In this powerful episode we sit down with Tom Whitehead, co-founder of the Emily Whitehead Foundation along with wife Kari and daughter Emily, to share their incredible story of the first pediatric cancer patient ever treated with CAR-T cell therapy. What began as a desperate fight for survival against acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) became a medical breakthrough that has since helped treat tens of thousands of lives worldwide.
Tom recounts the harrowing journey from Emily’s devastating diagnosis at age five to the experimental treatment that defied all odds . . . including a 14-day coma and a last-chance arthritis drug that miraculously turned the tide. He opens up about the emotional toll on their family, the pivotal role of faith in Emily’s recovery, and how their experience inspired them to advocate for greater access to cutting-edge therapies.
Today, Emily is a thriving college student, and the Whiteheads’ foundation helps families navigate clinical trials, insurance hurdles, and the hope that CAR-T therapy can bring. Tom also shares practical advice for patients and caregivers facing similar battles, emphasizing the importance of second opinions, persistence, and staying positive in the face of uncertainty.
Checkout these links for more on Emily’s incredible story:
The Emily Whitehead Foundation
Watch the documentary “Medicine and Miracles” (Amazon/Apple)
IMAX film “Superhuman Body: World of Medical Marvels” (featuring Emily’s story)
Tune in for an unforgettable conversation about resilience, medical innovation, and how one family’s fight changed the future of cancer treatment.
