September is National Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month and Histiocytosis Awareness Month. I am a childhood cancer survivor, so each year since 2020, I have given back to the wonderful organizations and communities that helped me throughout my cancer experience.
Remission is the end goal for any cancer patient. It's the place patients are striving and dreaming for. Yet, so many children might never see that day. Only 4% of cancer funding in the US goes towards pediatrics. It’s this 4% that’s been holding back improvements in the field: treatments are outdated, and children suffer. More funding can advance research producing more treatment options, create more resources for children on treatment, generate support options for families of children facing cancer, and most importantly, increase the survival rate. It will get more kids to that dream of remission. For the entirety of September, I will be hosting a fundraiser for the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation. Please consider donating $5 or more to help children all over the country fight their battle towards remission.
If you want to hear more about my cancer journey, read below!
I was diagnosed with Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis when I was ten years old. I went through multiple surgeries and countless rounds of chemotherapy. Although my doctors and staff were incredibly kind and supportive, constantly being in and out of hospitals and infusion centers was dreadful. I was drained and exhausted for months on end. After 3 years of treatment, I was pronounced cancer-free. I had reached remission. Even after years off-treatment, other cancer survivors and I still struggle with cancer's long-lasting effects on our bodies. I am proud to say, I have been off treatment for 6 years. I celebrate my battle every day, but I recognize not every child is as lucky as I was. Thousands of children are still fighting and will continue to fight because that is their only option. This fundraiser is how I choose to honor those children we’ve lost, children in treatment, and children living life after cancer
"More information about National Pediatric Cancer Foundation: A majority of cancer research focuses on adult treatments and is done within the walls of individual institutions. In contrast, through the Sunshine Project, we fund clinical trials and COLLABORATE with a network of cutting-edge hospitals across the nation to fast track less toxic, more targeted treatments. All to increase the survival rate of children battling cancer."
guidestar.org/profile/59-3097333