September is National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and it’s been weighing on my mind that summer is over and I need to get back to writing my blog for Amazing Gracie’s Gift Foundation. But what should I write? I’ve got the topic, but what more can I say about it? It seems pretty important, but isn’t everyone aware of childhood cancer these days? It seems like everywhere I turn another child is being diagnosed or maybe I’m just more aware because my child died from childhood cancer…

The word “awareness” made sense years ago when children were diagnosed and quickly passed away without anyone following a story. There were few if any treatments for children with cancer, therefore people weren’t “aware” this was actually happening. So an awareness month made sense back then. Fast forward to now and we are hearing stories of children fighting the battle against cancer. Probably 10 years ago Gracie wouldn’t of survived a few weeks after being diagnosed. There wouldn’t have been time for me to get her story out to you. But times are changing. Gracie’s story got out to you. Gracie died 9 months after her initial diagnosis. We had 9 months to share her story and her battle with cancer with you. She lived long enough to get the story out because we had treatment, but she died because there were no more treatments to chose from.

We now hear many stories of children battling cancer. Why? Kids are fighting longer and harder because people are aware and kids are receiving chemo drugs. Unfortunately these chemo drugs do not always cure cancer, they often just extend their lives.

So, awareness of childhood cancer is now out there, but now what do we do about it? First, if you find you are not aware of childhood cancer I will give you some of the grueling and scary statistics on childhood cancer and you can become aware of what this monster can do to our children and their families.

– Every hour a child is diagnosed with cancer. Every 6.5 hours another young life is lost to this disease.
– Cancer is the leading cause of death by disease among children under the age of 15 in the U.S.
– Survival comes with a cost: 73% of pediatric cancer survivors develop at least one chronic health condition because treatments are so harsh.
– Despite these facts, childhood cancer research is vastly and consistently underfunded.
– Only 3.8% of all cancer research funding allotted by the federal government goes to children……

This last statistic really gets me. Why? Because childhood cancer is not profitable. My daughter died because her cancer had very little funding and the research and drugs to save her wouldn’t be profitable. Basically, Gracie was not worth saving. All our kids fighting cancer are not worth saving?

If this isn’t enough go to your computer and google “childhood cancer statistics” and you will find even more facts that will make you aware.

Childhood cancer is a killer. Many people don’t want to talk about, they don’t want their day ruined, they don’t want to be sad. They’re irritated when they see so many videos or posts related to childhood cancer. Just for this month please try and listen and watch and understand the importance of going gold in September. I promise after this month your facebook newsfeed will go back to the newest viral videos, “what percent are you?” quizzes, “Let it Go” covers and dog and cat videos. But for now lets all make Childhood Cancer the spotlight!

Now that we are all aware the next step is to do something about it- take action. Take this month to be aware that childhood cancer killed our Gracie and so many more children, but instead of letting that depress us let’s do something about it. Look at the picture I posted of Gracie on this blog (or take any from the website). Print it off if you like and take each day to look at the picture, think about what childhood cancer did to Gracie and be reminded to do something about it. Take action in some way- big or small.

Take this awareness month and do something, take action that will help us find a cure or help a family. Make a donation, run a race, have a lemonade stand, host a dress down day at work, cook a meal at The Ronald McDonald House, write your congressman, help a family who has a child with cancer. Can’t think of anything to do? We’ve created a list of ways you can help us help others. Check out our website under “50 States of Grace” or email me and I can give you ideas.

I am very grateful and thrilled to see so many in our community are already taking action. Just in September we have donations coming in from a marathon runner, a Holliewood workout event to “Pound” out cancer, school and business wide dress down days, and in the past we’ve even had a family from another state hold backyard movie nights in her neighborhood! So many of you continue to show your support to my family and Amazing Gracie’s Gift Foundation. We thank you for taking action. Those who are taking action spread the word and encourage others to be aware and take action too.

Cancer scares me and I feel like everyday and every situation and every doctor’s visit the “c” word is going to be said again. Everyday I am aware of childhood cancer. I am very aware that Gracie is not here. I am aware that my child was robbed of her life at 21 months old and that the pain of having her no longer with me still haunts me daily. I am aware that anytime I am alone I cry because my only thoughts are of her, what happened to her, how my family of 4 is now a family of 3, and how a piece of me will always be missing. I am aware that Gracie should be starting pre-k this fall. I am aware that my 6 year old, Luke wants his sister back and asks me questions I don’t know how to answer.

I am aware that my husband has to kiss a picture of Gracie each night before bed, feeling cheated that he’s missing out on raising his little girl. I am aware of the pain that losing Gracie has caused our parents and our entire family. I am aware and mad over the startling statistics and funding for childhood cancer.

My life is full of awareness. Please help me in taking action.