National Childhood Cancer Awareness Day

Did you know that today is National Childhood Cancer Awareness Day? Unless you’ve had someone affected by this horrible disease, you might not have realized this.

Did you know:
• Cancer is the #1 cause of death by disease in children, cutting short the lives of more children under the age of 20 than any other disease.
• 1 child out of 5 who is diagnosed with cancer dies.
• 3 out of 5 children suffer from long-term side effects.
• Every school day, 46 young people, or two classrooms of students, are diagnosed with cancer in this country. More than 12,500 children are diagnosed with cancer each year and over 40,000 children and adolescents currently are being treated for childhood cancers.
• The average age of a child diagnosed with cancer is six years old; saving the life of a child with cancer gives our children a future; approximately, 66 years of life’s milestones and dreams to celebrate.
(Taken from CureSearch National Childhood Cancer Foundation FAQ)

Many of you know that my daughter, 10 days before her 4th birthday last year (9/20/2007) was diagnosed with cancer. While she’s currently cancer-free, her journey is far from over. We have met many families that are traveling down the same road of having to watch their child go through things no man or woman should endure, much less a child. It makes you feel quite helpless.

Won’t you stop for a minute today and say a prayer for those children and their families? Give them the strength to battle this monster and balance life. It’s a tough battle and it never seems to end.

If you also are able, would you consider donating for research? I am participating in the CureSearch Virtual Walk for 12,500 to conquer childhood cancer. The 12,500 represents the number of children diagnosed with cancer each year. Every donation, no matter how small or large, brings us one day closer to reaching the day where every child with cancer can be guaranteed a cure. Follow this link if you’d like to donate. (Participant name Dana Jones). I am "walking" in honor of my daughter.

One last thought from Senator Hillary Clinton:

"We have made tremendous strides in the fight against childhood cancer, but far too many children still suffer and lose their lives to this illness. The more we know as a nation the better able we will be to prevent and treat the disease and help those who are battling and surviving pediatric cancers. National Childhood Cancer Awareness Day is an opportunity to reach out to all Americans with the facts about childhood cancer, and this day will be an important symbol of our commitment on all days to find a cure," said Senator Clinton.