#157: When a Community Shows Up: Childhood Cancer, Friendship, and Lifelong Ripple Effects (with Amy Blumenfeld)

Amy Blumenfeld was in 8th grade when she was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma. While the medical story is remarkable on its own (including Amy becoming the first adolescent with Hodgkin lymphoma to have an autologous bone marrow transplant at Memorial Sloan Kettering in NYC), what stayed with her deeply was how her community showed up for her family. Just one example: a group of friends and synagogue families created a full-length skit video—Amy Night Live—to lift her spirits during isolation. Her community's love, support, and generosity became the emotional backdrop of her storytelling and work for years to come.

We talk about:

• How Amy’s real-life community inspired the fictional community and circle of friends in her debut novel The Cast
• The ripple effect of early illness on friendships, families, and even future partners, careers, and children
• How illness can reshape your view of who matters and why
• Amy's second novel, Such Good People, which explores childhood friendship and loyalty against the backdrop of the criminal justice system
• The complexities of loyalty when friends and family need you at the same time

This conversation ties closely to my upcoming Dear Nina live event in Highland Park, Illinois, which will raise money for the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation. In the introduction of the episode I mention losing my nephew Joshua McFadden to DIPG, a form of brain cancer, in 2017. A portion of ticket sales and 15% of all sales at ENAZ stores on 7/31/25 (not just in Highland Park!) will go to this important cause.

LINKS & RESOURCES:

• Joshua's story on NPCF's site
• My episode with brother-in-law (and my first podcast producer!), Dave Dluger
• Amy's books: The Cast and Such Good People

MEET AMY BLUMENFELD:

Amy Blumenfeld is an award-winning author and journalist. She is a graduate of Barnard College of Columbia University and received a master’s degree from the Columbia University School of Journalism. Her articles and essays have appeared in various publications including the New York Times, The Huffington Post, O, The Oprah Magazine, as well on the cover of People. Amy’s debut novel, The Cast, was selected as a New York Post Best Book of the Week. She has contributed to three non-fiction books, including a USA TODAY bestselling anthology. Amy lives in New York with her husband and daughter. Such Good People is her second novel. Find Amy on Instagram @AmyBlumenfeldAuthor.

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Special thank you, as always, to my assistant producer, Rebekah Jacobs!