SEPTEMBER IS CHILDHOOD CANCER AWARENESS MONTH!!On August 31, 2010, I pledged to raise awareness for childhood by writing a blog each day. To date, I have done so. However, I feel the burning desire to qualify my statement. Blogs will be written by the end of each of my days. For instance, right now, it is 1:43AM on September 4, 2010. My day has not ended yet, so this blog counts for September 3, 2010, not September 4. 'Nuff said.
Now, kindly direct your attention to the picture placed to the right of the words that you are currently reading. Thank you. That is Persie. He is the driving force behind another project that Cancertacular™ has concocted to raise awareness for childhood cancer. Persie was named by fans of Cancertacular™ on our FB page. He had a Bon Voyage party at the University of Scranton on Tuesday, August 31, 2010. He will travel the world before returning to the University at the Royal Dancetacular on February 19-20, 2011!! Check the blog for updates on his escapades!!
After a fabulous day of frolicking with friends (including Persie), my sister and I had a truly life changing experience. We witnessed a swiftly moving vehicle in our small town (several stop signs, no traffic lights) literally crush the hind legs of a rabbit. The sweet animal was still very much alive, but made a paraplegic by a reckless and thoughtless driver. This brought us to a crossroads. What to do? Well, it was obvious for us that NOTHING was not an option. Jill pulled the car over, I exited and guided Buddy (that's right, we named him) to the side of the road. He breathing was labored and right eye bulging. We briefly left him safely nestled on the shoulder of Main Street, and fled to the nearest supermarket for a sturdy box.
Upon return, Buddy was actually attempting to crawl back out into the road. The rabbit had some get up and go, so we got up and got out our cell phones! We enlisted the help of friends, called the humane society, even a vet. Ultimately, we loaded Buddy into that box, and drove him to the river in hope of a peaceful respite. As I drove and Jill held the box, Buddy's movement slowed and finally stopped. We left him on the banks of the river after saying a few words. We took solace in the fact that he did not die alone and we did everything within our knowledge and power for him.
We did shed tears and mourn the life of a rabbit that crossed our paths just minutes before he left this world. Why didn't anyone else help him?? It is impossible for me not to connect this event to my life's passion, childhood cancer. Remember those 46 kids that are diagnosed with cancer each day?? All of them have parents, guardians, siblings, grandparents, and friends that love, adore, and live for them. Those children have rights - and they have voices, just like the adults that love them. However, it is the adults who must advocate for those children - guide them to safety as they face the fight of their lives. Is it okay to sit back when you just can't shake the feeling that something is wrong? Is it okay to "settle" for a doctor or a treatment? Is it acceptable to "tolerate" anything, especially when it involves the well being of a child who is counting on you to raise your voice for him or her?
But, where do you start? Every parent, guardian, or loved one of a child who is facing cancer has undoubtedly faced the darkest days of their life. Usually within days, maybe hours, your entire world becomes topsy turvy. Plus, anything that you thought was stationary suddenly becomes moveable. Your child becomes a statistic (#1 of 46.) Your home becomes the hospital. Your job becomes an impossibility. Realistically, the only steadfast entity in your life - your future - now lies in a hospital bed, completely relying on you to advocate for him.
There is only one option - fight! You ask questions. You take notes. You take on the starring role in your child's medical team. Below is a link for keeping a journal of your child's cancer treatment: http://http//www.beyondthecure.org/cancers-impact/medical/parent/medical-journal.html. And, after the need for all of that hell raising has ceased, you continue to fight in her honor or in his memory. You tell their story. You wear gold in September. You crawl up Capitol Hill if you have to, sharing your story with the Pediatric Cancer Caucus. You cry. You laugh.
The bottom line - I have never rescued a dying rabbit before. A laughable comparison to some, maybe even me on some levels, as you have never held the life of a child with cancer in your hands before. My sister and I had abolutely no idea what to do for Buddy. Neither did you on that fateful day. We followed our instincts, and did the best we could. So did you! I shared many tasks, ideas, and examples. This entire blog is hogwash and invalid UNLESS you believe it and it makes sense for your unique situation. I am not a parent, I am a childhood cancer survivor - we learn to fight. Please resist blaming yourself or feel guilty for not doing "enough." If you have a burning need to know more, do some research. Below are two advocacy agencies that can help guide you through the most difficult time of your life, while you summon that fight inside of you and teach your promising child through "GOLDEN" examples!
Childhood Cancer Ombudsman Program
National Children's Cancer Society
In the coming days, parents who have lived this battle will share their story on this blog. Not so long ago, I came to realize that while I endured the surgeries and chemo, they came with far less suffering than the emotional pain that my parents endured - still do on some levels. Their every minute was devoted to protecting me from the monster that dwelled INSIDE my young body. This blog is dedicated to my parents and their comrades in the childhood cancer world. I salute you. Extra special thoughts and prayers tonight for all that are facing this monster. I am beside you in this fight, if only in spirit!!
Fabulously yours,
Tina
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