Ashley Cain, a parent who documented their journey with childhood cancer and advocated for bone marrow donation, opens up about losing his child and helping others grieve. He shares his experiences with his daughter's diagnosis, the challenges they faced during the pandemic, and the importance of social media support. The podcast explores breaking emotional boundaries, finding strength in community, and launching the Azaylia Foundation.
Ashley highlights the need for more research and funding for childhood cancer, urging for greater awareness and support.
Ashley emphasizes the role of physical activity and fitness in coping with grief and improving mental well-being.
Ashley discusses the importance of breaking the stigma around male emotional expression and creating a safe space for grief and healing.
Deep dives
Ashley's Journey with His Daughter's Leukemia Diagnosis
Ashley Kane shares the heartbreaking journey of his daughter, Azalea, being diagnosed with leukemia at just eight weeks old. He expresses the deep love and appreciation he had for his daughter and how their story resonated with thousands of people on social media. Ashley emphasizes the importance of trusting parental instincts and advocating for medical attention when needed. He talks about the challenges of going through treatment during the pandemic and the isolation they experienced in the hospital. Despite the devastating news, Ashley and his partner remained strong, finding strength in their daughter's courage and the support they received from their social media followers.
Raising Awareness and Support for Childhood Cancer
Ashley highlights the lack of research and funding dedicated to childhood cancer, urging for more awareness and support. He discusses the Azalea Foundation, which aims to raise awareness, provide financial support for families, and fund research for pediatric cancer. Ashley shares his hope that the foundation will make a meaningful impact, helping children receive the necessary treatment, and aiding families in coping with the challenges of childhood cancer.
The Power of Fitness and Physical Activity in Coping with Grief
Ashley emphasizes the importance of physical activity, particularly fitness, in coping with grief and mental health. He shares his personal experience of how exercise helped him through difficult times in his life and during his daughter's battle with cancer. Ashley believes that physical activity provides a sense of achievement and helps release endorphins, contributing to improved mental well-being. He expresses his intention to incorporate physical challenges and fundraising activities as part of the Azalea Foundation's efforts to raise awareness and support for childhood cancer.
Breaking the Stigma of Male Emotional Expression and Opening Up about Grief
Ashley discusses the importance of breaking the stigma surrounding male emotional expression, particularly when it comes to grief. He shares personal experiences of helping others embrace their emotions and create a safe space for them to express their grief. Ashley encourages men to be open, supportive, and understanding when it comes to discussing their emotions and grief. He believes that by offering empathy and compassion, a true emotional connection can be established, leading to healing and support for those grieving.
Creating a Community for Support and Healing
Ashley emphasizes the power of community and the support he has received from family, friends, and his social media following. He shares how the outpouring of love and encouragement has helped him and his partner navigate their grief and find strength. Ashley believes that by creating a community and fostering connections, people can provide comfort and support to those going through similar experiences. He also emphasizes the importance of understanding and accommodating others' struggles, offering kindness, and helping those in need.
In April 2021, Ashley Cain’s eight month old daughter Azaylia Diamond Cain passed away. At eight weeks old she had been diagnosed with an aggressive form of leukaemia; Ashley and his partner Safiyya captured the nation’s hearts as they used social media to document their journey, raise awareness for childhood cancer and encourage people to become bone marrow donors both for their daughter and thousands of other children.
In this chat with Fearne, Ashley talks for the first time since Azaylia’s death about losing his child, about helping others grieve, and about why he feels he now has a real purpose for the first time in his life.