Kids with Cancer

The 3rd Anniversary of Phineas’ Childhood Cancer Diagnosis

by Tina Sandi
March 28, 2016

Ambassador Phineas was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in 2013. He’s alive today because of research funded by St. Baldrick’s. His mom, Tina, shares how their family will be spending his three-year diagnosis anniversary.

Phineas and Sandi family

The Sandi Family (left to right): Fiona, Carlos, Phineas and Tina.

On March 28, 2013, we found out that our 4-year-old son, Phineas, had cancer. It was a terrible day — but heartbreakingly familiar.

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Head-Shaving

Pediatric Resident Goes Bald For Kids With Cancer: Chris’ Story

by Jeena Gould, St. Baldrick's Foundation
March 23, 2016

In 1992, Chris Cox was treated at Oakland Children’s Hospital for acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Now, 24 years later, he’s back at that same hospital — only this time, he’s there as a pediatric resident. See how he’s making an impact for kids with cancer now.

Chris Cox at hospital with another resident

Photo courtesy Dennis Diokno Photography

Chris Cox is in his intern year as a pediatric resident at Oakland Children’s Hospital — the first of three years dedicated to learning the ins and outs of being a doctor.

But he’s unlike any ordinary resident. He knows how his patients feel because he was one of them.

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Families

Making Every Moment Count: Caemon’s Story

by Timaree Marston
March 14, 2016

Caemon was a happy, inquisitive child, full of energy and love. Not even childhood cancer could change that. “He was a boy who was ready to live, and whether at home or at the children’s hospital, he was going to keep making meaning of his life,” writes his mom, Timaree. She tells his story below.

On a sunny afternoon in September 2009, my wife and I, a couple for 11 years, were transformed into a family with the birth of our son Caemon.

He looked nothing like we expected with his downy blonde hair and Pacific Ocean eyes, and in an instant, we knew that any expectations we had of this chubby little cherub had to be released. The only certainty was that after two years of trying so hard to make a family, our son was finally here. He was ours to cherish, and cherish him we did.

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Head-Shaving

Third Time’s the Charm: Sarah Gets Ready to Go Bald Again

by Sarah Swaim
March 4, 2016

It’s been over three years since 2012 Ambassador Sarah has seen herself bald. She’s breaking that streak on Saturday to be a shavee℠ for the third time. As a childhood cancer survivor, Sarah writes about what bravery looks like to her and what makes shaving so special this time.

Sarah and Abby in 2015

Sarah (left) smiles with Honored Kid Abby at Camp Fantastic in 2015.

I’m often asked if I’m nervous about my upcoming shave.

I can honestly say I’m not at all. After all, this will be my third time shaving my head for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation!

The usual response I get is, “You’re so brave.” But I don’t see myself as the brave one.

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Head-Shaving

From Childhood Cancer Survivor to Shavee and VEO: Andrew’s Story

by Andrew Schmidt
February 25, 2016

Andrew Schmidt was diagnosed with childhood cancer in 1983 and was treated on a clinical trial. Now he’s paying it forward by raising money for childhood cancer research. Read on to see how he’s using his experience to help others.

Andrew smiles wearing an Arsenal scarf

My childhood cancer story begins in December 1983 when I was 22 months old.

My mom took me to the doctor because I was sick with a bad cold. When they examined me, they noticed I had developed bruises all over my body, and they weren’t going away.

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Kids with Cancer

The 8-Year-Old With a Mission: Sadie’s Story

by Erinn Jessop, St. Baldrick's Foundation
February 23, 2016

Honored Kid Sadie wants you — and everyone in the world — to know about childhood cancer. Read on to learn more about this resilient 8-year-old’s cancer journey and how she raises awareness and crucial funds for childhood cancer research.

Sadie shows off her muscles

8-year-old Sadie shows off her strength.

Sadie is on a mission.

The 8-year-old was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia last year. Through a rollercoaster ride of treatments, side effects and infections, the precocious girl has made childhood cancer her cause.

“Her mission is just to make as many people as possible know that kids get cancer too,” said her mom, Sarah.

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Survivors

In Sickness and in Health: Sarah and Patrick’s Love Story

by Jeena Gould, St. Baldrick's Foundation
February 14, 2016

2012 Ambassador Sarah and her fiancé, Patrick, have been through a lot in their seven years together. Read how they conquered Sarah’s childhood cancer together and the love that endured through it all.

Sarah and Patrick with dog

Sarah and Patrick smile with their dog, Oswald.

“It was like our eyes locked and the world sort of shifted.”

That’s how Sarah recalls the day she met her fiancé, Patrick, 10 years ago.

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Head-Shaving

Researcher Spotlight: Meet Dr. Dan Wechsler

by Erinn Jessop, St. Baldrick's Foundation
February 8, 2016

Dr. Dan Wechsler is one really busy — and sometimes bald — pediatric oncologist. Read on for more about this hardworking St. Baldrick’s researcher and everything he’s doing to help kids with cancer.

Dr. Dan Wechsler gets shaved at a St. Baldrick's event

Dr. Dan Wechsler goes under the clippers with a little help from a friend.

Dr. Dan Wechsler admits that he doesn’t get much sleep.

Working at Duke University Medical Center as chief of pediatric hematology-oncology, Dr. Wechsler is also a St. Baldrick’s-funded researcher, a six-time shavee, a grant mentor, an event speaker, and a grant reviewer with the St. Baldrick’s Scientific Advisory Committee.

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Kids with Cancer

‘Attitude Is Everything’: Carter’s Story

by Jeena Gould, St. Baldrick's Foundation
February 3, 2016

World Cancer Day is here! But today’s story isn’t about cancer — it’s about a kid named Carter. Today we’re celebrating his positivity in the face of childhood cancer, and his desire to conquer it once and for all.

Carter in the snow

On the outside, you would think Carter was like any other 10-year-old boy.

He is smiley, cheerful and lively. He loves to use his imagination to create new things with Legos and wood working. Writing, math and science come easily to him. Team sports and play practice — he does it all.

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Kids with Cancer

Meet Phineas

by St. Baldrick's Foundation
January 5, 2016

Phineas has a long list of things he loves. The 7-year-old loves playing with Legos, riding his mountain bike, eating pizza and junk food (when his mom isn’t looking), and all things monster truck.

Ambassador Phineas

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