Ep. 96: Fighting for the Future: Childhood Cancer Awareness with the Phillies

Well Beyond Medicine: The Nemours Children's Health Podcast

This week’s episode features two compelling stories of strength and perseverance in honor of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.

In our first segment, we remember Corey Phelan. At 19, Corey achieved his lifelong dream of becoming a professional baseball player, signing with the Phillies organization. His dream, though, and his life were cut short by pediatric cancer just after his 20th birthday in 2022. His legacy, however, lives through his family’s foundation, Corey’s Promise, which helps other families offset the financial burdens they endure during their child's cancer diagnosis.

In our second segment, we speak with 20-year-old Elisha Rodriguez-Ford, an accomplished singer with a proven track record. In fact, hers is the voice you hear singing “God Bless America” at the top of this episode. At age 17 Elisha was diagnosed with a rare genetic condition called Swyer Syndrome. According to the National Organization for Rare Disorders, Swyer Syndrome is characterized by the failure of the sex glands – in this case, her ovaries – to develop fully, leaving only functionless scar tissue, and a 30 percent risk of developing tumors from that scar tissue – which is what happened to Elisha.

Guests:
Chris Phelan, Corey Pheland's father and co-founder of Corey's Promise
Dickie Noles, retired MLB player and Phillies advisor
Elisha Rodriguez-Ford, professional singer and cancer survivor
Carol Vassar, host/producer

Views expressed by guests do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or management.
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