Let’s talk facts: childhood cancer is the leading cause of death by disease in children under the age of 15 in the U.S.; every year an estimated 263,000 new cases of cancer affect children under the age of 20 worldwide; one in 320 children will be diagnosed with cancer before the age of 20; treatments have not changed significantly in more than a decade. Despite all of these statistics, only 4 percent of government funding goes toward childhood cancer research. The numbers speak for themselves, and it is evident that research remains underfunded.

Auburn University student Kayla Perry is determined to change these numbers. She has dedicated her life to raising money that will directly go towards funding more research and ultimately ending childhood cancer. At age 18, Perry was diagnosed with a rare form of neuroblastoma. While going through treatments and a relapse, the need for more funding was made very obvious to Perry when the doctors continually said, "We just don't know."

As a result of hearing those too common four words, in 2014 Perry founded Open Hands Overflowing Hearts. This semester, OHOH spread to Auburn by becoming a campus organization. With the help of fundraisers, 5ks and individual donors, OHOH has raised more than $600,000!

To kick off Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, on September 1, OHOH launched its #100Ways100Days campaign. This campaign allows people like you and me to get involved by using our own gifts to raise money for childhood cancer research. It can range from giving up a daily Starbucks drink (and donating the money) to selling handmade paintings. Why? Because children who have lost the battle, who are currently fighting the battle and who have already won the battle against cancer are #worthit!

My way in these 100 days to end childhood cancer is simply this: writing. What will you do?

Donations: https://commitchange.com/al/birmingham/open-hands-overflowing-hearts/campaigns/ohoh-auburn

Share, like and comment the child’s name that is #worthit to you.