MBC & Parenting Expert Panel
How does one even begin to bring up the topic of metastatic breast cancer to a child? On this third episode of our MBC & Parenting series, we’ll talk to three experts that can give us some insight and guidance on how to talk with our children in the most open and safe ways. First up, Co-host Martha Carlson and Senior Co-host Victoria Goldberg speak with Dr. Leeza Park, psychiatrist, clinical researcher, and Deputy Director for the Comprehensive Cancer Support Program at the University of North Carolina (UNC) at Chapel Hill. Finally, Senior Co-host and Producer, Lisa Laudico and Co-host Martha Carlson have an illuminating conversation with Morgan Livingstone, Certified Child Life Specialist based in Toronto, Ontario Canada, and Amanda Celeste, Parenting Expert for Project Life, mother, wife, and teacher.
Dr. Eliza “Liza” Park is a psychiatrist, clinical researcher, and Deputy Director for the Comprehensive Cancer Support Program at the University of North Carolina (UNC) at Chapel Hill. She joined UNC faculty after completing her clinical training in psychiatry at Harvard Longwood/Brigham and Women’s Hospital. As a clinician who also conducts foundation and NIH-funded research, Dr. Park seeks to design and test psychosocial oncology interventions that can be implemented into clinical practice. The overarching goal of her research is to improve the mental health and quality of life for parents with cancer and their family members. In her clinical work, Dr. Park strives to help individuals coping with cancer live a valued and purposeful life.
Morgan Livingstone is a Certified Child Life Specialist in Toronto, Ontario Canada and is a passionate supporter of children and families experiencing breast cancer for over 20 years. Morgan is the author of “Talking to Kids about metastatic breast cancer” and “Talking to kids about breast cancer: a guide for parents” available through Rethink Breast Cancer charity. Morgan’s most recent book “All about the intensive care unit: How to prepare kids for and ICU visit” was co-written with fellow child life specialist Alexandria Friesen. Morgan lives with her husband Mike, and 2 children, Finn and Fay, and their 14 year old dog named Indy.
Twitter: @ChildLifeMorgan
Instagram: @ChildLifeMorgan
LinkedIn: Morgan Livingstone
https://rethinkbreastcancer.com/resources-for-young-families/
https://issuu.com/rethinkbreastcancer/docs/talkingtoyourkids
https://issuu.com/rethinkbreastcancer/docs/mbc_booklet_final
CHECK OUT CHILD LIFE in KENYA on YOUTUBE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0B_Wu2Upp3I
Child Life Officer of World Eye Cancer Hope
Registered UK / US /CANADA Charity
Amanda Celeste is a former elementary teacher turned speech-language pathologist. Amanda and her husband, Tony, together have 3 tenacious children and 2 fur babies. In December 2014 Amanda was diagnosed with Stage II breast cancer ER/PR Her-2/neu at the age of 32. In 2018 she experienced a recurrence in 2018, finding that her cancer had returned, metastasizing to the bones. With her Stage IV metastatic breast cancer diagnosis, Amanda has made it her mission to advocate for the voiceless and the fallen, hoping to educate, and bring awareness to the disease. Amanda is currently Project Life’s Parent Coordinator, a Young Advocate and Leadership Volunteer for Living Beyond Breast Cancer, a Peer to Peer Leader for METAvivor, a GRASP Patient Advocate, Patient Advocate for Program for Breast Cancer in Young Women and the CEO/Founder of an her & her husband’s LLC, Metastatica: Fighting Cancer Through Positivity.
Amanda’s passion for advocacy since her initial diagnosis is like a burning fire that cannot be put out. She advocates not only to assist in bringing awareness of the disease, and in hopes to showcase the importance of funding, but also to assist in the empowerment of the Surviving. This disease is truly unforgivable, but living each day to the fullest, not sweating the small things and finding the positivity in each day is her daily mantra
FB: Amanda Seymour Celeste
Instagram: amceleste13
Twitter: amceleste13