As anyone who is friends with me in real life or on Facebook, you know that making a change in the world of pediatric cancer is clearly my passion. So much so, that rather than get a "job", I continue to spend my time to do whatever I can to volunteer to raise money and awareness for pediatric cancer.

I share story after story in hopes that eventually one of those stories will affect you in a way that Liam & Jennifer's and so many others have affected me and make you want to help make a difference.

Did you know…

• 7 Children die a day from Pediatric Cancer.
• Less than 4% of the NIH cancer research budget goes towards pediatrics. This is 100% our tax dollars at work.
• More American children die of cancer than of AIDS, asthma, cystic fibrosis, diabetes and congenital abnormalities combined.
• In the past 20 years, only 2 new cancer drugs have been specifically approved for pediatric use. Both for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukima. Boy contrast, in one year… 2012 a total of 23 drugs were approved for adults.
• Average age for a child diagnosed with cancer is 6. For breast cancer, it’s 61 and prostate it’s 63. Average number of years lost for the adults that die is 15 years… for the children that die, it’s 69 years.
• The American Cancer Society only gives one cent of every dollar raised for pediatrics. On their site, they have options for what kind of cancer (breast, prostate, etc.) you want your donation to go towards. Childhood Cancer is not even an option.

While these facts are startling, they don't explain what is is like to hear a mother talk about  having her child strapped to a table to have radiation to the brain. This radiation that really has no chance of curing the disease your daughter has that has a 0% cure rate. The facts don't show a beautiful little girl who was born with glitter in her veins who had her life cut short because society has failed her by not making pediatric cancer a priority. The facts don't show the devastation that a family is left to deal with after cancer has invaded my family.

I can't run or bake and I am not quite ready to shave my head. I could stop shaving my legs, but shorts season is upon us. What I can do, is everyday try to do at least one thing that will create great memories for my kids. From saying yes to ice cream when they expect me to say no, having a silly dance party once a week or engaging less with my phone and more with my kids.  I will remember how fortunate I am that I have the laundry of 3 kids to do or that I get to pack lunches and do homework everyday. Your donation will help fund pediatric cancer research and support local families of children with cancer. 

From a $5 to a $500 donation, any amount is appreciated. 

Warmly,
Michelle