53. Quiet Tenacity: A Family's Journey Through Pediatric Cancer

Quiet Tenacity: A Family's Journey Through Pediatric Cancer

What happens 10 years after a child hears the words, "You have cancer"?

In this powerful episode of Game Over: c*ncer, hosts Dana Nichols and Val Solomon welcome Nick and Rachel Mangan, parents of pediatric brain cancer survivor Lantz Mangan, to share their family's incredible journey through diagnosis, treatment, survivorship, and hope.

At just six years old, Lantz was diagnosed with a rare pediatric brain tumor. Facing impossible decisions about chemotherapy, radiation, clinical treatment options, and long-term side effects, his parents became fierce advocates for innovative cancer care and pediatric cancer research.

Now, 10 years cancer-free, Lantz is thriving as a teenager, proving why research matters and why organizations like Cannonball Kids' cancer Foundation continue fighting for better treatments for children diagnosed with cancer.

In this episode, you'll learn:

-How Lantz's rare brain tumor was diagnosed

-Why his parents declined radiation treatment

-The experimental targeted therapy that changed everything

-The emotional reality of pediatric cancer survivorship

-How research creates new treatment options for children

-The importance of second opinions and parent advocacy