CureSearch for Children's Cancer

I wrote this post a while ago, with every intention of including a "Pie in the Face" and "Ice Bucket Challenge" combination video. However, several minor health issues, birthdays, and travels have kept me from actually doing the video. I figured that could easily be a post on it's own, so I decided to publish this as is. September was National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. 42 children are diagnosed with cancer every day. That is more than a classroom full of children. Every. Day. 12% of these children will not survive. 60% of children who survive cancer suffer late-effects, such as infertility, heart failure and secondary cancers. Unfortunately, my husband's family has been affected by childhood cancer. In March 2011, my husband's cousin was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) a few months before his 16th birthday. It is utterly devastating to watch a family go through the torture our family went through. All of the unknowns, the sickness, the chemo. And it is also devastating to see a young man's teenage years be taken away from him. Today, B is cancer-free, and all of his treatments are over. He is happily attending college, enjoying life as any college kid should. But there are so many other children who are not as lucky. And B wouldn't be so lucky, if it wasn't for research looking for a cure for cancer. I vowed to let this blog be a voice for some of the lesser known organizations that do wonders for people, either directly or indirectly. CureSearch for Children's Cancer is one such organization. "CureSearch for Children's Cancer funds and supports targeted and innovative children's cancer research with measurable results, and is the authoritative source of information and resources for all those affected by children's cancer." (CureSearch Mission Statement) This non-profit is one that our family has decided to support since of B's diagnosis. B's mom and sister participated in the CureSearch Walk on September 27. In Oklahoma City alone, $46,302 was raised (at the writing of this post). Can you imagine everything $46,302 can pay for, if each CureSearch Walk could raise that amount? That's more than $2.3 million. Imagine all of the clinical trials, innovative research, NEW CURES that can be found with that type of money. Even if you cannot afford to donate, help spread the word about childhood cancer. It is devastating. And for some, incurable. This needs to change. For the children that do not get to experience their childhood they way they should. For the children who suffer the after-effects of treatment. For the children who don't survive. For more information about CureSearch, visit http://www.curesearch.org/about/ To donate, visit https://www.kintera.org/AutoGen/Single/SinglePledgeBasket.asp?ievent=1035694 People spreading the word and donating will help more children have an outcome like B. So share! Donate! TAKE ACTION!