The PLAY Program was created with the help of a Community Advisory Board including Zaahir Baldwin, Scott DeVenzio, Tara DeVenzio, Sarah Elise, Katherine Fulton, Sakoiya Hamilton, Leeanna Jones, Catherine McCune, and Susan Whitcomb. All of our board members are caregivers of young childhood cancer survivors, and they understand the ups and downs of cancer diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship. See below for member bios and art about “life after cancer” from the cancer survivors who inspired this program!

Scott & Tara DeVenzio

We joined the CAB in 2023.

Our child’s name is Eva and she is 5.5 years old.

Our child was diagnosed with infantile spasms, a form of epilepsy later determined to be caused by low grade glioma in her brain when she was 1 year old.

We joined the CAB because during Eva’s health journey we often felt alone, and we believe this program can help others find support and a community that truly understands what they’re going through.

This research/program matters to me because it supports my child’s growth and gives her opportunities we once weren’t sure she would have. It offers hope, resources, and tools that make a real difference in her development and we have hope that it will do the same for others.

Our child is a silly, inquisitive, brave, and strong little girl who continues to thrive. She’s now speaking more than we ever imagined possible — something we once weren’t sure would come.

Sarah Elise

I joined the CAB in 2023.

My child’s name is Finley Earl Fearn and he is 8 (almost 9) years old.

My child was diagnosed with Pre B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia when he was 2 years old.

I joined the CAB because I not only vowed to contribute, cooperate, and collaborate on anything that might positively impact another child/family in the same unfortunate situation as us…but I also had a unique experience that might speak to a special population of families.

Me and the fellas: Parker (11) – left, Finley (8) – right

This research/program matters to me because while I fought alongside my son — for his life + health — I also fought for a marriage + family that was crumbling under the pressures of this unexpected cancer diagnosis. This PLAY program has the potential to keep families (like mine) together in times of chaos, strengthening a family’s bond by offering a variety of resources and outlets far healthier than those available to me at the time.

My child’s strengths are his compassion — above all else — but his athleticism in a plethora of sports, his resilience to the physical + mental obstacles that he’s met already, + his tenacious + competitive spirit are unmatched at his age level.

Sakoiya Hamilton

I joined the CAB in 2023.

My child Braylon was diagnosed with Wilms tumor when he was barely 1 year old.

I joined the CAB because I am grateful for the help I received and want to pay it forward by helping others who experience a similar situation.

This research/program matters to me because I appreciate the time and dedication that was put into this program. Having experienced caregivers participate helps to make a difference.

My child’s strengths are kindness, gentleness, and thoughtfulness. He loves sports, games, and time with family.

Catherine McCune

My name is Catherine McCune, and I am married to my husband Jason.  Together we have 6 children.  I’m a former educator and currently attending Ohio University pursuing a degree in Interior Architecture.  I joined the CAB in the Spring of 2023.

Our daughter’s name is Lily, and she is a 6-year-old kindergartener.  She was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma in November of 2020 less than 2 weeks after her first birthday.

I joined the CAB because I wanted to help others go through the journey we did.  I wish we had these resources when Lily was going through treatment. 

This research/program matters to me because I want everyone to know they aren’t alone and there are resources to help you navigate this journey.

Lily is a loving, compassionate, smart little girl who has been resilient throughout her entire life.

Susan Whitcomb

I joined the CAB in 2025.

My child’s name is Hank (a.k.a. HankTheTank) and he is 8 years old.

My child was diagnosed with Wilms tumor when he was 5 years old.

I joined the CAB because if I could help just one person going through this, it is worth it.

This research/program matters to me because I believe there is strength in numbers and anyone that has had this experience can help others.

Hank believes his side effect of chemo gave him a superpower of smell. He is truly a superhero.

"Life After Cancer"

The illustrations below were created by the young cancer survivors in our CAB families.