In this episode, we sit down with Stephanie McNeil, Early Childhood Teacher, devoted mom, and author of the children’s book Where Is Ellie’s Hair? We talk about how a single phone call to a friend in crisis became something so much bigger than anyone expected.

When Stephanie's close friend Aimee’s four-year-old daughter Ellie was diagnosed with Rhabdomyosarcoma in May 2024, the world their family knew changed overnight. As Ellie began chemotherapy and her hair started to rapidly fall out, Aimee faced a question so many parents of young cancer patients face: how do I even begin to explain this to my child?

Stephanie searched for a book that could help, something uplifting, age-appropriate, and honest and came up empty. So she wrote one herself.

What started as a personal gift of love for one little girl quickly grew into a resource for families everywhere navigating the emotional weight of childhood cancer treatment. Where Is Ellie’s Hair? is more than a book , it’s a way to put the power of the conversation back in the hands of children and the families who love them.

All proceeds from the book go directly to Ellie and her family, as well as childhood cancer charities.

In this episode, Steph anie shares:

∙ The moment she knew she had to write this book

∙ How she approached hair loss with honesty and hope for a four-year- old audience

∙ What she wants families facing cancer to know

∙ How For Ellie has grown into a movement of support and awareness

This one will stick with you.

Purchase Where Is Ellie’s Hair? and support Ellie’s family and childhood cancer research:

forellie.com.au

Follow Ellie’s journey: @young.wild.and.strong

Follow For Ellie: @forellie.aus

This March, in recognition of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, we’re breaking down three important topics in colorectal cancer research, treatment, and prevention.

Topics Covered:

The BREAKWATER Trial

We discuss the BREAKWATER clinical trial — a landmark study exploring frontline treatment for BRAF V600E-mutated metastatic colorectal cancer. We cover what the trial is testing, who it’s designed for, and why its early findings have the oncology world paying attention.

NEJM.org

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12197837/

Memorial Sloan Kettering & KRAS Research

MSK has been at the forefront of targeting the KRAS mutation — long considered “undruggable.” We break down what KRAS is, why it plays a significant role in colorectal cancer, and what MSK’s latest research means for patients and the future of treatment.

https://www.mskcc.org/news/new-colorectal-cancer-treatments-at-msk-aim-to-reduce-deaths-in-2026-and-beyond

Gut Health, Fiber & Colorectal Cancer Prevention

We explore the connection between gut health and colorectal cancer risk, including the important differences between soluble and insoluble fiber. We cover what each type of fiber does in the body, the best food sources for each, and why insoluble fiber in particular is a key player in colorectal cancer prevention.

https://health.clevelandclinic.org/whats-the-difference-between-soluble-and-insoluble-fiber

https://www.gastroclinic.com/diets/high-fiber-diet/

Why It Matters:

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. — but it is also one of the most preventable and treatable when caught early. Knowledge is your first line of defense.

Nothing in this episode constitutes medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider with any personal health concerns.