Episodes

🎥 VIDEO EPISODE NOTE: This story was made for video and includes powerful visual moments from both sides of the THON 2026 Hospital-to-THON Bridge — from patient rooms at Penn State Health Children's Hospital to the floor of the Bryce Jordan Center. Watch the full episode on YouTube for the complete experience. — — — Every year, THON happens for the kids who can't be there. This year, THON came to them. Delaney Clemens is sixteen years old. A two-sport varsity athlete — field hockey and lacrosse ...

At twenty years old, Eliot Dean was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. For weeks, his world shrank to a single hospital floor he couldn't leave — a window with a good view, a lot of sunsets, and the slow, difficult work of getting through treatment. Five years later, in remission, Eliot thought the worst was behind him. Then routine blood work came back suspicious. Same markers. Same diagnosis. A different kind of fear. In this episode of Life on Pause, Eliot shares what no one tells y...

🎥 VIDEO EPISODE NOTE: This story was created for video and includes incredible visual moments from THON Weekend — from walking through Penn State's player cheer tunnel to experiencing the energy of 16,500 students in the Bryce Jordan Center. For the full experience, watch on YouTube: [LINK] When Grace Schneider was diagnosed with B-cell leukemia in 2020, her family discovered something unexpected: Penn State's THON — the largest student-run philanthropy in the world, where students stand for 46 ...

What happens when treatment ends but the journey continues? For young adult cancer survivors, the ringing of the bell marks not an ending, but the beginning of something more complex — survivorship. In this powerful episode of Life on Pause, five young women who participated in Penn State Health Children's Hospital's inaugural PhotoVoice project come together to share their experiences using photography to tell the stories they struggled to put into words. Facilitated by social worker Meredith N...

What does health maintenance really mean when you're a young adult cancer survivor? Eliot and Hailey—both acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) survivors—share the reality of life after treatment: checkups every six months, school accommodations for brain damage, mental health boundaries that weren't optional before, and learning which exercises won't break bones weakened by chemotherapy. Recorded at Life Lion Emergency Services in Hershey, Pennsylvania, this episode draws a powerful parallel betwe...

When a Life Lion flight nurse saves a teenager's life, he never expects to meet him again. Ten years later, that young man returns—not as a patient, but as a father—to say thank you. Ten-year-old William, a leukemia survivor, discovers a new dream while exploring a Life Lion helicopter: "I may want to be a helicopter mechanic." Maria, a Wilms tumor survivor, remembers the kindness of her transport crew. And Lisa Kreider shares a stunning revelation: Life Lion saved her life sixteen years ago aft...

Tony Campisi, a two-time cancer survivor, shares a story about hockey, resilience, and discovering that heaven doesn't have to look the same to still be heaven. Diagnosed with an astrocytoma tumor on his spinal cord at age four, Tony lost the use of his left side and had to learn to walk — and skate — all over again. Through what he thought was "just playing games" in physical therapy, Tony fought his way back to the ice. With the support of a coach who believed in him when others doubted, telli...

At twelve years old, Ariana was living for sports — two softball teams, church basketball, and constant motion. Then her knees started hurting. What seemed like a sports injury turned into an osteosarcoma diagnosis that would change everything: her body, her childhood, and her understanding of what it means to advocate for yourself. In this powerful episode of Life on Pause, Ariana shares what no one tells you about being diagnosed with cancer as a preteen. From losing her leg to amputation, to ...

Karen Powell, a nurse practitioner at Memorial Sloan Kettering who specializes in breast cancer care, returns for Part 2 to share the night everything changed: her own diagnosis at age 39. A lifelong runner, healthy eater, and non-smoker with negative genetic testing, Karen was months away from her first routine mammogram when a quiet July evening—and a simple itch—led to a life-altering discovery. In this episode of Life on Pause , Karen reflects on what it meant to go from provider to patient ...

Karen Powell, a Penn State graduate and nurse practitioner at Memorial Sloan Kettering, shares a deeply personal story that spans three generations of women affected by breast cancer. Diagnosed herself at age 39, Karen’s path toward oncology began long before her own diagnosis — in the living rooms and hospital rooms of her childhood. In this episode of Life on Pause , Karen reflects on how her grandmothers’ experiences with breast cancer shaped her sense of purpose, empathy, and resilience. One...

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, fo...

Taylor, Eliot, Shelly, and Tony share how something as simple as a cooking class can spark confidence, connection, and independence after cancer. Hosted at Zest! Cooking School in Lititz, Pennsylvania, this Life on Pause event brought young adult cancer survivors together to learn new skills, share a meal, and reflect on how small steps can lead to big empowerment. For Taylor , cooking became a pathway to independence, showing how even intimidating tasks like making pasta from scratch can be bro...

Robyn, a 21-year-old from Lancaster County, was diagnosed with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia during her second year of college. What started as what she thought were boils and cold symptoms quickly turned into a life-changing diagnosis—and a moment of decision. In this episode of Life on Pause , Robyn reflects on her experience as a young adult caught between pediatric and adult care systems. After choosing to be treated in the pediatric oncology unit—supported by the Four Diamonds program...

Paige, a 15-year-old from Pennsylvania, was diagnosed with Burkitt’s leukemia at stage 3. After spending seven months in the hospital undergoing intensive treatment, she found herself withdrawn and unsure—until she met a horse named Tank. In this episode of Life on Pause , we follow Paige’s six-week journey through Hoofbeat Haven, a therapeutic horsemanship program at Bridlepath Equine Center created in partnership with Four Diamonds. Designed specifically for childhood cancer survivors, the pro...

Emma, Lucas, Ariana, and Casey open up about what it’s really like to attend a cancer camp as a young adult. From fears about fitting in to late-night laughs and life-changing conversations, they share the moments that made them feel seen, safe, and supported. In this episode of Life on Pause , our guests reflect on their camp experiences—from nervous airport goodbyes to karaoke nights that ran long into the evening. These oncology camps, designed specifically for adolescents and young adults, o...

Mason, a 21-year-old from Iran, shares his remarkable story of fighting neuroblastoma for more than a decade. Diagnosed at age 7, Mason has faced multiple relapses, treatment resistance, and devastating setbacks—including the moment his doctors told him they could do no more. In this episode of Life on Pause , Mason reflects on his decision to take his story global, sending his case to over 100 cancer centers in search of a second chance. That chance came through Dr. Giselle Sholler and a new tr...

Maya , a young cancer patient and gifted artist, shares how drawing became her outlet during treatment for acute myeloid leukemia. Inspired by animator Vivienne Medrano, Maya dove into digital art to escape the fear and isolation of hospital life. Now, she's setting her sights on SVA in NYC with hopes of turning her pain into powerful animation. In this episode of Life on Pause , Maya discusses: 🎨 Learning to draw from YouTube & Reels 🧠 How art helped her through depression 💻 Her go-to tools for...

Maya, a 15-year-old high school student, shares the deeply personal story of how her childhood fear of getting cancer became real. Diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), she takes us through the moment she first felt symptoms, her terrifying ER experience, and how the diagnosis changed everything. In this episode of Life on Pause , Maya also opens up about her lifelong struggle with anxiety and depression, how cancer affected her entire family—including her dog—and why mental health care h...

In this episode of Life on Pause , we explore a critical—but often overlooked—aspect of cancer care: fertility preservation. Joined by Dr. Mindy Christianson, a national expert in reproductive endocrinology from the Cleveland Clinic, and Shanan Vanatta, the Fertility Preservation Coordinator at Penn State Health, we take a closer look at the options available to preserve fertility before cancer treatment begins. You’ll hear honest conversations about: Freezing eggs, sperm, or reproductive tissue...

In this episode of Life on Pause , young adult cancer survivors open up about the incredible power of support systems. From family and friends to classmates, coworkers, and even strangers, our guests share how they leaned on their communities—both online and offline—through diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship. You’ll hear honest stories of: Facing cancer far from home Learning to ask for help Navigating work and education post-treatment Discovering unexpected empathy from roommates, bosses, a...

How does a cancer diagnosis impact education and career aspirations? In this episode of Life on Pause , seven young adult cancer survivors share their personal experiences of having their lives disrupted by cancer during pivotal academic and professional moments. From reimagining career paths to navigating education with ongoing treatment, their stories highlight resilience, adaptation, and newfound purpose. Join us as we discuss the challenges of pausing life for treatment, the uncertainty of r...

In this candid bonus episode of Life on Pause , young adults share their personal experiences with body image during and after cancer treatment. Through heartfelt stories, they explore the challenges of rapid weight changes, self-perception, and the emotional impact of visible scars. As they recount experiences with weight loss, steroids, and the constant battle with self-image, they reveal how cancer affects not only health but also one's sense of identity. Join us as we discuss the nuances of ...

In this bonus episode of Life on Pause , young adult cancer survivors open up about the powerful sensory triggers that bring back memories of their cancer treatment. From the sharp scent of hand sanitizer to the saline flushes that evoke a distinct taste, these triggers linger long after treatment. Hosted by Corene Parrish, the conversation delves into how specific smells, sounds, and tastes impact each person’s experience and recovery journey. Tune in to hear how these sensory memories shape th...

In this heartfelt episode of Life on Pause , Corene Parrish and a group of young adult cancer survivors gather to explore the complex relationship between food and cancer. Reflecting on life before, during, and after treatment, they discuss the surprising ways cancer impacted their cravings, taste preferences, and emotional connections with food. From cravings for indulgent foods to the bittersweet memories linked to specific dishes, the group shares personal stories, struggles with food aversio...