What does it mean to become known - not just for what you’ve survived, but for the way you live, lead, and lift others up? In this episode, Jess Collicott sits down with Hannah Soderstrom: founder, advocate, cancer survivor, and the heart behind Even Mermaids Get Leukemia.
Hannah shares her journey from a normal 13-year-old to navigating a life-changing leukemia diagnosis. She opens up about the hardest moments, the power of presence, and how the support of family, friends, and generous strangers made survival possible. Together, Jess and Hannah explore the real meaning of connection, and how simple acts—like giving blood or showing up for a friend—can change a life.
In this episode:
- Hannah’s honest account of childhood cancer and the scariest hour she faced waiting for a blood transfusion
- The story behind Even Mermaids Get Leukemia and its mission to help kids feel like kids again after cancer
- How to support survivors, nominate a child, or make a difference in someone’s journey
- The impact of small kindnesses and why presence always matters more than performance
Support Hannah’s mission:
→ Nominate a childhood cancer survivor, donate, or learn more at evenmermaidsgetleukemia.org
→ Follow Even Mermaids Get Leukemia on Facebook and Instagram
Consider donating blood.
Every transfusion is a lifeline for kids like Hannah. Visit your local blood bank to make a real difference.
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If you know someone who needs encouragement, hope, or a reminder that they’re not alone, please send them this conversation.
Thank you for being a part of Known Through Connection. Here, presence matters more than performance—and every story is an invitation to connect. ☀️