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When a family is facing childhood cancer—or grieving the loss of a child—many of us want to help but don’t know what to say. In this episode of Act to Impact, host Brandi DeVries sits down with Abby Breyfogle, a mom, advocate, and nonprofit leader whose family has experienced both survivorship and unimaginable loss.

Abby shares her journey as the mother of identical twins diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia as infants, the heartbreak of losing her daughter Kendal at just two years old, and the joy of celebrating her twin Kenedi as a survivor. Together, Brandi and Abby have an honest, compassionate conversation about grief, community, and the real do’s and don’ts of supporting families facing childhood cancer.

This episode equips listeners with practical, meaningful ways to show up—what to say, what not to say, and why actions often matter more than words. Abby also shares how her family turned pain into purpose by creating a childhood cancer journal to help other families navigate diagnosis and treatment, and how her children continue Kendal’s legacy through advocacy and fundraising.

Whether you’re supporting a friend, a classmate, a neighbor, or simply want to be more confident showing compassion in hard moments, this episode will leave you feeling informed, empowered, and ready to act.

💡 Key Takeaways

• You don’t need the perfect words—presence and action matter more than speeches
• Simple phrases like “I’m so sorry” and “I’m here” are often enough
• Avoid minimizing grief or trying to “fix” the pain with platitudes
• Asking permission before using a child’s name can be deeply respectful
• Showing up with meals, notes, or quiet support can mean everything
• Grief doesn’t go away—it changes, and families carry both joy and sadness
• Children can play a powerful role in supporting classmates with cancer
• Advocacy often begins with lived experience and small acts of courage
• Creating space to talk about loss helps families feel less alone
• Everyone has a role to play in supporting the pediatric cancer community

💛 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!

My Childhood Cancer Fight – A Journal

Teagan's Twice the Fight Fundraising Page

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Hosted by Brandi DeVries: Advocate, fundraiser, and Mrs. Minnesota International 2025.

Thank you to guest Abby Breyfogle. 

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