Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

While it has been some time since my last post, on this last of September I felt compelled to call attention to the Gold Ribbon.  So many of us are rightfully aware of what the Pink Ribbon represents, but why not the gold?  Let's try to remember that Gold is for the Children.

I was fortunate enough to have 3 surrounding towns declare September as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, and I am honored by the outpouring of support!  Cranford's Mayor Hannen and Kenilworth's Mayor Fiamingo both wrote proclamations almost immediately when I sent al request.  Westfield's Mayor Skibitsky took it a step further and asked me to come to the meeting so he could present it to me directly.  Overwhelming.  Additionally, many new friends of mine had Scotch Plains, Edison, Woodbrige, and many shore towns do the same.  Without acknowledgement of this pediatric disease, nothing can be done.  I personally would like to thank all of the mayors in all of NJ who have supported the cause to Go Gold!!

Too many lives are lost at too young an age.  Children experience things no one should, but especially the young and innocent ones.  I spoke on September 13th at my HS.  On that particular day in 2008, the Senate declared it Childhood Cancer Day.  Luckily, just last year, President Obama declared the entire month the same.  In only one year we are already calling much attention to Gold Ribbon awareness.  Let's keep it going so the funding can grow for pediatric cancer from a mere 4% for any money raised for cancer.

My son Will has been off chemo for three months, and his last MRI was clean.  We await his November 8th MRI and hope and pray for the best.  He is currently enjoying preschool at both Calvary and Walnut Schools and LOVES every minute of learning.  The medicine Will endured took a toll on him, and we may not even know all of what it has done.  He regressed in many ways, and lost his high frequency hearing so he will always wear hearing aids.  But, I still have my son.  Others, sadly, are not so lucky and I acknowledge that.  

Often the protocol used on children is not researched for the children.  They are used on adults, and reformulated for kids.  Perhaps my son wouldn’t have lost his hearing if more money was used to fund pediatric research.  Perhaps young lives would not be lost because of the same.

September is for the Children.  Go Gold!

In memory of AH & MW & BH!!  You’ve earned your wings angels, fly high!!