Finding something positive during a cancer journey is no easy task.
But Isla Johnston’s family did just that.
In 2023, the 8-year-old was diagnosed with pineoblastoma, a rare brain tumor. Within days, she underwent surgery and began a very aggressive therapy to treat the fast-growing cancer. She was hospitalized for most of the year.
During that time, she visited Seacrest Studio, a place patients and families engage in therapeutic and entertaining programming at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. It was the place she formed relationships with the Nashville Soccer Club (NSC), which has been a longtime supporter of Monroe Carell.
“Isla is a very creative, conscientious, sociable person,” said Kat Johnston, her mother. “She had become isolated in so many ways. When she was asked if she would be interested in being a junior broadcaster for the soccer club, she really wanted to do it.
“We could not be more proud of her. This was an amazing, incredible experience and seeing her grow in her confidence, especially after such a tough year … she just flourished.”
Not to mention that Isla’s parents are from England and her dad just so happens to be one of the biggest fans of the Premier League — the English professional football league.
“It was definitely a huge enjoyment seeing her participate in the interviews and press conferences,” said her dad, Finn Johnston. “This helped restore some of the characteristics that the year before had sort of silenced. During treatment, she really pushed herself and did brave things. Serving as the junior broadcaster was another way she stepped out of her comfort zone.”
Isla is the second Jr. Broadcaster for Kicks N’ Convos, a patient-engagement experience that introduces one patient from Monroe Carell to the NSC for behind-the-scenes involvement, interviews with players and opportunities to attend matches.
Dominic Gamez, 10, served as the program’s first broadcaster during the introductory year in 2023.
He recorded multiple videos highlighting Geodis Park and interactions with Tempo, the NSC soccer mascot. The spots were featured during the matches and on social media channels.
An avid soccer player, Dominic’s diagnosis came in 2022 a few days after one of his matches. He began limping and a bump formed on the side of his knee. It was osteosarcoma. The opportunity to serve as a Junior Broadcaster was a real boost for Dominic, said his mom, Lessly Gamez.
“It took his mind off of things,” she said. “He had a lot of things to adjust to, and he saw himself as different from other kids, but this brought him out of his shell. Now he is starting to see himself as a normal kid.
“It also showed him that the hospital where he was going through all of this was a fun place and helped him meet other people, like the soccer players.”
Dominic, a fifth grader at Blackmon Elementary in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, said the experience was great and made him feel like a celebrity.
“It was super fun, and I would do it again,” he said smiling.
Isla, who is starting the third grade at Thompson Station Elementary, agrees.
“I like everything about it,” said Isla. “I really like it when me and Reuben (Isla’s younger brother) get to be down on the field. It’s been fun meeting most of the soccer players.”
Isla’s parents said that including their youngest son, Reuben, on some of the activities had a huge impact on the family.
“Isla was the reporter, but we were just blown away at the level of inclusion for her brother,” said Finn Johnston. “It’s hard to really explain, but it was a massive gesture, and this experience has just been incredible.”
Both patients have been recognized by friends who saw the videos on the jumbotron at the games.
“It’s been really sweet to see the crowds enjoying the videos and, especially, to see the support for our kids. It’s very, very special,” added Kat Johnston.
Isla completed eight episodes in her role as junior broadcaster. There are two more segments on the schedule — look for her at the upcoming home match on Sept. 21 highlighting her interaction with the team during their trip to Philadelphia in July.
