Childhood Cancer CAN Be Cured
Over 15,000 children in the United States are diagnosed with cancer every year. 1 in every 285 children will be receive a cancer diagnosis before they turn twenty years old. Nearly 20% of these children will not survive. 50 years ago, 55% of these children would not live more than 5 years after being diagnosed.
In the last 50 years, the odds of surviving childhood cancer have increased by nearly 35%. Childhood cancer is still the number one disease related cause of death in children, but there is light at the end of the tunnel.
Every year, billions of dollars go towards childhood cancer research. And these billions of dollars represent a mere 4% of total funding for cancer research. If 4% has the power to save thousands of lives a year, just imagine what can happen with 10%. Or 20%. No person deserves this kind of diagnosis, least of all a child. By continuing the conversation about how to cure childhood cancer, we tell the medical world that “just enough” is not enough.
So, what can we do? Keep talking. When we use our voice, we tell the world what it is we need. One of us alone could never be expected to save the world, but what if we all came together in the smallest ways we could? 5 and 5 make ten, but so does 1 and 1 and 1 and 1 and 1 and 1 and 1 and 1 and 1 and 1….. a little bit from every person really does add up.
“Brick by brick, my fellow citizens… brick by brick.”
Good Emperor Hadrian
How do I contribute my 1? Get involved. Whether it be through a financial gift, the donation of brand new toys and blankets, or simply giving your time with a smile, you have the power to change lives. Dollars fund the much-needed research, but the heart of a child is only healed with the generosity of spirit of the people around them. There are dozens of ways to contribute to the lifesaving care provided at Hasbro Children’s Hospital. Reach out to the folks in the development office (folks like me!) to get some ideas, or come up with one all on your own! We truly believe that there is no act of kindness too small. We all have the power to make a change!
Reach out at afoley@lifespan.org or (401) 444-6511.