We sit down with Hazel & Ali Senz and Julia & Madeleine McGuire to explore the unique challenges and lessons that come when a parent faces cancer in this episode of Campfires of Hope’s “When Cancer Hits Home” series. Together, each mother-daughter duo reflects on what it was like to hear the diagnosis, how it reshaped family dynamics, and the different ways they each processed the experience at their stage of life. From parenting through uncertainty to growing closer through shared struggle, their honest conversation sheds light on both the hardships and the unexpected growth that cancer can bring.

In this episode of “When Cancer Hits Home”, our guests Kelsey Mora and Chris Balmaceda—mental health professionals who specialize in supporting both kids and adults in families impacted by cancer—share insights on the emotional and relational challenges families often face during a loved one’s cancer journey.

They offer practical communication strategies to help families process the experience, build trust, and create emotional safety. We also explore key signs that it may be time to seek outside support, and the therapeutic approaches Kelsey and Chris prioritize in their work. Finally, we take a closer look at where mental health care in the cancer space still needs to grow.

In the first episode of our “When Cancer Hits Home” series, Nancy Ferro and Mark Agnew share powerful stories of how cancer impacted their families and how those experiences ultimately led to the founding of two remarkable organizations: Epic Experience and Pickles Group.

Nancy and Mark reflect on how a cancer diagnosis reshaped their relationships, family dynamics, and life paths. We explore the origin stories, missions, and impact of their organizations, each created to support families navigating cancer. As they look back on their personal and organizational journeys, Nancy and Mark offer meaningful takeaways for families facing cancer today—and hope for what comes after.