
I am a cancer mom and advocate for parents of children with cancer. I empower families facing medical trauma with tools and tactics to navigate their new normal.
When the pediatrician said our 3-year-old daughter Cecilia’s lethargy and dark circles under her eyes were signs of childhood leukemia, I entered the panicked existence of pediatric cancer. Ceal had an 85 percent chance of surviving—if she endured 2½ years of grueling treatment. That also meant she had a 15 percent chance of dying. That was unacceptable to me.
Throughout the lengthy treatment years and beyond, I chronicled the lessons and actions I used to survive and, eventually, thrive. In The Cancer Parent’s Handbook, I share practical tips and real-world strategies straight from parents, oncologists, and nurses—covering everything from surviving hospital stays and managing side effects to advocating for your child, embracing self-care, navigating healthy living, and so much more.

A Practical Survival Guide
Offers real-world strategies to help families navigate the overwhelming stress, grief, and challenges of a childhood cancer diagnosis.

Strengthening Families
Provides effective tools to prevent common issues like depression, anxiety, and relationship breakdowns, helping families stay resilient and connected.

Empowering Advocacy
Teaches parents how to advocate for their child and family, fostering stronger relationships and encouraging self-care throughout the journey.

Our journey began when Cecilia was diagnosed with leukemia at age three. Over 2½ years of treatment, we learned to navigate the medical world while keeping our family strong and united. Today, Cecilia is a thriving young woman working in biotech and recently married.
What I learned is that the path to a hopeful cure means working hand-in-hand with your oncologist, who’s the expert on the medical side of things. But caring for the whole child during treatment? That’s a parent’s job—and it changes everything. Now, I share the tools, tactics, and truths we discovered to help parents take control of the chaos and fight for their child with confidence
For media inquiries, contact Gina Mckenzie at gina@guariscogroup.com
By Katie Taylor with Laura DeKraker Lang-Ree Real Stories from Parents Navigating Hospital Stays and Healthcare Journeys
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In this conversation, Curtis Vallier and Laura discuss the challenges and realities of navigating childhood cancer. Laura shares her personal journey with her daughter Cecilia’s leukemia…