- Childhood cancer is the #1 cause of death by disease in children under 20.
- When children are diagnosed with cancer, 80% have advanced stages of the disease, compared to 20% in adults. Many children are originally misdiagnosed, which leads to greater suffering and many times, death.
- One in five children diagnosed with cancer will die. In some forms of childhood cancer, one in five will live.
This information was taken from a website written by an incredible young cancer survivor whose post is in honor of a child who passed away last week. We walk for people like Ethan Jostad and Melinda Marchiano.
I know I am talking about more than blood cancer, but the LLS has been finding treatments for blood cancers which actually have become successful in treating many other forms of cancer also.
Sammy was a trooper having had his lumbar puncture earlier that same day. He was exhausted and pumped with more chemo than usual, including steroids, but he talked and smiled and socialized like a pro! He joined me as I gave a brief speech honoring Sammy and explaining why the walk is so important. He even ended the speech saying he's going to kick cancers ass!!! The room was in uproar...I was shocked but immensely proud of his resolve.
We now start the campaign to really get as much money as we can to help save the lives of both children and adults. The LLS is also now funding research for the dreaded Late Effects which will be looming over Sammy for the rest of his life.
I am proud of my son for all he is willing to do to help with this fundraising. At the same time I am devastated he is the face of cancer! Not my son!!!! Yes, unfortunately cancer does not care who you are...the beast will become part of your life if it so chooses.
Please help us find a cure and beat the beast once and for all....I don't ever want to see a child posted as the face of cancer, even though it is in the positive light of fighting for a cure....no-one should endure this!
If you live locally (Westchester/Fairfield) you can sign up to join Sammy's team and walk with us. It is a wonderfully fun night...Sammy will also be speaking on stage! To join, just sign up on Sammy's team page. (See link below) If you cannot join the team but would like to make a donation, the link is the same, just follow the prompts. Any amount is welcome, no matter how small you think it is. Details about the walk are on the webpage:
Thank you so much to all those who have donated or signed up to walk already...your support is priceless xxxx
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