In Episode 43 of the Game Over: c*ncer, hosts Dana Nichols and Val Solomon sit down with Mara Feuerstein. Mara was diagnosed with B-cell ALL at age 6 and is now in middle school. This amazing young survivor talks about the thriving middle school life she gets to live cancer-free, reflecting on her experience as a pediatric cancer patient to make sure no one feels alone. She chose to share her experience on the podcast in hopes of improving treatment options for kids.
Watch Mara’s episode here:
Game Over: c*ncer EP43: Mara Feuerstein
1. Mara’s Diagnosis Didn’t Define Her – It Shaped Her Strength
Diagnosed with B-cell ALL at age six, Mara doesn’t center her identity on cancer, yet her experience deeply informs how she shows up in the world: resilient, empathetic, and grounded. She reflects on her diagnosis with clarity beyond her years, acknowledging both the hardship and the growth.
2. Childhood Cancer During COVID Brought Unexpected Access
Being treated during COVID meant Mara could attend school virtually when she was sick, allowing her to stay academically connected. While isolating, this timing reduced some social disruption and helped her maintain continuity in learning.
3. Peer Support Matters and Survivors Can Help Lead It
Mara became a source of support for her friend Emily when Emily’s brother Andy was diagnosed with cancer. Having “been there,” Mara offered empathy, practical insight, and presence, showing how survivor voices can meaningfully support families facing new diagnoses.
4. Sharing Her Story Is a Form of Service
Motivated by her upcoming bat mitzvah and inspired by other survivor stories, Mara chose to speak publicly about her experience. She sees storytelling as a way to help other kids feel less alone and more hopeful about getting through treatment.
5. Life After Cancer Still Includes Fear and Learning How to Manage It
Even years after treatment, Mara continues regular medical appointments and works through lingering fears, especially around needles and IVs. With guidance from her care team and support from her parents, she’s learned coping techniques that give her back a sense of control.
6. Cancer Didn’t Stop Her From Dreaming
Mara is thriving in middle school, balancing competitive swimming and musical theater. From aiming for varsity swim to being an understudy swing for Matilda, she embraces challenges with confidence, discipline, and joy: proof that survivorship is about living fully, not just surviving.
7. Her Message to Other Kids is Simple and Powerful: You Are Not Alone
Mara emphasizes that even on the hardest days, there are good moments worth holding onto. Whether someone beats cancer physically or mentally, she believes everyone can get through it, and still find joy, friendship, and purpose along the way.
Why It Matters
CKc advocates for research to have more success stories like Mara’s. Her insight into the cancer treatment process and the story of her happy life post-cancer is inspiring to those still in their fight. She got through it and believes everyone can get through their cancer battle, too, and find the successful life she has.
If you’re moved by Mara’s story 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!
