I know it is difficult to read about childhood cancer. It is difficult to see photos of pale bald headed children undergoing different treatments. It is hard for the heart strings not to feel tugged or not to feel teary. I know. Today I spent a little bit of time reading blogs of children with cancer while my own little boy lay on the couch next to me with no energy to do anything. He had wanted to go to his school assembly today to receive an award, but he couldn’t get his head off the pillow let alone his body off the couch. While I read, the tears freely fell as I felt for these children and their families all over the world. Around the world 720 new Children are diagnosed with childhood cancer each day while 250 children die from childhood cancer. Looking at that statistic tells me that the chance of survival is not good enough.
What Can You Do?
- Donate Blood. There are 3 types of blood donations Whole blood, platelet and plasma and all of them are much needed. I know some people find it uncomfortable and others feel squirmish. I’ve donated many times myself. I know what it feels like. However most of you won’t know what it feels like to be in a room with a dozen children receiving life saving blood transfusions. It’s an inspiring feeling seeing donated blood helping save someone’s life. When you give blood you never know who it is going to help – it’s an anonymous gift. But we’ve seen the faces of those it’s helping. They are real people who will never be able to personally thank you, but their lives depend on it. In Australia to book an appointment visit http://www.donateblood.com.au/about-blood/three-types-of-donation. In the USA visit http://www.redcrossblood.org/donating-blood
- Register to be a Bone Marrow Donor
One of Ethan’s favourite roommates in the hospital is preparing for a bone marrow transplant. Once again his life depends on it. Register here: http://www.abmdr.org.au/dynamic_menus.php?id=1&menuid=2…1 - Wear Gold. Did you know that Gold is the colour of childhood cancer? I must admit that I didn’t until recently. Simply wear gold and tell people about the hundreds of children diagnosed with cancer each day.
- Post about Childhood Cancer on your own social media. Our children need us to speak for them. Just sharing a gold ribbon would catch the attention of a friend or two.
Thanks for taking the time to read. We know it’s not as close to everyone’s hearts as it is to ours, but we didn’t want to miss the opportunity to let people know about the awareness month.
Sarah Barnett says
There is a little photo I noticed of the family..top right. I think it looks beautiful !! Is this recent ? xxx
Jerusha says
Yes! We got the photos back from the photographer! She did an amazing job. I’m so glad Asha arranged that. It was very thoughtful – family photos didn’t even cross my mind before she said she had arranged it all. Xx