As September rolls in, it brings with it Childhood Cancer Awareness Month (CCAM). Across the nation, communities are coming together to host various events and fundraisers aimed at raising awareness, generating funds for pediatric cancer research, and inspiring families with healthy children to contribute to the lives of those facing illness. Take, for instance, the story of Sarah, whose son Ethan was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) at just 18 months old. For families like Sarah’s, participation in one of the numerous St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® annual Walk/Run events is a vital way to make a difference.
St. Jude, located in Memphis, Tennessee, is at the forefront of the battle against childhood cancers, treating over 7,000 patients annually. The incredible part? Families never receive a bill for treatment, housing, food, or travel. For Sarah, this was a tremendous relief. “The moment Ethan was diagnosed was the scariest of my life, but walking into St. Jude and seeing the hope for the future filled me with comfort. Knowing that I wouldn’t have to worry about bills or co-pays allowed me to focus entirely on my son’s health,” she shared. Thanks to groundbreaking research from St. Jude, the survival rate for ALL has soared from a mere 5% in 1980 to over 90% today.
Founded in 1962 by actor Danny Thomas, St. Jude treats some of the most severe pediatric cancers and sickle cell disease, ensuring that no child is denied treatment based on race, religion, ethnicity, or financial status. Their research extends beyond childhood cancer, yielding insights into other serious conditions like ALS and diabetes. Notably, they are home to the only proton therapy center dedicated to children, utilizing advanced technology to target tumors while sparing healthy tissue.
A $99 million facility employs high-energy protons to treat various cancers, including brain tumors, Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and solid tumors like Ewing’s sarcoma and neuroblastoma. By 2018, it was projected that 80% of radiation therapy patients at St. Jude would receive proton beam therapy.
If you were to meet Ethan today, a cheerful 4-year-old spinning in his superhero costume and currently in remission, you might find it hard to believe he once battled cancer. Richard C. Shadyac Jr., CEO of ALSAC, which supports St. Jude, remarked, “Seeing the vibrant child Ethan has become is a testament to our mission and the remarkable support we receive from the community.”
This September, join the fight against childhood cancer by finding a St. Jude Walk/Run event near you. With a fundraising goal of $11 million, these events aim to shed light on pediatric cancer. Shadyac emphasizes, “At St. Jude, we maintain the highest survival rates for the toughest cancers, and we are relentlessly pursuing improvements. This month, we want everyone to recognize that cancer is still the leading cause of death by disease in children, and it’s crucial that we unite to raise awareness and funds. We won’t stop until every child is free from cancer.” To find a St. Jude Walk/Run in your area or to join Ethan’s team, Mission Possible, visit the St. Jude Walk/Run website.
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In summary, September is a crucial time to raise awareness and support for childhood cancer. By participating in local events and sharing stories, we can contribute to the fight and bring hope to those affected by this devastating disease.
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