Brave, Bold, Gold: Ariana & Tony Share Their Childhood Cancer Awareness Designs
Ariana McDonell and Tony Campisi share how they turned their childhood cancer journeys into powerful designs for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.
At just 12 years old, Ariana entered a t-shirt design contest that became much more than an art project. Her design, chosen two years in a row, carries deep meaning: symbols of art and music therapy, friendships made in the hospital, and memories of Riley and Josh—friends she lost along the way.
Tony, diagnosed at age 4 and relapsing as a teenager, found his creative outlet in a sticker. Inspired by the gold ribbon and the phrase “Fight Like a Kid,” his design included a heart to symbolize the weight childhood cancer leaves on survivors and their families. Handing out his stickers at the clinic, Tony discovered how a small design could start meaningful conversations about awareness and survivorship.
Together, Ariana and Tony show us that Childhood Cancer Awareness Month is about more than ribbons—it’s about resilience, creativity, and carrying stories forward.
Topics Covered:
- Ariana’s diagnosis and first design contest experience
- The meaning behind Ariana’s ribbon symbols and honoring lost friends
- Tony’s survivorship story and inspiration for his sticker design
- How simple designs spark conversations and spread awareness
- The reality of life after childhood cancer
- Creativity as a form of healing and resilience
About Life on Pause:
Life on Pause is a podcast for and by young adults with cancer. Produced by Penn State Health’s AYA Oncology Program, each episode is rooted in honest storytelling and community connection. Our content is reviewed by medical and psychosocial experts to ensure accuracy and care.
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