For
most of us, today will begin like any other day. We'll sip our coffee, skim the
morning paper, drop the kids off at school, and perform the normal rituals that
make up our daily lives. The good, the bad, and yes, even the somewhat ugly;
we'll tackle it all with confidence and a sense of comfort, knowing that
tomorrow brain cancer, as routine as it may be, we'll get to do it all over
again.
But,
for several families across America, today will be different. Today will be
life-changing.
Today...
•
Nine families will learn their child has a brain or spinal cord tumor;
• Three families will mourn the loss of their child to this dreadful disease; and
• Six families will transition to survivorship.
• Three families will mourn the loss of their child to this dreadful disease; and
• Six families will transition to survivorship.
Each
year, an estimated 3,400 children in the United States are diagnosed with a
brain tumor or brain cancer. Approximately one-third of these children will
survive no more than five years, making this the deadliest of all childhood
cancers. For the families of these kids, there will never be another
"normal" day. Their days will now be filled with medical
appointments, treatment options, and learning how to operate within a new
definition of "normal."
Thankfully,
hope springs eternal. The survival rate for children with brain tumors and
brain cancer has increased significantly over the past twenty years.
Advancements in research brain cancer have resulted in better treatment methods, improvements
in the quality of life and the long-term outlook for these young patients.
However, survival does bring with it an all-new set of unique challenges.
Treatments can cause damaging late effects on survivors; effects that range
from cognitive impairment, to physical challenges, to social isolation.
Collaborations
between nonprofit organizations, research foundations and leading medical
institutions have proven to be instrumental in the fight against these
childhood cancers. By joining forces, these groups are able to connect the best
of the best to keep research moving forward, raise public awareness, and
provide support to the patients and families who need it.
Several
non-profit organizations have been established over the years to provide help
to families who find themselves on this new and very difficult life path. Most
of these groups offer resources for education, assistance with medical and
financial services, and much-needed emotional support through a variety of
family outreach programs and special events.
These
nonprofit organizations work tirelessly in their battle to make pediatric brain
tumors and brain cancers a disease of the past. They are continually searching
for research partners, corporate sponsors, and private foundations to help
support ongoing research. Individual donations are also critical to the success
of these organizations. While much work is being done, and progress is being
made, the need to raise awareness, fund research, and provide support is
ongoing.
A
quick Internet search and a few simple clicks of the mouse will land you on the
website of one of these dedicated, nonprofit organizations. Once there, you'll
likely find an abundance of valuable information, along with resources and
opportunities to help. Why not spend a little time today learning more about
this devastating disease? Perhaps, make a donation, or even sign on as a
volunteer. Not only can you help to redefine "normal" for these kids
and their families; you might just alter your own idea of "normal" as
well.
No comments:
Post a Comment