September Is...

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.  Most of you already know that I am a pediatric hematology oncology nurse in Atlanta.  But, did you know:
- cancer is the number 1 cause of death by disease of children ages birth through 15 in the U.S.
- approximately 12,700 children are diagnosed with cancer each year
- some stats say that as many as 46 children and adolescents are diagnosed with cancer each day
- the cure rate is less than 80%

The cause for childhood cancer is not known and varies in type and severity.  We do know that cancer does not discriminate against wealth, age, race, religion, or sex.  And while many advances have been made in the past 25 years towards increasing survival rate for children with cancer, we still do not have a cure.  Side effects to cancer treatment are often times worse than the cancer itself.  Imagine yourself on your sickest day and multiply that by at least 100.  That is what many of these children go through at some point during treatment for their cancer.  And, not just the child, but the entire family is affected by the devastating diagnosis of cancer.

Having worked with these children and families in various capacities for the past five years, I have met and known amazing children, parents and siblings.  I have seen them endure some of the most difficult circumstances with the most amazing grace and appreciation for the life that has been given to them.  Unfortunately, not all of these sweet  and precious children have won their battle with cancer.  Those relationships have taught me to treasure life and what is most precious to us.  They have also challenged me to care for them, to fight for them, and to imagine a world without childhood cancer!

My challenge to you is to make yourself aware of childhood cancer during the month of September.  Read some of the stories from CURE Childhood Cancer and Curing Kids Cancer.  Put yourself in the shoes of the child, mother, father, brother, sister, or grandparent.  Imagine what it would be like to fight their battle.  Pray for them.  Be thankful for your health and the health of your family.  And lastly, if you feel so inclined, give to them.  Stop Childhood Cancer lists a multitude of wonderful organizations who would benefit in so many ways from your generosity.  See if one would be right for you.

Thank you for joining the fight!
Love,
Katy