“Active kids can get diagnosed with cancer in the blink of an eye.” – Roya Giordano
I opened today's blog with this quote because I added a Team Mathias bracelet to my wrist today. Roya is Mathias's mom. I could easily have more bracelets and over time my collection of three will grow, but for now it is all I can do to focus on these three because it is important to me to understand the story behind each one I wear. It is also my hope that as the bracelets grow so will the success stories behind them. But the sad reality is with only 4% of funding going to Pediatric Cancer we are hard pressed to make this a dream come true. We must keep pushing, fighting, knashing our teeth, and doing whatever it takes for these kids. They have a beautiful voice - you just need to stop and listen. In a blink of an eye, each of the below families found out their child's headache, possible sinus infection, and sore leg was in fact something much much worse.
Gavin Rupp - just look at my last few blog entries. Navy blue, his favorite color, #15 his baseball number, Walgreen's the last place I shopped before hearing his diagnosis. Nats, Kyle's Kamp, and Bryce Harper comes to mind. Started my Run for the White House miles donation toward "Team Gavin". Participated in my first half Spartan in his name. Miss him on a scale I cannot even put into words. Taught me what GBM is. Support for iPromise15 will go toward funding of scholarships in fields such as Pediatric Cancer treatments, research, technology, and medicine. www.iPromise15.org
Stillbrave.org, Shayla Mitchell, daughter of one Tattoo Tom. I don't think I can ever look at a feather the same again, and I know I find this particular story the strongest example of a father/daughter bond. Tattoo Tom's dedication is relentless and steadfast. He is fast becoming my role model for advocacy. Taught me about Hodgkins Disease. Support for Stillbrave is for non-medical needs and support for families with a child with cancer. My personal favorite is the backpack project providing comfort essentials to kids undergoing chemotherapy. www.stillbrave.org
Team Mathias, a boy with an infectious smile. Tried to meet him at the Fundraiser by the Fountain but he was surrounded by a sea of kids. This kid is a rock star. I have seen our community show of support with the Team Mathias t-shirts and the "Kick Cancer" soccer car magnets. He loves nachos and Sonic. He needs our prayers now more than ever. Taught me about Osteosarcoma. Team Mathias support goes https://squareup.com/market/team-mathias
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