ML Interest Tag: survivor

Packers’ Aaron Jones Surprises Childhood Cancer Hero

by Marianella Orlando
Partner Content

The Green Bay Packers game against the Chicago Bears looked a lot brighter this NFL season. On Sunday, Dec. 12, Packers’ running back Aaron Jones wore custom-designed cleats, in partnership with the Northwestern Mutual Foundation, to support children battling childhood cancer.

The special NFL program, “My Cause, My Cleats”, raises awareness and funding for causes that are near and dear to players’ hearts. Participating athletes sport a custom cleat design that represents their passions beyond the field on game day, then auction off the cleats at the NFL auction to raise proceeds for their selected charity.

Earlier this year, kids with cancer and their family members submitted their original hand-crafted designs for Aaron’s cleats, from which he personally selected his favorite. This year marks Aaron’s second time partnering with the Northwestern Mutual Foundation for the “My Cause, My Cleats” campaign to support and raise awareness for childhood cancer.

On November 13, Ashley Herman of Marshfield, Wis. was selected as the program’s winner. The 18-year-old cancer hero was invited to visit Lambeau Field in Green Bay with her mom, dad, brother and boyfriend, where Aaron surprised her with the news that he selected her design for his cleats.

“You’re definitely strong and resilient. Never stop fighting,” Aaron shared on a virtual call. “I want you to know that I’m in your corner forever.”

Ashley was surprised and delighted to speak with Aaron about her design and thought process behind the artwork. When selecting her design, Aaron was particularly drawn to the phrase “be the change” on the cleats—a phrase that stuck with Ashley throughout her treatment. “All it takes is one person,” Aaron told Ashley. “And now when I wear those cleats, everyone will see be the change.”

To top off the victory, Ashley was not only gifted a pair of her own custom cleats but also learned she and her family would attend the Packers’ game on December 12 to see her design in action.

Cleats designed by childhood cancer heroes seem to bring a little bit of magic to Aaron’s game. He scored back-to-back touchdowns in Ashley’s cleats to help boost the Packers’ to a 45-30 victory over the Chicago Bears, while, last year, he ran for his longest career touchdown in Ethan Haley’s cleats.

Finding Hope and Courage Through Art

Both art and sports played a large role in Ashley’s everyday life growing up. When she wasn’t in school, she would spend her time painting or sketching or playing volleyball for Columbus High School.

This past winter, however, Ashley was faced with news that would change her life. On Jan. 27, 2021, the Wisconsin native was diagnosed with Stage 2 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma—cancer that affects specialized white blood cells within the body’s immune system, which hinders it from defending against bacteria, parasites, or viruses.

Despite receiving this startling news, Ashley’s perpetual positive attitude kicked in and her first words to her doctors and families were, “okay, what do we do next.” Today, her cancer is in remission.

For Ashley, “My Cause, My Cleats” campaign means more than just winning. She plans to continue to share her story with others battling cancer to help them keep pushing forward and to encourage them to share their own experiences.

Aaron also hopes his participation with the Northwestern Mutual Foundation will inspire others to make a difference. The Foundation, which launched its Childhood Cancer Program in 2012, has worked vigorously to find better treatments and cures, provide family and patient support and offer aid to children who struggle with the long-term effects of treatment. Since its inception, the foundation has contributed over $35 million towards its mission and also funded more than 455,000 hours of research.

In 2022, Northwestern Mutual Foundation’s Childhood Cancer Program is celebrating its ten-year anniversary by continuing to create moments of joy and drive connections amongst those affected by childhood cancer. Learn more about the Northwestern Mutual Foundation’s Childhood Cancer Program here.

If you’d like to hear more about Ashley’s story, watch it now!

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Sweat Sesh! 25 Workout Songs to Keep You Motivated

by Aimee Della Bitta

Workouts look different for everyone these days, especially moms. Whether you’re back to hitting the gym, fast-strolling through your neighborhood, or dancing around the kitchen with your new babe, one thing that’ll help motivate you to move your body is a stellar playlist. Here are 25 songs to power your workout playlist. Who knows, one of these catchy tunes might just become your new sweat-sesh anthem!

To Get You Moving

iStock

Like laying out your workout clothes the night before, just creating a fitness playlist can make it easier to stick to a workout routine. So here's a list of songs that'll nudge you to lace those sneakers and spark your heart rate. 

  • "Motivation” by Normani
  • "Believer" by Imagine Dragons
  • "Electric Bodega Trap Remix" by Beyoncé
  • "Pressure (Alesso Remix)" by Nadia Ali, Starkillers and Alex Kenji 
  • "Feel That Fire" by Dierks Bentley
  • "Break Free" by Ariana Grande
  • "A Thousand Miles" by Vanessa Carlton
  • "You Know You Like It" by DJ Snake AlunaGeorge

 

To Keep You Dancing

iStock

As a busy, hardworking mom or mom-to-be, it's extra tough to find time in the day for a full workout. So instead, try squeezing in a dance session you can do anywhere at any time. These tunes will keep you grooving and your endorphins flowing. Sometimes all you need to do is shake it out! 

  • "Don't Stop the Music" by Rihanna
  • "Boom Boom Pow" by the Black Eyed Peas
  • "Leave the Door Open" by Bruno Mars
  • "Maniac" by Carpenter Brut & Yann Ligner
  • “Good As Hell” by Lizzo
  • "All I Want to Do" by Sugarland
  • "Still Cool" by Beka
  • "Can't Stop the Feeling" by Justin Timberlake

 

To Push Your Limits

Peloton

Fitness pros know that just the right song can push anyone through an intense workout. So add these go-to anthems that'll motivate you to keep going when you're dead-tired and ready to quit. 

  • "Level Up" by Ciara
  • "Don't Stop the Party" by Pitbull
  • "Survivor" by Destiny's Child
  • “Formation” by Beyoncé 
  • "Disco Inferno" by 50 Cent
  • “Jump” by Armin van Buuren & Van Halen
  • “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor
  • “Jumpman” by Drake & Future 
  • "Livin' on a Prayer" by Bon Jovi

—Aimee Della Bitta

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How I Told My Kids I Was Diagnosed with Cancer

By Christine Shields-Corrigan

Photo: Christine Shields Corrigan

Telling children that a parent has cancer is one of the most difficult things a newly diagnosed parent must face. For starters, there’s no one or “right” way to have this conversation. Every family copes with life’s challenges uniquely. As a two-time cancer survivor, wife, and mom of three children, here are some of my thoughts about “telling the kids” based on my experiences.

At first blush, a parent’s instinct may be to avoid telling the children in order to protect them. When I was first diagnosed with breast cancer four years ago, my children were ages 19, 15, and 10, my husband and I decided that we would tell them when we had all of the relevant information—diagnosis, treatment plan, prognosis—so that we would be on the same page and could deal with the news together. It seemed like a logical plan at the time, but for various reasons, it didn’t work out as I’d hoped. In fact, my plan to share the information at one time made a difficult and stressful time much harder. Instead of trying to control the narrative, I should have shared the information, particularly with my teenage children, as I received it. 

In addition, as a practical matter, it’s hard to keep cancer a secret. Children know when secrets are being kept. They’ll pick up on their parents’ worry, anxiety, and hushed voices and wonder what is being kept from them. Understandably then, kids might believe that whatever is happening is too awful to talk about, which in turn might make them feel isolated from the very people who are supposed to care for them.

Another problem with not telling children about a cancer diagnosis is that, if their parents don’t tell them, they’ll inevitably hear it elsewhere. A classmate or a neighbor might say something, not knowing that the news hasn’t been shared. Now, the children may find themselves in the bewildered space of not knowing what to believe and questioning whether they can trust their parents.

There’s no getting around it—children need to be told about a parent’s cancer diagnosis. However, before having these painful and hard conversations, take some time to plan what to say. Talk to a spouse, partner, therapist, or a health care professional. Consider writing down important points so you can pay attention to your children’s reactions. Be prepared for your children to ask whether you will die. It was the first question my younger son asked. In response, I explained that my cancer was caught early, that I would have surgery and chemotherapy to get better, and that I had great doctors taking care of me. Also, don’t be afraid of being emotional. It’s okay to cry together. It’s okay to admit that this is a frightening time, but reassure them that the family will get through it together.

How much information to share depends on the children’s ages. In general, children aged eight years or younger don’t need detailed information, while older children and teens will want to know more. However, according to the American Cancer Society, at a minimum, children should be told the following:

  • the name of the cancer (e.g. breast cancer, lung cancer, lymphoma)
  • the location of the cancer in the body 
  • the type of treatment 
  • a simple explanation of side effects
  • how their lives might be affected 

When naming the cancer, it may be helpful to use a doll, stuffed animal, book, or drawing to show or preschoolers and school-aged children where the cancer is. Young children are concrete thinkers so they likely will focus on the outside effects of the disease, such as hair loss or weight changes. Tell the children that they didn’t cause the parent’s cancer. Nothing they did or didn’t do caused their parent to get this disease—it’s not their fault. Parents should assure their children that cancer isn’t contagious and let them know that it’s okay to hug and show affection for each other.

Parents need to be honest about any changes that may happen to their children’s day-to-day lives. For example, children should be told that the parent might be away from home for several hours a day so that he or she can the treatment they need to get better. Family and friends may provide meals because the parent may be too tired to cook. Classmates’ or teammates’ parents may take children to and from school, sports, or other activities. Grandparents or other relatives or friends may stay with the children if the parent has to go to the hospital. The sick parent might need extra help with chores. By letting the children know this information upfront, the changes in their routines may be less upsetting.

Parents need to give their children time to absorb and process this news and therefore should be prepared to have more than one cancer conversation. Keep the lines of communication open and encourage children to ask questions and share their concerns. Try to have these conversations during a quiet time without interruptions so that the kids feel that they’re being heard. If parents don’t know the answer to their children’s questions, tell them that and follow-up later with an explanation. 

And above all else, remind children that they are now and always loved. Cancer will never change that.

Christine Shields-Corrigan
Tinybeans Voices Contributor

Christine Shields Corrigan, a two-time cancer survivor, wife, and mom, gives voice to the beautiful ordinary in her lyrical and practical essays. Her work about family, illness, writing, and resilient survivorship has appeared in a number of outlets. 

 

 

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Nickelodeon’s “Legends of the Hidden Temple” Is Getting an Adult Reboot

by Shahrzad Warkentin

The legend continues with the return of Nickelodeon’s hit series Legends of the Hidden Temple reboot on Quibi.

If you grew up in the ’90s, chances are you spent a good amount of time watching the kids’ version of Survivor, otherwise known as Legends of the Hidden Temple. The show is growing up and getting a new reboot made just for you.

According to Entertainment Weekly, the new version of the show will take the adult contestants out of the sound stage and into a real jungle setting. The challenges players face will be bigger and so will the prizes.

For the uninitiated, Quibi is a new streaming platform that features a unique twist. All of the shows featured are comprised of short, “bite-sized” episodes, around seven minutes long. “Bringing back Legends for Quibi is a dream come true,” said Scott A. Stone, one of the original show’s creators and an executive producer on the reboot. “I have been so lucky to be part of this defining millennial show, and now there is a defining millennial platform to go with it. I couldn’t be more excited.”

https://twitter.com/Quibi/status/1206590303228059650

Quibi is set to launch in April 2020. No word yet when episodes of Legends of the Hidden Temple will be available.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

Featured photo: Nickelodeon via YouTube

 

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Dear Cancer: A Mother’s Answer to the Unanswered Questions

By Robin Reynolds

‌

I remember the day my heart was broken. It was in the early morning hours of May 12th. Wearing the baggy pink sweatpants I purchased the night before, I sat in a stiff vinyl hospital chair. My body was curled up into a tight little ball and I watched my mother take her last breath. It still infuriates me that the barbaric double-mastectomy wasn’t enough; that her breast cancer had to spread and take her life, too. In some ways, it had taken portions of my life right along with it.

They say you never really get over the loss of a loved one, you just learn to cope with the empty hole that’s left in your heart. I tend to agree. Twelve years have passed and I’m not over it yet. These past twelve years I kept finding myself in scenarios where the empty hole aches its ugly reminder that it’s still here. Some scenarios arrived quickly, like the breast cancer awareness marathon. I signed up intending to walk in celebration of my mom being a breast cancer survivor. Instead, I walked in her memory.

Sometimes, the ache will bubble up when I least expect it. Like the time I was in a dressing room at the local mall. I was stepping in to a pair of jeans when I heard a teenager in the stall next to me arguing with her mom over something trivial. It was more than I could bear. I shut my eyes tightly, willing the bickering to stop. What I would give to be able to have one more day out shopping with my mom! I sobbed silently in the dressing room until they left.

Other times the ache throbbed as expected. I couldn’t celebrate Mother’s Day anymore. I wouldn’t eat her home cooking ever again. Christmas has never been the same. I couldn’t call my Mom when I met my future husband. Walking down the aisle, I couldn’t look over to see her at our wedding. I couldn’t share the joy of purchasing our first home with her and the millions of times in between when I needed her advice, I couldn’t ask.

Yet, nothing could have prepared me for the ache I’ve felt since becoming a mother. When I found out I was pregnant, I was riddled with so many unanswered questions. I had terrible morning sickness; did she struggle with that too? I was scared when my water broke and the contractions began. Was she frightened too?

Looking for answers, I dug through the old cardboard box of mementos my mom had left behind. I pulled out my old baby book and flipped through the yellowed pages. Half was filled with dates and various facts, the remaining blank pages filled only with good intentions. I couldn’t help but chuckle. My daughter’s baby book also had blank pages that I had been meaning to get to until acclimating to life with a baby got the best of me. Even still, I couldn’t help but feel a little disappointed. Our infant daughter wailed when she received her first round of vaccines. I cried right along with her and dreaded ever vaccine appointment thereafter. Did my mom cry with me too? As I sifted through the old photographs, I found myself wanting to know more about that snapshot in time. I looked excited for my first day of school, how did my mom feel seeing her baby growing up so quickly?

I resent that breast cancer caused all of these questions and more to remain unanswered. But buried deep in my resentment I also found determination. Cancer may have taken these moments from me, but I refused to ever give it a chance to take the details of these moments away from my daughter too.

I opened my laptop and began writing a blog for her. Each post is a letter to my daughter. I tell her all the things I wish I had the opportunity to talk to my mom about. I tell her how loved she was from the moment we found out I was pregnant with her. I explained that sending her off to her first day of preschool was rough on me and it was a tough day for her too. We could have ended the day accepting it wasn’t the best and would try again tomorrow, except we didn’t. Cancer has taught us that life is too precious to settle. We came home on that rainy first day of preschool, put on our rain boots and went right back out into it. Instead of remembering what a rough day we had, we now remember it as the day we happily splashed through the mud puddles. My letter explains to her that the picture that accompanies it is more than playing in the rain. It’s about finding the good in the not so optimal hand that life has dealt to you. It’s about seizing the opportunity to take a rough day and turning it around into something more meaningful. Without the letter, this message may have been missed.

Anytime I find myself wishing I could ask my mother a question, I use it as inspiration to write a letter to my daughter to answer it for her. She’s too young to ask these questions now and I can only hope that I will be here to answer them when she does. But if life throws us a curve ball, my letters will be here for her when she’s ready. I began creating a guided journal to help other mothers do the same.

I don’t think that I’ll ever stop resenting cancer, but I’m thankful for its persistent reminder that life is fragile and every day we have with each other is a day to be cherished.

Do you have a story about how breast cancer has impacted your life as a parent? We want to hear it! Join our October Breast Cancer Awareness conversation and share your story today.

Robin Reynolds is a writer, blogger and contributing author for Chicken Soup for the Soul. Her daughter is the inspiration for her blog Dear Jalen where she chronicles her daughter’s childhood in written letters. Robin is on a mission to encourage other parents to do the same. Visit Dear Jalen to learn more. Follow her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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How I Explain Difficult Things to My Children Like “What Is a Nazi?”

By Dr Bethany Cook

photo: Edward Cisneros via Unsplash

Being picky about the shows your children watch is important.  Knowing the content of the shows is also important. I’m amazed at just how many children’s shows are floating around on the numerous digital highways out there (i.e. hulu, Netflix, cable TV, etc).  I’m equally amazed at just how many of them are total rubbish.

As you have probably guessed…I am quite choosy about the shows my kids watch.  My better-half is also on the same page and we were both very excited to watch the Sound of Music with our children. They were 3 and 4 years old when we watched it together as a family for the first time, all snuggled together “deep-couch sitting” with our popcorn and blankets.

Until this moment the only movie they had seen with real-life people (not cartoons) was Mary Poppins.  My oldest is a boy and he has always been quite inquisitive and is definitely an “old soul.”  His biggest take away from Mary Poppins was the fact that women couldn’t vote.

His pointed questions as to “Why didn’t men want women to vote?” and “How silly that people thought women weren’t as smart as men,” should have tripped my alarm bells for content with the Sound of Music movie, but it didn’t.  I’m sure you’ve guessed what his take-away from this movie was from my title of the blog…incase you haven’t, it’s explaining Nazis to your 4-year old.

““All children have questions about life and how it works. It’s important as parents that we answer these questions with as much honesty and integrity that we can.”

One of the personal rules I live by when it comes to questions with anyone is this: if you’ve got the guts to ask the question I will give an honest answer.  Just be ready for the truth. Obviously with children tact comes into play.

What I did was provide an accurate, honest, and simple answer to his question “Who are the Nazis and why are they chasing Maria and her family?”

““Nazis are a group of people who believe that nobody else can look, feel, think, or act differently from them and if you do they try to harm you. They were chasing Maria and her family because Maria and Captain Von Trapp believe everyone deserves a chance to make up their own minds and the Nazis didn’t like that.”

That was the broad-reaching answer I gave.  Of course we discussed it further in bits and spurts as more questions came up for him.  This back and forth banter went on for about 2 ½ months before the daily questions stopped.  He still brings up the topic but seems “satisfied” with the answers he was given. His main fear was about Maria, and if she and the children were going to be safe.

““Momma b, how did they kill so many people?” “They told them they were going to take a shower, locked them in a room and put bad chemicals in the air which made them stop breathing.”

Direct, honest, and factual, but I didn’t go into the details.  Every child matures differently physically and emotionally. I know my son very well, and his pragmatic little brain was able to hear what I said and process it.  I didn’t want to sugarcoat the type of people Nazis are to my caucasian, blonde hair, blue-eyed boy. My response to how they killed so many people is true. What it is not is easy to hear or digest.

Just because something can be digested doesn’t mean it has to taste good.  We encourage our children to eat “horrible things” like broccoli because we know it’s good for them and their bodies.  I encourage parents to “feed their children broccoli” when it comes to how and what they teach them. Cut it up into bite-sized pieces but don’t sugarcoat how ugly humanity can get.

I often find myself telling my children that all people have good and bad qualities.  Even people who call themselves Nazis more than likely have some good qualities, but it’s hard to see when their bad qualities overshadow them.

History isn’t pretty and mankind hasn’t always been kind.  So don’t do your children a disservice by shielding them from the basic realities of life.  Teach them that there will always be people who want to harm other people. However, there has always and WILL always be people who will want to help others.  I tell my children everyday to be a helper in a world of need.

““We who lived in concentration camps can remember the men who walked through the huts comforting others, giving away their last piece of bread.” — Viktor E. Frankl- a Holocaust survivor.

I am a 42-year-old biological mother of two young children in a same-sex relationship, a clinical psychologist with a specialty in neuropsychological assessment, a music therapist, a trainer of therapy dogs and ex-communicated Mormon from Indiana with a wicked sense of humor. 

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To Play or Not to Play: A Dad’s Perspective on Fortnite

By Tyler Jacobson

Photo: Shutterstock

During this past summer, nothing would have made my 10-year-old son happier than getting Fortnite, the new video game that’s all the rage these days. Not only did he talk endlessly about the full game, my son constantly asked if I would download the free Fortnite: Battle Royale to our iPad. Since I prefer to limit my kids’ screen time, I wasn’t keen on that idea of dropping $40 or more on the full game.

I admit that when my son first told me about Fortnite, I had no clue what he was talking about. After doing my research and finding out more about the game, I slowly shifted from cluelessness to ambivalence. So what is Fortnite, exactly? You’ve heard about it everywhere, I’m sure.

Fortnite is a multiplayer shooter game that has managed to garner millions of fans, with some estimating that it has racked up to 125 million fans worldwide. There are two versions of the game, the first being Fortnite: Save The World and Fortnite: Battle Royale. When you hear your kids say they’re playing Fortnite, they’re probably enjoying the second version as it is the free-to-play version.

From my understanding, the game is basically like the TV show Survivor, only instead of competing against each other in various challenges, players arm themselves and fight each other until the last player standing is declared the winner.

Reasons for the game’s popularity include the excellent graphics which lend it a well-polished yet cartoony feel and the new features, items and play modes that are constantly released and updated to make the game more fun and interactive. Fortnite is also a cross-platform game so kids can play together regardless of whichever game console they have, be it a PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch or even on regular smart devices.

To (Let Them) Play—or Not

I’m torn about whether or not I should allow my son to download and play the game. As a parent raising kids in the digital age, I worry about internet addiction and how much time screen time is ideal for my kids, and it seems like Fortnite plays into all of my concerns about having my children online and interacting with strangers of all ages. Also, I would love my son to trade some of his video games for books that excite him just as much, but I very well can’t force him to read.

Additionally, I am worried about the effect video games have on kids and the contradictory messages we are sending, especially to young boys. We lecture them on the hazards of violence, then allow them to play games like Fortnite for hours on end where all they do is find different ways of killing off their opponents. We encourage them to be fierce competitors and win no matter what, but then ask them to play fair.

On the other hand, I like the fact that a game like Fortnite encourages teamwork and cooperation. Also, part of me doesn’t want my kid to be excluded when all his friends are talking about the latest upgrades and the rounds they’ve played together. Besides, the game has parental controls that will allow me to limit the length of my son’s gaming sessions. That way, I can set and enforce screen time limits to encourage him to head outside for some real-life pastimes instead of remaining cooped up indoors.

Ultimately, the decision on whether or not to allow kids to play Fortnite depends on individual parents and what works for one family might not be ideal for another.

Tyler Jacobson is a happy husband, father of three, writer and outreach specialist with experience with organizations that help troubled teens and parents. His areas of focus include: parenting, social media, addiction, mental illness, and issues facing teenagers today.

 
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Pregnant With Cancer: Surviving as a Mom

By Lauren Smoke

‌

On March 13, 2015, when I was 8 weeks along in my first pregnancy, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. This time in my life that I had so looked forward to was suddenly filled with uncertainty and fear. At the time, it seemed like a curse. And obviously, nobody wants to hear the words, “you have cancer,” especially when you’re pregnant. At first I thought the timing couldn’t be worse. 

But my baby, Nico, was a blessing. He dragged me out of my self-pity and helped me focus on the light at the end of the tunnel (him), and he has continued to do so since his arrival last September. If it hadn’t been for him, that infamous lump on my left breast would have gone undetected for much longer.  He helped me survive. 

I like to define “survivor” as anyone who has lived through the words, “you have cancer.” Survivorship for me is doing my best to not dwell on the “what if’s” and “why’s” of cancer, but to be present with my miracle baby. Just like he helped me focus on him during my pregnancy, he deserves my attention on the outside. He saved my life. He saved my spirit. I owe it to him to be here with him 100%. He reminds me every day that I am the luckiest person in the world. He fought with me through surgery and chemo, and he made me a mom. Truly, we are both survivors. 

The fear is still there, looming in the background. It rears it’s ugly head whenever I’m approaching a scan or mammogram, or on significant dates like the anniversary of my diagnosis.  When I experience things like headaches and minor aches and pains, my mind immediately assumes it’s cancer. And I still deal with things like chemo brain and chronic pain from the surgery and radiation. I’m working through what I’ve come to learn is ptsd, which is common for people diagnosed with cancer. My treatment technically ended last Christmas Eve, but I’m still recovering.   

It’s been over a year and a half since the day I heard those life-changing words, but I can still recall the details of that moment with acute clarity. The exact spot I pulled my car over on Belmont Avenue when the doctor called me with the test results. The hesitation and reluctance in her voice. The crushing words, “it is cancer.”  The only thought I could vocalize: “will my baby be ok?” Her answer: “I don’t know.”  And I remember the gut-wrenching fear that followed as a dear friend drove me home while I sobbed. I remember saying over and over again, “how will I ever sleep again?” How could I ever escape this terror? At the time, it seemed impossible.

But here I am, over a year and a half later. Smiling and laughing. Breathing. Sleeping (as much as my 13 month old early bird son will let me). Doing my best to not take for granted this life that I now know is so fragile. I guess you could say I’m surviving. 

Do you have a story about how breast cancer has impacted your life as a parent? We want to hear it! Join our October Breast Cancer Awareness conversation and share your story today.

Beat breast cancer while I was pregnant with my son, who just turned one. Still trying to find a new normal after becoming a mom and being diagnosed with cancer at 33 years old. I teach music and yoga to kids, I'm married to a chef so I never cook.

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Minecraft Mania: Pixel Perfect Parties & Play in LA

by Christina Montoya Fiedler

Creepers, survival modes, the Nether, Steve; if you’ve heard these terms floating around your house, you might have a Minecraft fanatic, er, enthusiast on your hands. Here are our favorite Los Angeles locations where kids can get crafting and moding at camps, parties and workshops.

photo: SuperLeague Gaming

Minecraft Rules at Rolling Robots
Minecraft Party Palooza
Host the ultimate party for your Minecraft loving kid at any of Rolling Robots three Los Angeles locations. Your aspiring gamer and pals can explore the expertly built Rolling Robots Minecraft server while pros help newbies and experienced players alike wade through survivor mode and pick up some new techniques along the way, like creating your own survival packs. If this all sounds like Greek (geek?) to you, you’re not alone. Parents are welcomed to join in on the fun, pick up a controller and play along. You might just get hooked; you’ll definitely get cool parent points.

Yearlong Minecraft Camps and Classes
If just a few hours at a party isn’t enough, try sending your little Minecraft maniac to a week long camp or a day long class. Level one lets builders learn all about the world of Minecraft from the bottom up. They’ll learn to build villages, spawn farm animals, fight zombies, and more. Level two slowly integrates coding (yes, coding!) into the mix by showing builders how to change the appearance of their characters (a.k.a. modding) and the game through JAVA script.

Good to know: Take advantage of the sibling discount and drop everyone off at one location for summertime fun. Half and full day camps are available.

Locations in Palos Verdes, Glendale and West LA
Online: rollingrobots.com

photo: SuperLeague Gaming

Big Screen Minecraft with SuperLeague Gaming
Forget about playing Minecraft on a teeny handheld device; try playing on a larger-than-life movie screen. Created by dads who love Minecraft as much as their kids, Super League Gaming has combined forces with AMC, Regal and Cinemark to turn theaters into giant interactive gaming arenas during a four week Minecraft tournament. Kids bring their laptops and connect to the super league server, and then real time play is projected onto the big screen. These game-offs happen on a continual basis, with locations and starting dates varying.  Check the website.

Good to know: Don’t worry if your child is new to Minecraft. Member’s of the SuperLeague’s Action Squad will be available to walk your child through any on screen issues for a frustration free week.

Online: superleague.com

photo: Digital Dragons

Parties and More at Digital Dragon
Minecraft Mania Camp for Newbies and Beyond
The motto at Digital Dragon is “learn how to create tech instead of jut consuming it,” and that’s exactly what your kids will be doing here.  At either summer week-long camp sessions or during the year at weekly classes, kids will explore the digital Minecraft world and encounter rare finds like ender dragons and withers. More advanced Minecraft fans can use modding to mold the game into their own unique version with new skins, textures, creatures, machines and maps. Just don’t tell them that they’re actually learning the basics of coding and computer science. Check the website for class and camp schedules.

Party Like Steve
It’s Minecraft as far as the eye can see, if you choose to have your birthday party at Digital Dragons. Think Creeper centerpieces and Steve themed cupcakes. Top it all off with the ultimate Minecraft tournament with your best buds. From Minecraft games to hands on crafts, it’s a full blown block building extravaganza.

3026 Nebraska Ave.
Santa Monica
424-280-4654
Online: digitaldragon.co


Bonus: Explore Los Angelcraft
Ever wonder what our city would look like if it were made entirely out of Minecraft blocks? Los Angelcraft takes you on a tour of Los Angeles as build through the eyes of a Minecraft fanatic. All the landmarks are there: Gruaman’s Chinese, L.A. Live, the Santa Monica Pier and more. Log on and see what you can spot…

Online: planetminecraft.org

What are your favorite Minecraft inspired camps and classes? Tell us in the comments below.

Christina Montoya Fiedler

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