When we were children we all had dreams. Dreams to one day become a teacher, a princess, a famous athlete, a movie star. We then grow up some and have dreams to get married, live in a nice house with a dog, a few babies, work in your dream job. Whatever your dream was as a child, you had one, and to this day you still work hard to reach your dreams. This month, I ask all of you to take some time to think about the young children who have had to put their dreams on hold to fight a terrible disease, cancer. These children have dreams the same as you and I do, and they wake up each day sick hoping that some day they will be given the chance to live out their dreams.
As many of you might not know, September is national pediatric cancer awareness month, and is represented by the color gold. Pediatric cancer affects thousands of young Americans each year and is the leading cause of disease-related death for children under the age of 15. One in every 285 children in the U.S. will be diagnosed with cancer, one out of every five children with cancer will not survive, and the vast majority that do will suffer long-term side effects. That is thousands of children who should be spending their time in class, on the soccer field, or playing with friends, anywhere but a hospital bed. When President Barack Obama proclaimed September national pediatric cancer awareness month in 2012, he stated "This month, we remember the young lives taken too soon, stand with the families facing childhood cancer today, and rededicate ourselves to combating this terrible illness."
If you know anyone who has battled cancer at any age, you know how hard the process of understanding, treating, and ultimately battling cancer is, no matter what the stage. So I ask that this month, you show your support of pediatric cancer, and #ShowYourGold.
Here are some things you can do this September to make a difference:
Spread the word about the realities of childhood cancer.
There are tons of educational videos that you can share with friends to help get the message out to the public. Many people don't understand just how many children are impacted, and the detrimental effects it has on them.
Make a donation to a pediatric cancer foundation of your choice! It is the simplest way to make sure the research keeps going.
The Dragonfly Foundation is a wonderful foundation, located in Cincinnati, Ohio, and Chicago, Illinois. The Dragonfly Foundation was started by parents who's son was diagnosed with cancer, "Smiles and laughter are in short supply, but are necessary components of courage, strength and happiness." They offer support to patients and families every step of the way through many great programs. More information can be found on DragonFly.org.
Participate in the St. Jude Walk/Run to end childhood cancer.
In Cincinnati, and 58 other cities nationwide join in the walk to end childhood cancer. Thanks to St.Jude, no family ever receives a bill for treatment, travel, housing or food. To see a list of participating cities click here.
Children who have to fight cancer are some of the strongest human beings, and they deserve more recognition than they are given. While most people know someone who has been effected by this terrible disease, few truly understand the challenges they must overcome. This month, we remember all those who have lost the fight with pediatric cancer, are currently fighting pediatric cancer, or have fought and won. This month, I will go gold in honor of all of you.
