What happens when a cancer diagnosis shakes up everything about family life, support, and resilience?

In this episode, I sit down with Maribel Vargas, associate director of Cancer Center Partnerships at  American Cancer Society, Elish McGrath, director of patient services at Cancer Support Team, and Jennifer Ricca,  a certified child life specialist, CTF program manager at Cancer Support Community. Together, they share their personal and professional experiences navigating cancer’s impact on families and offer practical advice for parents communicating with children about a cancer diagnosis.

Maribel highlights the rise in cancer rates among younger adults and the growing need for tailored survivor support. Elish shares her childhood experience of having a mother with cancer, emphasizing the importance of open and honest conversations with kids. Jennifer offers practical strategies to help parents navigate these tough discussions across different age groups, ensuring children feel safe, heard, and empowered throughout the process.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The rise of cancer rates in younger individuals: Maribel discusses how this shift is affecting families, especially as parents face the challenges of cancer while raising children.
• The emotional impact of parenting with cancer: Elish shares how her family navigated the challenges of cancer while her mom was undergoing treatment and why open, honest conversations with children are so important.
• How to support children through a parent’s cancer journey: Jennifer offers tips for keeping kids engaged and informed, ensuring they feel included in the process without feeling burdened by the diagnosis.

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Intro

(00:59) Personal story: Cancer’s impact on families

(01:58) Understanding cancer trends with Maribel Vargas

(02:09) Exploring cancer statistics and risk factors

(04:22) Assessing cancer risk: What you need

(07:35) Support systems for cancer survivorship

(10:40) American Cancer Society's key programs

(14:52) Local cancer resources and support services

(17:23) How to talk to kids about cancer

(33:29) Understanding children's reactions to cancer

(34:05) Talking to younger children about cancer

(35:36) Teenagers and cancer: What they should know

(37:52) Supporting older kids through cancer

(47:26) Maintaining structure and routine for kids

(49:03) Empowering children with decision-making skills

Resources:

• Connect with Maribel on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maribel-vargas-b4b64640/
• Check out American Cancer Society: https://www.cancer.org/
• Check out Cancer Support Team: https://cancersupportteam.org/
• Connect with Jennifer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-ricca-104151b8/
• Check out Cancer Support Community: https://www.cancersupportcommunity.org/
• Connect with Amri on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amri-kibbler-71333b15/ 
• Connect with The Space Between on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespacebetween_cancer.family 
• Connect with Amri on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amrikibbler/
• Amri’s official website: https://www.amrikibbler.com/ 
• Check out S.E.A. Waves of Support Healing Selenite Bracelets: https://seawavesofsupport.com