In the winter of 2010, I met a special boy named Eddie Buggs. When I met Eddie, he was healthy and strong. He was a standout football player—talented, fast, smart, and humble. Eddie was also very polite, kind, and charming.

Eddie pictured on left

Eddie (in red) with younger brother and close friends

At age 11, Eddie was diagnosed with non-germinomatous germ cell brain tumor. He went through 6 month of aggressive chemotherapy and 6 weeks of radiation. The doctor’s informed him that the cancer was gone, and he went into remission for 6 months. On November 1, 2013, the cancer returned in his spine. His symptoms included back pain, weakness, acne, and numbness in the face. He went through treatments of radiation and was put into a wheel chair. Four weeks later, another tumor appeared on the brain and Eddie was unable to swallow and eat. He was given a feeding tube and continued radiation, and the doctors informed his mother that all they could do was try to make him comfortable. Two weeks later, he returned to the hospital due to the tumor on spine not responding to radiation. He went through another surgery before he was unable to use his bowels. Eddie was released from the hospital and two days later, the day after his 13th birthday, he was back in the ICU with aspiration pneumonia. His body was exhausted from all of the surgeries and lack of blood. Two months after the cancer came back, on December 28, 2013, Eddie went to heaven.

I frequently think about Eddie and the few hours that we were able to spend together. I think about his heartwarming smile, that will be forever engraved in my mind. I think about his courage. I think about his grateful heart amidst something so unfair, painful, and terrifying. Eddie was a beautiful young man both on the inside and outside, and his character truly inspires me.

September is recognized as Childhood Cancer Awareness month. Here are some things that you can do to raise awareness this month.

1. Donate blood. Red Cross says:

It's something you can spare – most people have blood to spare... yet, there is still not enough to go around.

You will help ensure blood is on the shelf when needed– most people don't think they'll ever need blood, but many do.

You will be someone's hero – in fact, you could help save more than one life with just one donation.

2. Educate yourself. It is important that everyone knows about this topic. Cancer doesn't discriminate; it doesn't matter what race you are, what your financial status is, or how old your child is. We see pictures of bald children on St. Jude commercials, and we may feel sad for those children and their families. It's time to be active. Learn. Donate.

3. Donating money. If you are able to donate any amount of money to research on childhood cancer, please do. There are many different organizations, St. Jude being one of them, that you can donate to. Visit https://shop.stjude.org/GiftCatalog/donation.do?cI...

4. Go Gold. Wear gold this month and inform your friends and family about childhood cancer awareness.

5. Last but not least, live each day like it's your last. Honor children whose life was cut short by living your life to the fullest. It sounds cliché, but you never know what tomorrow holds.