pediatric brain cancer

In this episode, Caitlin takes us down the heart wrenching medical journey that she and her family have travelled, since the day that her daughter Macey arrived. Just when they would get to the other side of one hurdle and life would somewhat get back to “normal”, something else would arise. Caitlin talks about how she grieved her vision for her daughter after she was diagnosed with a chromosome abnormality, then what life looked like while her daughter fought a two and a half year cancer battle, followed by the time she would have to fight for her life after a bacterial infection become septic, and finally, what it was like when Macey was diagnosed with an intellectual disability. Caitin talks about how Macey is here to teach us that today is the best day. Cailtin's mission is to help other families going through similar experiences to find the glitter in the muck.

Caitlin Bangsund is the author of Marvellous Macey, The Delightful Days. It is the first in a series based on true life. Caitlin knows the trial and trauma of childhood cancer, childhood disability, and the fear of almost losing her daughter — the star of the series — Macey.  

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She encourages readers to look for the treasures that hide in the rubble and gloom. Life is beautiful chaos and her message is to press on and conquer. Read her stories and help create a world that is full of kindness and acceptance.

Candace Dunaway is the Host of the All Things Relatable podcast. Candace practices daily gratitude and believes that this practice is the key to living a joyful life. Candace sees the world through an optimistic lens and looks for the silver linings, even in the most difficult of times. She believes that life is a collection of simple moments of joy that compound to create a happy life.

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"ChadTough" started as a rallying cry for 5 year-old Chad Carr. His grandfather Lloyd was the National Championship football coach at Michigan. His dad, Jason, was a Michigan quarterback. His mom, Tammi, began her career as a hospital fundraiser. After Chad passed away from a pediatric brain cancer known as DIPG, his family made sure his name and spirit became a mission, with the ChadTough Foundation. They have raised millions – but much more work is to be done. 

Tammi is our guest today, and she explains how the ChadTough Foundation has adapted its fundraising and events calendar in light of the pandemic. We cover the delicate balance between not seeming insensitive to COVID-19 while simultaneously not slowing the efforts against DIPG.

The Foundation's April event went virtual, continued to benefit from sponsors, and even creating ChadTough branded masks.

The annual  “RunTough” event on Chad's birthday will still happen this fall, with in person and online components. As always, there will be an auction for some incredible experiences with well-known friends of the Foundation.  In our climate of social distancing, those experiences may be different, but can actually be an easier request of those famous faces.

Finally, Tammi discusses the battle against the disease that took  her 5 year-old son.  While they were disheartened by the lack of progress over the last several decades, they are proud of the work that's been done in just the last five years.

Link:

ChadTough Foundation Website: https://www.chadtough.org/

Michigan Motors Forward is produced by JAG in Detroit Podcasts in collaboration with Tanner Friedman Strategic Communications.

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