April is Child Abuse Prevention Awareness Month. We have reposted this episode to bring awareness and give you tangible tools to speak with your kids about child abuse. Today’s guest expert is Jane Donovan, who is a child abuse prevention advocate. "And like we say in...
Episode 151 – Gavin + Cindy’s Story – A son with Osteosarcoma
Podcast Show Notes
Cindy and Gavin share about their son Ryan and his battle with Osteosarcoma. Cindy shares about how she created a Case for Smiles to help her cope with Ryan’s diagnosis. Gavin brings the perspective of dad and professional and shares how he started a new position at the Hospital his son was being treated at the very same day as a diagnosis. They openly share the ups and downs of their journey and how Ryan’s legacy lives on today.
[3:16] Introducing their family
[5;34] A bike accident lead to the shocking diagnosis
[6:26] Going into remission
[7:00] Gavin begins a new job as a CFO the same day they got the Osteosarcoma diagnosis
[8:30] Diagnosis day
[9:30] Bedside Manner of Pediatrician
[10:26] Balance between hospital and home
[13:32] Being open with Ryan during his treatment
[15:38] Ryan learned how to golf during his treatment period
[18:03] Cindy shares about how she made a pillowcase for Ryan to make each stay more comfortable
[19:50] Finding out Ryan was terminal
[21:30] Case of Smiles being formed after a Martha Stewart Contest entry
[23:00] Coping with the new reality and loss
[25:20] Using Ryan’s experience to help cope with a cancer diagnosis
[28:40] Finding your advocate voice
[30:00] The joy in Ryan’s pranks
[32:32] Learning the ropes quickly
[33:05] Evolution of care
[35:15] Smiling and laugh through the hard times
[39:02] Just Sibs Program
Connect with Gavin and Cindy
Whether you are a parent or professional, we want you to join our community. Sign up for our newsletter here.
Parents, download our free parent starter kit.
When you download our starter kit, you’ll learn how to:
- Give medicine to your child without it becoming a wrestling match
- Prepare your child (and yourself) for a shot so they can feel less anxious
- Create and use a coping plan for any medical appointment or procedure
The first sign of sniffles, or worse, shouldn’t send you into a tailspin. Feel confident in your role as a parent and advocate, no matter what medical situation you’re facing.
Child life specialists, get affordable PDUs on-demand here.
Shop for your CLOC gear here.
Catch up with CLOC on Instagram, Facebook and meet Katie for a Q+A every Monday at 10 AM CST.
You Might Also Like…
215: Ruptured Appendix: Emergent Surgery, 6 Days in the Hospital & Struggles to Discharge
"I've learned so much in this whole process. It's like you have a depth inside of you that resurrects as an advocate and high alert, and it lives inside of you when you need it." -Aspen, Willa's Mom In this episode of Child Life On Call, host Katie Taylor and guest...
214: Sacrifice, Advocacy, Joy: Raising a Son with End Stage Kidney Disease – The Ransome Family’s Story
"Sometimes it's really therapeutic though to remember all that you have gone through because I feel like there are times when we look at each other and I'm like how did we get here?" Taylor Ransome We're grateful for our sponsor for this episode, Nestle Health...
