‘Every Day Is Such a Gift’: Samuel Bounces Back After Brain Cancer
Honored Kid Samuel is a bright second grader with a budding flair for the dramatic. He enjoys trying his hand at magic tricks and telling jokes, and is now in remission from medulloblastoma. “Every day is such a gift, especially given what he’s been through,” says his mom, Tammy.
A few weeks ago, 8-year-old Samuel walked across a two-by-four.
It may seem like a trivial bit of play, but to Tammy and her husband, Jay, their son’s journey across that 12-foot-long piece of lumber was a victory.
Celebrating Mother’s Day Every Day
Nicole’s son Miles passed away last March, after fighting medulloblastoma and persevering bravely through a host of other challenges for four years. As Mother’s Day approaches, Nicole contemplates what the holiday — and every day with her boys — means to her.
The Root family sits for a portrait.
Sunday is Mom’s Day. That’s what is noted on the calendar. We see it advertised everywhere and acknowledge it as a day to honor our mothers. We will do the same next month for dads.
To be perfectly honest, I hadn’t really noticed until about two weeks ago when our grief counselor reminded me.
I Took My Story to Congress, and So Can You
Danielle Leach, our Director of Government Relations and Advocacy, received an exciting invitation last month — she was asked to speak to the House Appropriations Committee. Step into her shoes as she recounts her experience testifying to Congress about childhood cancer and the need for research funding.
Danielle testifies to Congress about childhood cancer.
Ambassador Daisy Kicks Childhood Cancer Into the Past
Last Thursday marked two years since Daisy was diagnosed with medulloblastoma, a type of pediatric brain tumor. Now with no evidence of disease, Daisy is gaining new strength and confidence every day. Her mom, Natalie, reflects on how far Daisy’s come since that day in April 2013.
Daisy during and after treatment for medulloblastoma, a type of pediatric brain tumor.
Ambassador Daisy’s Family Celebrates Chinese New Year
Ambassador Daisy’s mom, Natalie, likes to keep her daughters connected to their Chinese culture. Part of that is celebrating Chinese New Year! But when Daisy was diagnosed with childhood cancer, it was hard for the little girl to enjoy the holiday. As this Chinese New Year celebration comes to a close, Natalie explained how this year was special — and a whole bunch of fun.
Daisy is the picture of fierce concentration as she paints a panda during Chinese New Year’s.
“While Daisy was in treatment, we couldn’t celebrate Chinese New Year,” Natalie said. “We were too worried about being out in public with so many germs, since Daisy’s immune system was compromised.”
Daisy and her family are raising money for childhood cancer research! Help their team “Hope For Daisy” reach its $8,000 goal >
This year was different. After intense treatment for medulloblastoma, Daisy is out of the hospital, done with her therapy and shows no evidence of disease.
Meet Daisy
Daisy’s signature belly laugh was big, full of happiness and irrepressible. Since the 8-year-old completed treatment for medulloblastoma, a brain tumor, that easy, frequent laughter is slowly making a comeback.
The treatment and surgery left Daisy with hearing loss, paralyzed facial muscles, and nerve damage, but her spirit has remained intact.
It’s Just Hair: Shaving Again for Kids Like Hannah
Shave your head for kids with cancer. Be a shavee℠.
Gaylene with her daughter, Hannah, at their first St. Baldrick’s head-shaving event.
What started out as two shavees with a few friends, a hairdresser, and a donation table turned out to be one of the biggest philanthropic events our home of Grand Cayman has ever hosted, with the most money raised for charity in a single night.
We did it for kids with cancer. Kids like our Hannah.
What Happened When My Daughter’s Pediatric Oncologist Moved Across the Country
Ambassador Grace’s oncologist was so important to their family that when they learned he was moving 1,800 miles away, they thought about moving with him. Grace’s mom, Rebekah, explains what this change means for them.
Grace and her pediatric oncologist, Dr. Doug Harrison.
She has declared repeatedly that her relationship with Dr. Doug Harrison is one of the few benefits of having been diagnosed with childhood cancer. He is kind and funny and supportive, and he talks directly to her. For my husband, Russell, and me, he is responsive and knowledgeable and willing to work as part of a team to offer her the very best care.
We met him on her first night in the hospital in September 2007. Our trip that morning to the neurologist to discuss Grace’s headaches had fast-tracked us to the ER for a CAT scan, a brain tumor diagnosis, and then upstairs to the ICU for steroids. Doug arrived with social worker Stephanie to introduce himself. I was eager for anyone to tell me what was going on and how to explain it to Grace.
Kerri Swims Around Key West for Kids With Cancer
What do childhood cancer and a man-eating shark have in common? One special fundraiser.
Kerri Kanuga is swimming 12.5 miles around the coast of Key West to raise money for St. Baldrick’s in honor of 6-year-old Hannah Meeson.
Kerri said she thinks about Hannah every day. But when she’s not thinking about Hannah, her mind is on Katherine — a 2,300-pound great white who has been tracked swimming near the open-water race course.
Remembering Michael Orbany on His 10th Birthday
Today is Michael Orbany’s 10th birthday, and the first one his family will celebrate without him. You can honor Michael’s memory by supporting childhood cancer research with a donation to his Hero Fund.
But more than anything, Michael loved going to school. And when he was diagnosed with medulloblastoma, a type of brain cancer, at age 6, he wanted nothing more than to be in the classroom surrounded by his friends instead of in the hospital, at the doctor’s, or at home recovering from treatment.
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