SEPTEMBER IS NATIONAL CHILDHOOD CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
With approximately 35 minutes to spare, the writing of the September 3, 2010 blog post has commenced. Yes, I am tired. Yes, I should have removed my contacts before I started writing. And, yes, I could have started writing this entry sooner. But, 46 children in the US have been diagnosed with cancer in the past 24 hours. They are fighting for their lives. I am blogging, as a 22 year childhood cancer surivivor, for them - and for the 46 more that will join our 450,000 strong club tomorrow, and the day after that. My contact dilemma really isn't such a bother after being put into perspective.
This morning I awoke to warm temperatures, enjoyed some Kashi GoLean and Soy Milk, and tended to some tasks. Armed with two of my go-to Cancertacular™ cronies, Jill and Richie, we set out to promote awareness for childhood cancer around 12noon. With stops at no less than 5 confirmed penny collection sites, and a tasty lunch at another, Haystacks in Wilkes-Barre, we headed to Hershey, PA.
It is noteworthy that the owner of Haystacks is the dad of a fellow childhood cancer survivor, Keith Perks. Also noteworthy is the fact that we were both treated for cancer at the "Milton Hilton," or Penn State Hershey Medical Center.
While I underwent high doses of chemotherapy in the hospital, my parents took turns staying at the Ronald McDonald House just across the street. Back in 1988, only one parent was allowed to occupy the uncomfortable recliner that perched next to hospital bed. More often than not, the recliner dweller was my devoted mom, whose mission quickly became guarding my childhood and keeping a smile on my face at all costs!
The very same Ronald McDonald House has been unable to fill the demands necessitated by the growing rate of sick children. Last year, they turned away about 1100 families. After receiving a letter to announce a new expansion project, my heartstrings began to feel a tug. It became clear that the time had come to give back to the House that was our second Home for 14 months long ago.
The progression was slow for me. While it has to be said, the obvious is wickedly true - the entire town reminds me of being a broken child. Hershey took away - in just a few hours - everything creature comfort that was familiar to me, with the exception of my parents - thank goodness! On the flip side, without that experience, I would not be me. I was grateful, and indebted indeed. But, how to comfortably proceed?
First, I added the Central Pennsylvania Ronald McDonald House as the beneficiary on our original Facebook "cause" for Cancertacular™. Then, I visited the Hotel Hershey for an overnight stay and discovered what nostalgia I felt for that little chocolate town. Finally, on April 29, 2010, a contingent of Cancertacular™ volunteers cooked an organic dinner for the approximately 40 people staying at the House. Today, we did a return visit.
We served a "patriotic labor day picinic" supper! Such fun to make and eat the BBQ chicken, hot dogs, garden burgers, turkey burgers, pasta salad, fruit salad, mac n cheese (for the kids and kids at heart), chips, corn on the cob, vanilla cake, carrot cake, and brownies!!! It was utterly a pleasure to interact with the families and children. In a way, I played the "big sister" to them all - a living breathing reminder that there is a light at the end of every tunnel!
Brenna and Kade are infants battling heart problems. Kade has never been home, and neither has NICU buddy Keith. Meeting Ariana and her dad, Mike, was a great gift for me. Ariana, 15, has synovial cell sarcoma, a tumor that reared its ugly head just below her hip. She is a true surivor, and will be free of the "Milton Hilton" after just two more chemotherapies!! Of course, Persie stole her heart, and persuaded her to capture many ingenious photographs of our traveling bear. In fact, she is now the proud owner of Cans, the Cat - inspired by Persie!!
The bottom line is that this long day was filled with gifts, laughs, and memories. As we stare the end of summer 2010 square in the eyes, let's remember not to take any day for granted. Remember those oft referred to 46 children? 1/3 of them will not see tomorrow.
Fabulously yours,
Tina
No comments:
Post a Comment