I received a message from the American Childhood Cancer Organization and posted a section of it below. I wanted to share this section with you because the part I bolded made me cry and cry.
"It will be National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month for a few more hours. As we reflect on the activity of the last thirty days, we must admit that we don't feel the momentum slowing at all. Sure, Awareness Month is almost over, but life for those who are dealing with the effects of childhood cancer will not change drastically from September 30th to October 1st. We know that families don't stop dealing with this disease once September is over, so our efforts shouldn't stop either.."
This was written by the ACCO Program Director, Amber Masso.
Introducing Raylee and Jorja.....sisters! Raylee is our cancer baby and Jorja is her sister's keeper.
Friday, September 30, 2011
Barbeque with Starbucks!
Tonight we attended a barbeque with HopeKids sponsored by Starbucks and their Community Service partners. There were so many people and kids. It was located at a local park. This event also was like a carnival for kids. They had a bouncy house, games, crafts, cotton candy, and the best part was--a local K-9 police unit was there! There were two K-9 police dogs, one was a 4-year-old German Shepard and named Qunito and belonged to Sgt. Thomas. This dog finds criminals and Sgt. Thomas stated Quinto's reward is biting them when he finds them. The other K-9 was only a few-months-old and it was his 2nd day on the police force. He was the cutiest puppy, a little blood hound who didn't have a name yet. Raylee, Jorja, and I, all just loved this little puppy and Quinto.
Again, it was great to see the girls play and have fun without any worries. Their laughter is growing and growing, as they begin to transition to a more normal, and better, reality.
Again, it was great to see the girls play and have fun without any worries. Their laughter is growing and growing, as they begin to transition to a more normal, and better, reality.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Jorja Receives a Trophy for Courage
Raylee received a trophy from SuperSibs today in the mail. It is an actual trophy. On the plauge it says Jorja's name and says "For your Strength, Courage & Love YOU are a SuperSib!" It came with a note thata said:
"Dear SuperSib, In our eyes, YOU are a SUPERSTAR. And for that, you deserve special recognition! in fact, this trophy was made with YOU in mind. We hope it will always be a symbol of strength for YOU-and a reminder of how wonderful you are. With love, SuperSibs"
Jorja is an amazing kid...she is an inspiration of courage. This trophy made Jorja's day. She was beaming when she opened the box it came in. She had dealt with a lot lately and the trophy came on a day she really needed! She had a bad day at school and this morning we had news that our Great Grandma Fuller had passed away last night. She was Jorja's Great-Great Grandma and she was 99-years-old. She lived a full life and was born 2 days after the Titanic sank. Jorja was really sad about this, she thought Grandma Fuller was very interesting.
A note came with the trophy and asked us to send a picture of Jorja holding the trophy to SuperSibs!
"Dear SuperSib, In our eyes, YOU are a SUPERSTAR. And for that, you deserve special recognition! in fact, this trophy was made with YOU in mind. We hope it will always be a symbol of strength for YOU-and a reminder of how wonderful you are. With love, SuperSibs"
Jorja is an amazing kid...she is an inspiration of courage. This trophy made Jorja's day. She was beaming when she opened the box it came in. She had dealt with a lot lately and the trophy came on a day she really needed! She had a bad day at school and this morning we had news that our Great Grandma Fuller had passed away last night. She was Jorja's Great-Great Grandma and she was 99-years-old. She lived a full life and was born 2 days after the Titanic sank. Jorja was really sad about this, she thought Grandma Fuller was very interesting.
A note came with the trophy and asked us to send a picture of Jorja holding the trophy to SuperSibs!
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Wasatch Adventure
Way to go Raylee's team!! We had 9 team members and raised $150 to donate to HopeKids! Several team members were able to attend the Wasatch Adventure with us. We would like to give a heart felt thanks to all Raylee's team members. The Wasatch Adventure was at Fort Douglas in Salt Lake City. It was a beautiful sunny cool day. Jerry and I did not know what to expect from the Wasatch Adventure since this was our first experience. We have never participated in any type of cancer walks before. Next year we plan on marketing this better since we know what to expect and know what it is about. So anyone interested in participating with us next year...get ready! :)
The Wasatch Adventure was like a carnival for kids. They had several giant bouncy houses, music, snowcones, cotton candy, popcorn, pizza, and games for kids to play. They had several team mascots such as the lion form Real Salt Lake soccer team and the Hawk from the University of Utah. They also had Miss Utah and Miss Arizona. There were characters walking around such as Disney Princesses, Tinkerbell, and Batman. It was amazing! It was amazing to hear my girls just laugh and laugh. Raylee would not leave the bouncy house. She was so happy and having so my fun, even though she was really tired she kept jumping and going down the slide in the bouncy house. She was an animal!! My nephew also joined us and him and Jorja were buddies as they bounced away and tired themselves out.
It was such a peaceful feeling inside to hear Raylee laughing like she was....I am grateful the Wasatch Adventure was able to bring this out.
The Wasatch Adventure is designed for the kid, but really we are all kids so everyone can have fun. They have a 5K race, 5K walk, and Adventure Walk (1 mile). Next year I want to be conditioned to participate in the 5K race!!
There was a giant poster to place a picture of your HopeKid on it....I definately placed a picture of Raylee on it! She definately is an inspiration of HOPE!
The Wasatch Adventure was like a carnival for kids. They had several giant bouncy houses, music, snowcones, cotton candy, popcorn, pizza, and games for kids to play. They had several team mascots such as the lion form Real Salt Lake soccer team and the Hawk from the University of Utah. They also had Miss Utah and Miss Arizona. There were characters walking around such as Disney Princesses, Tinkerbell, and Batman. It was amazing! It was amazing to hear my girls just laugh and laugh. Raylee would not leave the bouncy house. She was so happy and having so my fun, even though she was really tired she kept jumping and going down the slide in the bouncy house. She was an animal!! My nephew also joined us and him and Jorja were buddies as they bounced away and tired themselves out.
It was such a peaceful feeling inside to hear Raylee laughing like she was....I am grateful the Wasatch Adventure was able to bring this out.
The Wasatch Adventure is designed for the kid, but really we are all kids so everyone can have fun. They have a 5K race, 5K walk, and Adventure Walk (1 mile). Next year I want to be conditioned to participate in the 5K race!!
There was a giant poster to place a picture of your HopeKid on it....I definately placed a picture of Raylee on it! She definately is an inspiration of HOPE!
Friday, September 23, 2011
CIRCUS Time!!
Today Raylee and Jorja went to the Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey circus with their Grandma Patty. They were given tickets from HopeKids! They were able to participate in a preshow with HopeKids which allowed them to meet many of the performers and be close to the performing animals. They witnessed an elephant painting a picture. This event brought an excited anticipation within my girls...and their grandma :) They had a blast! This was an experience they will never forget and they are still talking about it!
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Barbeque with the Bikers for Christ
This evening we attended a barbeque with HopeKids sponsored by the Bikers for Christ. It was at a local park and was a lot of fun. They had many many Harley Davidson motorcylces which of course made Jerry drool. They also had a mini car show with a lot of '69 Chevy Camaros and '69 Chevelles which made me drool. :)
Every day I am amazed at all the people and groups who reach out trying to ease what all the HopeKids families are going through or have gone through. It hasn't been easy. It seems like going through Raylee's cancer happened so fast and I thought I had dealt with all the emotions from it, but I haven't. I have been really depressed from it, some of it may be that I am really exhausted. It seems like it is catching up to me now. But having something to go to like barbeque sponsored by a group of people because they care and want to make a differce ignites my energy and hope that all will be well. It is true, there are people all around taking action to make this world an easier and better place. I am truly humbled and grateful for these people and the director's of HopeKids who organize these things. Tomorrow the girls are going to the circus with HopeKids, something we wouldn't be able to purchase right now due to the financial strain of medical expenses.
All these great events and experiences are certainly educating me on many groups or organizations whom serve others, such as Bikers for Christ. In the Bikers for Christ's Statement of Faith it states, "We believe that love is more important than the most spectacular gifts, and without this love all exercise of spiritual gifts is worthless." If you would like to check out more about this group go to www.bikersforchrist.org
Every day I am amazed at all the people and groups who reach out trying to ease what all the HopeKids families are going through or have gone through. It hasn't been easy. It seems like going through Raylee's cancer happened so fast and I thought I had dealt with all the emotions from it, but I haven't. I have been really depressed from it, some of it may be that I am really exhausted. It seems like it is catching up to me now. But having something to go to like barbeque sponsored by a group of people because they care and want to make a differce ignites my energy and hope that all will be well. It is true, there are people all around taking action to make this world an easier and better place. I am truly humbled and grateful for these people and the director's of HopeKids who organize these things. Tomorrow the girls are going to the circus with HopeKids, something we wouldn't be able to purchase right now due to the financial strain of medical expenses.
All these great events and experiences are certainly educating me on many groups or organizations whom serve others, such as Bikers for Christ. In the Bikers for Christ's Statement of Faith it states, "We believe that love is more important than the most spectacular gifts, and without this love all exercise of spiritual gifts is worthless." If you would like to check out more about this group go to www.bikersforchrist.org
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Slow Dance
This poem was written by a terminally ill young teenage girl in a New York Hospital.
SLOW DANCE
Have you ever watched kids
On a merry-go-round?
Or listened to the rain
Slapping on the ground?
Ever followed a butterfly's erratic flight?
Or gazed at the sun into the fading night?
You better slow down.
Don't dance so fast.
Time is short.
The music won't last.
Do you run through each day
On the fly?
When you ask How are you?
Do you hear the reply?
When the day is done
Do you lie in your bed
With the next hundred chores
Running through your head?
You'd better slow down
Don't dance so fast.
Time is short.
The music won't last.
Ever told your child,
We'll do it tomorrow?
And in your haste,
Not see his sorrow?
Ever lost touch,
Let a good friendship die
Cause you never had time
To call and say,'Hi'
You'd better slow down.
Don't dance so fast.
Time is short..
The music won't last..
When you run so fast to get somewhere
You miss half the fun of getting there.
When you worry and hurry through your day,
It is like an unopened gift....
Thrown away.
Life is not a race.
Do take it slower
Hear the music
Before the song is over.
-------------------------------------
My friend sent me this poem in an e-mail which is meant to be forward through e-mail but I really wanted to post it on the blog. When I was reading this e-mail I would read a little and walk away and cry, then read a little and walk away and cry. It really pulled at my heartstrings and buts life in a perspective. I hope it touches you and you get the message this young girl is sharing.
Best Regards,
Melissa
SLOW DANCE
Have you ever watched kids
On a merry-go-round?
Or listened to the rain
Slapping on the ground?
Ever followed a butterfly's erratic flight?
Or gazed at the sun into the fading night?
You better slow down.
Don't dance so fast.
Time is short.
The music won't last.
Do you run through each day
On the fly?
When you ask How are you?
Do you hear the reply?
When the day is done
Do you lie in your bed
With the next hundred chores
Running through your head?
You'd better slow down
Don't dance so fast.
Time is short.
The music won't last.
Ever told your child,
We'll do it tomorrow?
And in your haste,
Not see his sorrow?
Ever lost touch,
Let a good friendship die
Cause you never had time
To call and say,'Hi'
You'd better slow down.
Don't dance so fast.
Time is short..
The music won't last..
When you run so fast to get somewhere
You miss half the fun of getting there.
When you worry and hurry through your day,
It is like an unopened gift....
Thrown away.
Life is not a race.
Do take it slower
Hear the music
Before the song is over.
-------------------------------------
My friend sent me this poem in an e-mail which is meant to be forward through e-mail but I really wanted to post it on the blog. When I was reading this e-mail I would read a little and walk away and cry, then read a little and walk away and cry. It really pulled at my heartstrings and buts life in a perspective. I hope it touches you and you get the message this young girl is sharing.
Best Regards,
Melissa
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Hats Off For Cancer
Raylee received a Tinkerbell ball cap in the mail from "Hats Off For Cancer." This is a international organization that has given more than one million children around the globe a since 1996. How incredible and creative! What an amazing thing to do. When Raylee received her hat she was smiling and happy. She felt sooooo special. The hat is too big and drowns her, but she didn't care. She wore it proudly, and I wouldn't have expected anything less from her.
We also received a letter from NENA (Neuroblastoma Epidemiology in North America) based at the University of North Carolina Gillings School of Global Public Health. The letter stated Raylee has an opportunity to help provide knowledge about neuroblastoma by being part of a research study. Since Raylee is part of a study by the COG (Children's Oncology Group) she is part of the CCRN (Childhood Cancer Research Network's) registry. This means her name and my contact information will be shared with other pediatric cancer research studies. We will receive additional information about this study soon and then we can decide if we want to be part of it. We basically decided that all these studies will want a part if her tumor to study. We already allowed the COG to have the tumor and the piece from her biopsy. They also have a sample of her bone marrow, bone, and blood. This is one way we are able to help pediatric cancer researchers to help prevent neuroblastoma, find better treatment, or just help the medical professionals understand this horrible disease better. A "horrible disease" isn't the best way to describe what I feel about cancer, I am sure you know I hate it, but to put it into written words will cause me to use inappropriate language. I haven't hated something with everything I am for a really long time. But I really hate cancer! I hate what it did to my daughter, and what its mission was to do! I hate what if does to other people. I hate the treatment.for cancer Andrews how it makes the patient so sick. I hate watching people who are doing things to increase their chances of getting cancer like smoking, drinking, not eating well nor being active. When I see someone smoking I wonder if they really know what could be going on inside of them, I wonder if they really know what cancer is capable of. I want to reduce my chances of getting this, I want to reduce the chances of my family getting this again. Some cancers, like Raylee's, is unavoidable--but those cancers that are avoidable--I want to avoid.
We also received a letter from NENA (Neuroblastoma Epidemiology in North America) based at the University of North Carolina Gillings School of Global Public Health. The letter stated Raylee has an opportunity to help provide knowledge about neuroblastoma by being part of a research study. Since Raylee is part of a study by the COG (Children's Oncology Group) she is part of the CCRN (Childhood Cancer Research Network's) registry. This means her name and my contact information will be shared with other pediatric cancer research studies. We will receive additional information about this study soon and then we can decide if we want to be part of it. We basically decided that all these studies will want a part if her tumor to study. We already allowed the COG to have the tumor and the piece from her biopsy. They also have a sample of her bone marrow, bone, and blood. This is one way we are able to help pediatric cancer researchers to help prevent neuroblastoma, find better treatment, or just help the medical professionals understand this horrible disease better. A "horrible disease" isn't the best way to describe what I feel about cancer, I am sure you know I hate it, but to put it into written words will cause me to use inappropriate language. I haven't hated something with everything I am for a really long time. But I really hate cancer! I hate what it did to my daughter, and what its mission was to do! I hate what if does to other people. I hate the treatment.for cancer Andrews how it makes the patient so sick. I hate watching people who are doing things to increase their chances of getting cancer like smoking, drinking, not eating well nor being active. When I see someone smoking I wonder if they really know what could be going on inside of them, I wonder if they really know what cancer is capable of. I want to reduce my chances of getting this, I want to reduce the chances of my family getting this again. Some cancers, like Raylee's, is unavoidable--but those cancers that are avoidable--I want to avoid.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
A Fever
Last night Raylee had a little fever so today I've watched her really closely and have checked her temperature like an over compulsive parent. I don't want her to get sick and I am really scared she may. I really don't know what's considered a low or high fever for her anymore. I know in a few more weeks Raylee's immune system won't be considered compromised as it has been, but the thought of exposing her out in public like normal brings anxiety. I know I can't shelter her forever. I have taken her to the store a few times early in the morning before a lot of people are around. I carry travel sized Clorox wipes with me and wipe the shopping cart down. I probably look like I have some type of germ phobia.
Today I was asked to go to one of the offices I work at (I rotate through different offices) and since I was home with Raylee I took her with me. They had a quilt made for her with square patches in different patterns of pink and blue. It came with a poem I will add in this blog. On the back of the poem there are sweet messages from those who went in on the quilt. They also gave Raylee a doll made of all the same materials the quilt was made of. They face Jorja a giant Teddy Bear. Giant really is an understatement for the size if thus stuffed animal, it is larger than Jorja. The girls love there gifts and won't part from them. I work with the sweetest people, seriously some of them don't even know me that well and they still were part of this. The outreach people have given my girls, and Jerry and I is remarkable! Of course Raylee showed off while we were there; it was fun to see like that.
.......................................................
Quilters Prayer
May each block represent us as persons, unique and different in every way
Fastened tight and bonded to one another, keeping cold and illness at bay
May each colorful pattern be the happiness, and love and support for one and all
Let the soft fabric be the cushion on our knees when a tough time makes us fall
When one of us is chilled in trials, let us be the quilt that makes them warm
We will wrap ourselves around you tight, to protect you from the storm
May the yarn tied around each of us be s prayer if hope, and well wishes too
Let our quilt be a gift of compassion and friendship, when you are feeling blue
For in happy times, and in sorrow we all are in this together, bonded in every seam
At the end of the day, pull up our quilt tight-and we will comfort you while you dream
...............................................
This is an amazing quilt and poem. I cried when I read it and cried again when I read the messages written on the back.
Thank you guys so much for your support and love! It means so much to us!
Today I was asked to go to one of the offices I work at (I rotate through different offices) and since I was home with Raylee I took her with me. They had a quilt made for her with square patches in different patterns of pink and blue. It came with a poem I will add in this blog. On the back of the poem there are sweet messages from those who went in on the quilt. They also gave Raylee a doll made of all the same materials the quilt was made of. They face Jorja a giant Teddy Bear. Giant really is an understatement for the size if thus stuffed animal, it is larger than Jorja. The girls love there gifts and won't part from them. I work with the sweetest people, seriously some of them don't even know me that well and they still were part of this. The outreach people have given my girls, and Jerry and I is remarkable! Of course Raylee showed off while we were there; it was fun to see like that.
.......................................................
Quilters Prayer
May each block represent us as persons, unique and different in every way
Fastened tight and bonded to one another, keeping cold and illness at bay
May each colorful pattern be the happiness, and love and support for one and all
Let the soft fabric be the cushion on our knees when a tough time makes us fall
When one of us is chilled in trials, let us be the quilt that makes them warm
We will wrap ourselves around you tight, to protect you from the storm
May the yarn tied around each of us be s prayer if hope, and well wishes too
Let our quilt be a gift of compassion and friendship, when you are feeling blue
For in happy times, and in sorrow we all are in this together, bonded in every seam
At the end of the day, pull up our quilt tight-and we will comfort you while you dream
...............................................
This is an amazing quilt and poem. I cried when I read it and cried again when I read the messages written on the back.
Thank you guys so much for your support and love! It means so much to us!
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Hair Growing Back!
Raylee's hair is growing back and it is super cute and fuzzy. It is adorable and I just love it! I remember having such a difficult time when it fell out and now it's hard to remember her with hair. Her cute little bald fuzzy head seems to fit her so well. We love to rub it and it's so soft to feel on your cheeks when you hold and hug her. I can't imagine her with hair right now but will enjoy her cute fuzzy head while it grows back! I just can't stop taking pictures of her as I want to remember and enjoy this time forever! It seemed her hair was coming in extremely blonde that it seemed white, but now it looks as if it with be the light brown/blonde color it was before. :)
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Gold Ribbons!!
I hope I found the correct information. On-line I searched for the color ribbon of Neuroblastoma and it is GOLD. Gold is also the color ribbon to show awareness for Childhood Cancer.
I will make many Gold Ribbons to show awareness in honor of Raylee. If I am not able to give you one, and you want to make one to join us, please do so. You will be showing support and awareness for not only Neuroblastoma cancer patients but for all children experiencing pediatric cancer!!
Best Regards!! :)
I will make many Gold Ribbons to show awareness in honor of Raylee. If I am not able to give you one, and you want to make one to join us, please do so. You will be showing support and awareness for not only Neuroblastoma cancer patients but for all children experiencing pediatric cancer!!
Best Regards!! :)
Join Raylee at the Wasatch Adventure Saturday, 09/24/11
If any of you are interested in this event you can register on the following website--Check it out! http://www.wasatchadventure.org/ Our team is called TEAM RAYLEE. We are donating $80, or $20 per person for each member of my family. Please see the information below...
We will be there with Raylee and participating in the Adventure Walk!! Any of you are welcome to bring your kids and join us, however you don't have to have kids to come! Registration is free and donations are incouraged but an opion. So please don't feel like you have to make a contribution to attend the Wasatch Adventure or to come walk with Raylee.
Raylee is a HopeKid and Jorja is a HopeKid Sibling. We are currently participants and now LIFE TIME supporters of this amazing program!!
"HopeKids provides ongoing events & activities and a powerful, unique support community for families who have a child with cancer or some other life-threatening medical condition. We surround these remarkable children and their families with the message that hope can be a powerful medicine."
Please pass on the word! :)
.........................................................................
"Come out and join us for the 3rd Annual HopeKids Wasatch Adventure 2011, held at the Fort Douglas Bandstand at Fort Douglas on the University of Utah Campus (200 Fort Douglas Blvd, Salt Lake City, UT 84113)." On Saturday, 09/24/11
"Registration starts at 9 AM, Races start at 10:30 AM. Get a fundraising team of up to five together and choose one of four activities to participate in:
1.The Adventure Walk: Suitable for kids and families, follow our 1 mile route visiting each of our Adventure Stations. You never know who you might meet!
2.5K Walk.
3.5K Run.
4.Remote Participant: If you are unable to be at the event on September 24th, feel free to get one or more teams together in your community and walk or run for Hope!
When you walk or run to support HopeKids, you are raising the spirits of hundreds of kids and their families in their greatest time of need. You are giving them the gift of HOPE!
HopeKids is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization. Over 92% of our revenue goes directly toward serving our families.
Prizes will be awarded to the top 3 fundraising teams. Registration and donations are being handled by FirstGiving. To register for the Wasatch Adventure, follow this link:
http://www.firstgiving.com/hopekids/hopekids-wasatch-adventure
HopeKids does not charge a registration fee–instead we ask each team of up to 5 individuals to raise $100 (that’s just $20 per person). Or, if your team is more than 5, just make sure your average amount is $20 per person. And, if your team raises an average of $75 or more per team member, each team member will receive a HopeKids Wasatch Adventure T-Shirt!"
We hope to see you there!!!!
We will be there with Raylee and participating in the Adventure Walk!! Any of you are welcome to bring your kids and join us, however you don't have to have kids to come! Registration is free and donations are incouraged but an opion. So please don't feel like you have to make a contribution to attend the Wasatch Adventure or to come walk with Raylee.
Raylee is a HopeKid and Jorja is a HopeKid Sibling. We are currently participants and now LIFE TIME supporters of this amazing program!!
"HopeKids provides ongoing events & activities and a powerful, unique support community for families who have a child with cancer or some other life-threatening medical condition. We surround these remarkable children and their families with the message that hope can be a powerful medicine."
Please pass on the word! :)
.........................................................................
"Come out and join us for the 3rd Annual HopeKids Wasatch Adventure 2011, held at the Fort Douglas Bandstand at Fort Douglas on the University of Utah Campus (200 Fort Douglas Blvd, Salt Lake City, UT 84113)." On Saturday, 09/24/11
"Registration starts at 9 AM, Races start at 10:30 AM. Get a fundraising team of up to five together and choose one of four activities to participate in:
1.The Adventure Walk: Suitable for kids and families, follow our 1 mile route visiting each of our Adventure Stations. You never know who you might meet!
2.5K Walk.
3.5K Run.
4.Remote Participant: If you are unable to be at the event on September 24th, feel free to get one or more teams together in your community and walk or run for Hope!
When you walk or run to support HopeKids, you are raising the spirits of hundreds of kids and their families in their greatest time of need. You are giving them the gift of HOPE!
HopeKids is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization. Over 92% of our revenue goes directly toward serving our families.
Prizes will be awarded to the top 3 fundraising teams. Registration and donations are being handled by FirstGiving. To register for the Wasatch Adventure, follow this link:
http://www.firstgiving.com/hopekids/hopekids-wasatch-adventure
HopeKids does not charge a registration fee–instead we ask each team of up to 5 individuals to raise $100 (that’s just $20 per person). Or, if your team is more than 5, just make sure your average amount is $20 per person. And, if your team raises an average of $75 or more per team member, each team member will receive a HopeKids Wasatch Adventure T-Shirt!"
We hope to see you there!!!!
Friday, September 2, 2011
A Message from Cure Search
"September 1st marks the beginning of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. At CureSearch for Children's Cancer, we honor and remember the children whose strength and courage guide us to fund research so that one day, no parent will hear the words "your child has cancer."
Today, 36 children will be diagnosed with cancer. Tomorrow will be the same, as will the day after that and the day after that - 13,500 children are diagnosed with cancer every year. 1 in 5 children will lose his or her battle with cancer.
John L. Lehr
President and CEO
CureSearch for Children's Cancer"
Today, 36 children will be diagnosed with cancer. Tomorrow will be the same, as will the day after that and the day after that - 13,500 children are diagnosed with cancer every year. 1 in 5 children will lose his or her battle with cancer.
John L. Lehr
President and CEO
CureSearch for Children's Cancer"
September is National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
Please join my family in honor of RAYLEE in spreading awareness about childhood cancer.
The following press release came from The White House by our President Barack Obama on 09/01/11 it can be found on the following website: http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2011/09/01/proclamation-release-national-childhood-cancer-awareness-month-2011
"Proclamation for Release - National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, 2011"
"Across America, thousands of courageous children fight pediatric cancer each year, facing life‑threatening battles that would challenge men and women of any age. They are cared for by loving families, friends, and communities who band together to support children in times of great need. From raising money for research and hospital stays to offering compassionate assistance to families who have lost loved ones, Americans are working every day to combat childhood cancer.
Today, research advances have made pediatric cancer more treatable than ever before. The five‑year survival rate for young patients has risen to 80 percent in the past half century, but serious challenges remain. Children who survive cancer frequently struggle with significant complications later in life and researchers are working to develop treatments specifically for pediatric cancer. We still know too little about the causes in young people, and cancer remains the leading cause of death by disease for children in America under the age of 15.
As we work to better understand and combat these destructive diseases, my Administration is working to lift some of the burden on families affected by them. Because of the Affordable Care Act, insurance companies can no longer deny insurance to children because of pre‑existing conditions, meaning that children who are currently suffering from or have survived cancer must be covered. Insurance companies are also banned from rejecting insurance for children participating in clinical studies, in which the vast majority of children with cancer take part. And the Affordable Care Act prohibits insurance companies from imposing lifetime dollar limits on health benefits ‑‑ freeing cancer patients and their families from worry of long‑term treatment affordability. Meanwhile, the National Cancer Institute continues to conduct and fund research on the causes of these diseases, linking research on genetics and adult cancers to more effective treatments for children.
Too many children and their families have faced the harmful effects of cancer. In memory of the young lives taken from us far too soon, and in honor of the families who stood beside them, we continue to support researchers, doctors, and advocates working to improve treatments, find cures, and reach a tomorrow where all our children can lead full and healthy lives.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim September 2011 as National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. I also encourage all Americans to join me in reaffirming our commitment to fighting childhood cancer.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand eleven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-sixth.
BARACK OBAMA"
The following press release came from The White House by our President Barack Obama on 09/01/11 it can be found on the following website: http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2011/09/01/proclamation-release-national-childhood-cancer-awareness-month-2011
"Proclamation for Release - National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, 2011"
"Across America, thousands of courageous children fight pediatric cancer each year, facing life‑threatening battles that would challenge men and women of any age. They are cared for by loving families, friends, and communities who band together to support children in times of great need. From raising money for research and hospital stays to offering compassionate assistance to families who have lost loved ones, Americans are working every day to combat childhood cancer.
Today, research advances have made pediatric cancer more treatable than ever before. The five‑year survival rate for young patients has risen to 80 percent in the past half century, but serious challenges remain. Children who survive cancer frequently struggle with significant complications later in life and researchers are working to develop treatments specifically for pediatric cancer. We still know too little about the causes in young people, and cancer remains the leading cause of death by disease for children in America under the age of 15.
As we work to better understand and combat these destructive diseases, my Administration is working to lift some of the burden on families affected by them. Because of the Affordable Care Act, insurance companies can no longer deny insurance to children because of pre‑existing conditions, meaning that children who are currently suffering from or have survived cancer must be covered. Insurance companies are also banned from rejecting insurance for children participating in clinical studies, in which the vast majority of children with cancer take part. And the Affordable Care Act prohibits insurance companies from imposing lifetime dollar limits on health benefits ‑‑ freeing cancer patients and their families from worry of long‑term treatment affordability. Meanwhile, the National Cancer Institute continues to conduct and fund research on the causes of these diseases, linking research on genetics and adult cancers to more effective treatments for children.
Too many children and their families have faced the harmful effects of cancer. In memory of the young lives taken from us far too soon, and in honor of the families who stood beside them, we continue to support researchers, doctors, and advocates working to improve treatments, find cures, and reach a tomorrow where all our children can lead full and healthy lives.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim September 2011 as National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. I also encourage all Americans to join me in reaffirming our commitment to fighting childhood cancer.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand eleven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-sixth.
BARACK OBAMA"
Thursday, September 1, 2011
"kids can't fight cancer alone!"
I am now a member of the American Childhood Cancer Organization or ACCO. This organization is in the process of sending my family around 6 different books. Some are for Jerry and I, and some are for the kids. The children's books are designed to express emotions they may have felt or are feeling. The books for us parents are educational tools. This organization is also willing to reach out to children's educators to help inform them understand what student with cancer or sibling is going through and how it can effect them academically.
This is an amazing national organziation!!
Check out their website: https://americanchildhoodcancer.org
Or, check out the information below from the website:
"Our mission is to provide information and support for children and adolescents with cancer and their families, to provide grassroots leadership through advocacy and awareness, and to support research leading to a cure for all children diagnosed with this life-threatening disease.
While treatment for childhood cancer has improved drastically over the past 38 years of our organization’s existence from less than 20 percent survival to an approximate 75 percent overall five year cure rate, sadly childhood cancer remains the number one disease killer of our nation’s children.
Children face aggressive treatments leaving a trail of devastation for their families. The diagnosis of a child with cancer is often at a time when the family is young and has a limited income. Often there are other small children to care for. Often one parent has to stop working to care for their sick child. The impact of having a child diagnosed with cancer is deeply felt financially, socially, and emotionally by the entire family. The needs are great and since our inception in 1970, ACCO has become a recognized leader both nationally and internationally in the providing pediatric cancer family support.
Founded in 1970, the American Childhood Cancer Organization® is the largest grassroots childhood cancer organization in the U.S.. We have serviced more than 100,000 families of children with cancer, and we work to raise awareness and to advocate for their needs and for funding and research.
We are the largest publisher and distributor of free childhood cancer books in the country. We host the largest national childhood cancer awareness event each December holiday season. We represent childhood cancer on numerous cancer organizations and to members of Congress on Capitol Hill; and we support cutting edge research that leads to new and better treatments for our nation’s littlest cancer patients.
As the largest childhood cancer grassroots organization in the country, we know first hand that "kids can't fight cancer alone!"
This is an amazing national organziation!!
Check out their website: https://americanchildhoodcancer.org
Or, check out the information below from the website:
"Our mission is to provide information and support for children and adolescents with cancer and their families, to provide grassroots leadership through advocacy and awareness, and to support research leading to a cure for all children diagnosed with this life-threatening disease.
While treatment for childhood cancer has improved drastically over the past 38 years of our organization’s existence from less than 20 percent survival to an approximate 75 percent overall five year cure rate, sadly childhood cancer remains the number one disease killer of our nation’s children.
Children face aggressive treatments leaving a trail of devastation for their families. The diagnosis of a child with cancer is often at a time when the family is young and has a limited income. Often there are other small children to care for. Often one parent has to stop working to care for their sick child. The impact of having a child diagnosed with cancer is deeply felt financially, socially, and emotionally by the entire family. The needs are great and since our inception in 1970, ACCO has become a recognized leader both nationally and internationally in the providing pediatric cancer family support.
Founded in 1970, the American Childhood Cancer Organization® is the largest grassroots childhood cancer organization in the U.S.. We have serviced more than 100,000 families of children with cancer, and we work to raise awareness and to advocate for their needs and for funding and research.
We are the largest publisher and distributor of free childhood cancer books in the country. We host the largest national childhood cancer awareness event each December holiday season. We represent childhood cancer on numerous cancer organizations and to members of Congress on Capitol Hill; and we support cutting edge research that leads to new and better treatments for our nation’s littlest cancer patients.
As the largest childhood cancer grassroots organization in the country, we know first hand that "kids can't fight cancer alone!"
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