GO GOLD

As most know, or should know, September is childhood cancer awareness month.

Pediatric cancer is a subject that I hold very close to my heart.

Since I have been diagnosed with Crohn's I have been exposed to many pediatric cancer patients and I will just go out and say that they are the real heroes.

Before I was diagnosed with Crohn's they were testing me for Leukemia.. I remember just how horrified my family was at the thought that their daughter, niece, or granddaughter may have cancer. I am so thankful that it was just Crohn's. Now, people who know their stuff know that Crohn's and cancer are very similar, yet they can be very different.

Here are some facts about pediatric cancer:

• Each year around 13,500 children are diagnosed with pediatric cancer in the US.
• 35,000 children are currently in treatment for cancer.
• 74% of childhood cancer survivors have chronic illnesses.
• Cancer treatments can affect a child's growth, fertility, and endocrine system.

Aside from all of the sad things about cancer, all of the cancer kids I have met have the biggest hearts around. Many of the kids I see are always smiling, even when they don't feel like it. They laugh, they play.
They are truly phenomenal kids and they make the most of every single moment.

My challenge for you this month-

• Learn all you possibly can about pediatric cancer.
• Educate others about pediatric cancer.
• If you have the financial means, DONATE.
• Simply pray for the children and families.

"Just another day in the life."