to challenge the status quo. Beyond policy and research, Curtis and Joe discuss the emotional realities of grief, the importance of community support, and the role schools, families, and local organizations can play in keeping children's memories alive. They reflect on why sharing stories, even when those stories bring tears, is essential to honoring the children behind the statistics. The conversation also emphasizes the importance of recognizing progress, celebrating victories, and maintaining hope while acknowledging how much work remains. From local advocacy efforts to international research collaborations, they explore how individuals and communities can contribute to a larger movement for better treatments and outcomes. **At the heart of this episode is a simple belief: Kids deserve the chance to grow up.** This is a conversation about transforming grief into purpose, honoring the children who have been lost, supporting the families who continue to fight, and ensuring that their stories help drive meaningful change in childhood cancer research, treatment, and public policy. ### Topics Discussed - Personal experiences with childhood cancer, loss, and advocacy - Honoring children's legacies through storytelling and remembrance - The importance of community support for affected families - Childhood cancer research funding and the need for greater investment - Legislative advocacy and public policy reform - The role of schools and communities in remembering children - Navigating grief while continuing to advocate for change - International research collaboration and medical innovation - Celebrating progress while recognizing the challenges ahead ### Memorable Quotes “Kids should get a chance to grow up.” “It's okay to be sad and share stories that make us cry.” ### Links https://www.bepositive.org/

3. 

   21 Oct 2026

   S9:E147 Aiden's Fight Against Choroid Plexus Carcinoma

   In this episode of *The Childhood Cancer Perspective*, host Curtis Vallier sits down with **Patty and Jason Rodriguez** to share the story of their son, **Aiden**, who was diagnosed with **Grade 3 Choroid Plexus Carcinoma (CPC)**, an extremely rare and aggressive form of pediatric brain cancer. Facing a diagnosis with limited treatment options and significant uncertainty, Patty and Jason found themselves navigating a complicated medical system while searching for the best possible care for their son. They discuss the challenges of understanding rare childhood cancers, advocating for treatment options, and finding medical professionals willing to explore innovative approaches. A major focus of their conversation is **intra-arterial chemotherapy**, a specialized treatment approach that delivers chemotherapy directly into arteries supplying the affected area. Patty and Jason share their experience pursuing this treatment, the role of clinical trials and medical innovation, and the importance of continuing to develop new options for children facing rare and difficult-to-treat cancers. Their discussion also explores the challenges families face when navigating pediatric oncology, including communication with medical teams, finding reliable information, seeking additional opinions, and making difficult decisions under extraordinary circumstances. Throughout Aiden's journey, family, friends, and community support played an important role. Patty and Jason reflect on the people who stood beside them, the emotional realities of childhood cancer, and why no family should have to navigate such a diagnosis alone. **Today, Aiden has been in remission since September 2023.** His story offers a perspective on the importance of pediatric cancer research, innovative treatments, and the determination of parents advocating for their children's futures. Curtis, Patty, and Jason also discuss the lasting effects of treatment, the need for greater awareness and understanding within the medical community, and what they wish other parents knew when facing a childhood cancer diagnosis. This episode is more than a conversation about a rare brain tumor. It is about a family's determination to find answers, the possibilities created through medical innovation, and the hope that continued research can bring to children diagnosed with devastating cancers. ### Topics Discussed - Aiden's diagnosis with Grade 3 Choroid Plexus Carcinoma - Navigating rare pediatric brain cancer treatment options - Intra-arterial chemotherapy and innovative approaches - Clinical trials and the importance of pediatric cancer research - Parental advocacy and communication with medical professionals - Family and community support during treatment - Aiden's remission and long-term treatment effects - Advice for families facing a childhood cancer diagnosis **Medical Disclaimer:** This episode shares one family's personal experiences with pediatric cancer and specialized treatments. Treatment decisions should always be made in consultation with qualified medical professionals. Individual outcomes may vary. Q&A: Dr. Mark Souweidane on Innovating Treatments for Devastating Pediatric Brain Tumors | Commentary | Advances in Pediatric Oncology & Neurology | NewYork-Presbyterian (https://www.nyp.org/advances/article/pediatric-oncology/qa-dr-mark-souweidane-on-innovating-treatments-for-devastating-pediatric-brain-tumors)

Who has been a guest on The Childhood Cancer Perspective

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Blair Dreessen
• Dr Michael Canney
• Brady Lucas
• Kim Frederick

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

4.6 / 5

11 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

7 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 52 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

75

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

71

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Guest appearances

Does not typically book guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.

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