Survivorship is worth fighting for all year long

Awareness months may spark important conversations, but kids and families face pediatric cancer every single day. That’s why even though September is ending, our work, and yours as a community of supporters, matters all year long. Consistent investment in pediatric cancer research is the only way to increase survivorship AND quality of life. Our conversations this month with two pediatric cancer survivors, Andy and Lily, illustrate what we’re all fighting for: a long, healthy life for kids diagnosed with cancer.

7 Takeaways from Cancer to Curiosity with Andy Albert on Game Over: c*ncer

We had the joy of sitting down with Andy Albert, a 14-year-old osteosarcoma survivor whose energy and outlook leave a lasting impression. Andy is a budding engineer with a fascination for how things work, a proud pet parent who lights up when talking about his animals, and a teenager who still loves fishing trips and hanging out with friends. 

His story is one of resilience in the face of uncertainty, humor in the toughest of moments, endless curiosity about his care and the world around him, and powerful advocacy that proves kids’ voices can create real change. 

Watch Andy’s episode here:

Game Over: c*ncer EP35: Andy Albert

Here are seven takeaways that stood out from our conversation:

1. Curiosity Can Be a Superpower

During treatment, Andy asked endless questions about his care. His thirst for understanding not only earned him the admiration of his nurses, but also gave him confidence in navigating his cancer journey.

2. A Big Decision at Just 12 Years Old

When faced with surgical options, Andy chose a rotationplasty, a complex surgery that allows his ankle to function as a knee. This choice gave him more mobility, fewer surgeries, and the freedom to keep up with friends.

3. Advocacy Has No Age Limit

Andy didn’t just accept what wasn’t working for him. He spoke up. When a medical change made his port more painful, he wrote directly to the hospital president. His advocacy helped improve care for countless other patients.

4. Community and Friendship Matter

From fishing trips to neighborhood hangouts, Andy’s friends stuck by him. Their support reminded him, and us, that survivorship isn’t just about medicine, it’s about feeling normal and connected.

5. Finding Joy in the Everyday

Whether it’s naming his tumor “Austin,” throwing a “funeral” for his leg, or laughing about how long his chores-free pass lasted, Andy shows us that humor and joy are powerful parts of healing.

6. Dreaming Big for the Future

Andy is fascinated by mechanical and aerospace engineering, and he lights up when talking about F1 racecars and complex machines. Cancer didn’t dampen his dreams. It fueled them.

7. Honoring Survivors Through Research

CKc was proud to name a clinical trial grant after Andy: The Andy Albert Next Step Clinical Trial Grant. His story continues to inspire donors, researchers, and families to invest in cures and brighter futures for kids with cancer.

7 Takeaways from Cancer and Identity with Lily Bakour on Game Over: c*ncer

Every survivorship journey is unique, and Lily’s story is a testament to the strength, complexity, and humanity that exists within and beyond a cancer diagnosis. 

Watch Lily’s episode here:

Game Over: c*ncer EP36: Lily Bakour

Here are seven insights from our conversation with this brave two-time survivor:

1. Survivorship Isn’t Linear

Lily was first diagnosed at 15, went through chemo, radiation, and surgery, relapsed, and eventually found success with an immunotherapy trial. Seven years into remission, she reminds us that healing is ongoing, not a finish line.

2. Advocacy as Healing

Public speaking wasn’t easy at first. Her first speech was filled with tears, but Lily embraced advocacy as a way to honor her survival and help others. She believes that sharing her story connects people to the human side of cancer and encourages collective responsibility.

3. Survivors Deserve to Reclaim Their Stories

From asking news outlets to remove old articles to being selective about what she shares now, Lily is intentional about owning her narrative. Survivorship means having the right to say, “That was my story then, but here’s who I am today.”

4. Survivor’s Guilt Evolves

As a teenager, Lily felt the weight of survivor’s guilt, wondering why she survived when others didn’t. Over time, she reframed it: she deserves her life, and her wellness can inspire others in treatment.

5. The Internet Complicates Identity

Lily spoke candidly about Googling herself and finding only cancer-related coverage from her teenage years. She wants to be known for more, her education, career, and future goals, not just her diagnosis. Survivors deserve multidimensional identities.

6. Healing Is About the Whole Self

Today, Lily focuses on fitness, nutrition, and recovery from long-term side effects of treatment. She sees wellness not just as physical, but also as emotional calm and balance in her day-to-day life.

7. Survivors Are People First

Perhaps Lily’s most important reminder: every survivor is a person before they are a story. Pediatric cancer may be part of their journey, but it does not define the fullness of who they are or who they are becoming.

If you’re moved by either of these stories and want to be part of the progress that’s helping kids and families facing cancer, visit cannonballkidscancer.org to learn more, donate, or get involved.

Know a survivor or advocate whose story needs to be shared? Email us at info@cannonballkidscancer.org to nominate a guest!