Act to Impact with Brandi DeVries
This show will fuel your fire within to make an impact in the world. It will ignite action to become aware of your untapped gifts, connect with causes close to your heart, and inspire you to take action to make a lasting impact. Brandi is a long-time advocate and fundraiser for a national non-profit and is dedicated to introducing you to stories of hope, resilience, and community from the pediatric cancer community and impact makers around the world that will inspire your purpose to make an impact.
Act to Impact with Brandi DeVries
Raising a Survivor: Mindy Dykes on Resilience, Independence & Advocacy
In this emotional and inspiring episode of Act to Impact, Brandi DeVries sits down with Mindy Dykes, a mother, advocate, and dedicated supporter of Children’s Cancer Research Fund (CCRF). Mindy shares the harrowing experience of her son Connor’s cancer diagnosis at just six weeks old, his battle through treatment, and the resilience he has shown in survivorship.
Mindy emphasizes the critical role of cancer research, the importance of community support for families, and how fostering independence in childhood cancer survivors helps them thrive. She also highlights her work with Camp Norden, a camp created for kids who have been affected by cancer.
Through her advocacy, Mindy sheds light on the growing number of childhood cancer cases, the need for awareness and education, and how small acts of support from the community can make a profound difference. Whether you are a parent, advocate, or someone looking to make an impact, this episode is a must-listen.
What You'll Learn in This Episode:
✅ How Connor’s diagnosis at six weeks old shaped Mindy’s journey.
✅ Why cancer research funding is crucial for treatment advancements.
✅ The mental health impact on childhood cancer survivors.
✅ How community involvement provides critical support for families.
✅ The importance of fostering independence in childhood cancer survivors.
✅ How Camp Norden offers emotional and spiritual healing for kids with cancer.
✅ Why awareness and education about childhood cancer are essential.
✅ How creative programs and camps empower children during and after treatment.
Ways to Take Action:
🎗 Support Childhood Cancer Research! Learn about Children’s Cancer Research Fund (CCRF) to help fund life-saving treatments. Visit www.childrenscancer.org.
🏕 Get Involved with Camp Norden! Learn how this camp supports young survivors.
📢 Raise Awareness! Share this episode to spread the message about the importance of childhood cancer research and advocacy.
🙌 Take Action! Find a way to support families in your community—small efforts make a big difference.
📢 Show up and Support Connor and his BIG goal! Connor is looking to raise $100,000 by his graduation on May 29th. In honor and gratitude for his survivorship and his victory, we want to continue to fuel childhood cancer research. Consider attending Connor's Sunday Social on April 6th at 45th Parallel, New Richmond with acoustic live music from 12-3. There is also a bigger event, Connor's Victory Jam, on May 4th at Big Guys BBQ, Hudson, WI from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. with silent auction items, BBQ plates, and live music from 1-5 p.m.
💛 Are you inspired to take action? Take action and make an impact on a child affected by childhood cancer. Support the much-needed funding for childhood cancer by making a donation NOW to CCRF!
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Hosted by Brandi DeVries: Advocate, fundraiser, and Mrs. Minnesota International 2025.
Thank you to guest Mindy Dykes. Learn more about Mindy.