A cancer diagnosis is devastating news for
anyone, and particularly heartbreaking when a child is involved. But thousands
of children must face cancer every year, and according to the American Cancer Society and other
organizations, a quarter of them will not survive.
While most of us are aware of cancer, if nothing
else because we receive annual screenings for different types based on our age
and gender, we may not know much about the particular types of cancer most
common in children. That’s why Childhood
Cancer Awareness Month is so important. By learning and sharing information,
we can all be more in tune with the needs of children (and their families) in
this struggle, as well as be on board to help raise much needed research funds and supply other support.
For some inspiration, read the stories of Gold
Ribbon Heroes whose bravery and innovation affects the lives
of those around them. Survivors have a powerful voice, too, as this story so eloquently points out. Know a patient, parent, healthcare
provider or someone in the community who refuses to let cancer go unchallenged?
Nominate them here.
Feeling really inspired? Then tap into a local
activity in your community, or be really bold and start your own! Groups,
businesses, churches and social clubs are all great places for a fundraiser
that benefits a research organization of your choice, a local hospital’s
pediatric wing or a nonprofit that provides support and resources to patients
and their families.
We never know when the final breakthrough will
come, the one that finally lets scientists crack the cancer code, and leads to
treatments that allow physicians to eradicate this disease from anyone and
everyone before it robs them of life. That’s why supporting research and
medical facilities is so important. But we also can support each other, even if
it’s just by sending a card, making a meal, or volunteering on a children’s
ward to read or play games with patients.
Cancer can happen to anyone, and that’s why
everyone must be engaged in the fight to cure it.
No comments:
Post a Comment