Two of my closest friends are survivors of pediatric cancer.
When we were just 6 years old, Natalie was diagnosed with a wilms tumor that had metastasized to her lungs. She underwent surgery to remove the tumor, along with her kidney, and then endured 9 months of chemotherapy and radiation. There are so many details I remember about that year. I remember when she lost her hair, so I let her shave mine. I remember the shots they would give her in her legs to boost her white blood cells and immune system. I remember the days she was too tired or sick to play, and I remember the happiness on the days she was feeling better. She has been in remission for 13 years, and thanks to pediatric cancer research I have far more memories of her being healthy, than sick.
Stephen was diagnosed with Leukemia in April of 2022 (our Senior year of high school). He was having trouble seeing from one eye, and his mom took him to the emergency room only to discover he was suffering from blood cancer. He was diagnosed with the more aggressive form of Leukemia which naturally required more aggressive treatment. His chemotherapy and radiation lasted 6 months. He missed our Senior Prom, and Beach Week, but pediatric cancer research has ensured he won't have to miss anything else. As of last weekend, I'm happy to report, Stephen is in remission.
Please consider donating to this worthy cause so that more kids, like my friends, have the chance they deserve to live a healthy and full life.