09/09/2020
September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
Day 9 – What advocates are saying.
Many moons ago, PAC2 held an interview series with leading childhood cancer advocates and organizations. Much of what they said is true today, and continues to be inspiring. We wanted to share some of those quotes.
Coalition Against Childhood Cancer
Let’s Imagine a World Without Childhood Cancer!
Jeff Gordon Children's Foundation - Jeff Gordon
"I’ve definitely changed from my experiences with meeting children that are affected by cancer. It’s heartbreaking -- yet inspiring at times to witness their resolve in this battle. Now that I am a parent I can better understand what the parents of children with cancer are feeling. I will say that with almost all the kids I have met, they have always been extremely strong and resilient and that inspires me. Most of the time, you would never even know they weren’t feeling well or having a bad day. I know the importance of giving back and if I can help to change their lives by funding research or treatment efforts, then I am going to do that."
CureSearch
"The marketplace for philanthropic giving is very crowded, and adults typically give to issues and causes that affect them personally – so breast cancer, prostate cancer, heart disease garner more attention. Yet, 13,500 children and adolescents are diagnosed with cancer each year, so we must redouble our efforts to get the word out about the need for increased funding."
Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research - Dean Crowe
"Collaborating is very important for Rally and for the childhood cancer community. I know that you and I agree that we’re stronger as one than as individual parts. We all have the same goal, so finding ways to work together is fundamental to finding better treatments and cures faster."
St. Baldrick's Foundation - Kathleen Ruddy
"Is it efficient to take ten years to do something, when we could do it in half the time with greater resources? In our community, the consequences are children’s lives, and we cannot put a dollar value on them.
In 1961, when President Kennedy challenged America to send a man safely to the moon and back by the end of the decade, he didn’t say, “but only if we stay within a certain budget.” The goal was the moon, and the reason to shoot for the moon was to expand human knowledge, extend man’s exploration, and advance science. He also acknowledged it would be hard and expensive. We have no less ambitious a mission, and probably a more difficult one. It’s also more precious as our children’s lives depend upon it and with them, our future.
The notion of shared sacrifice is something our organization was built upon. The World War II generation understood that each citizen must work and sacrifice together to achieve victory. Our country came together again to win the space race. It’s time we pull together again to finally win the war on cancer, and ensure that children fighting cancer not only survive, but thrive."
Solving Kids' Cancer - Donna Ludwinski
"The advocates at work raising awareness and bringing attention to the need for funding are my heroes. While I am not well versed in the specifics since I focus so much more on the research and priorities, I can say that we should all be careful with our use of the oft-repeated phrase “80% of childhood cancers are now cured.” This message is terribly misleading because it does not include the morbidity and late mortality – only that at 5 years after diagnosis 80% of the children are alive, with nothing noted about their condition, or risk of late relapse or other cancers. This is a sore point for me because my son is included in this happy statistic, yet he died of disease at 24, which I do not consider a cure!"
Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation - Jay Scott
"Everyone can make a difference. Alex proved that to me. Tell one person today about the problem of childhood cancer, better yet tell 10 people today about childhood cancer. If everyone on PAC2 did this today that would be over 40,000 people learning about childhood cancer today."
People Against Childhood Cancer (PAC2)
"I’ve no idea if you’ve even been on a pediatric cancer floor. Ever walked the halls and seen the smiles or tears on the faces of the little kids as they play on their big wheels. The tiny little masks they wear to ward off infections. How the moms and dads race behind with the ever present IV pole. How the teens hang together and still try to be cool; even though they’re bald and ready to throw up at any time. How the teens have added words like methotrexate and acronyms like ANC to their texting; instead of sweet and LOL. How the babies cry; unable to say what hurts. Or, if you've seen a mom, dad or sibling alone in the break room at 3 am; with their head in their hands, feeling alone, helpless, scared and mad.
I've seen it all and more. In December 2007 AJ had to ask me, "Dad, what's hospice?"
I’ve seen enough.
I want a cure for the elephant in the room: Childhood Cancer."
