My life has not personally been affected by childhood cancer. However, I have seen what a terminal illness can do to a child and to a family. I am an aunt of a terminally ill child. My youngest nephew was diagnosed with Krabbe Leukodystrophy. It is a terminal disease with no cure. He is only 2 1/2 and has already taught my family so much about life and love.
It may not be cancer but I think the stages are the same. First, the unknown. What is wrong with my child? Why is he/she sick? Why is it taking so long to get results back?
Second, the diagnosis. Hearing the doctor tell you that your child isn't going to grow up with you. That your child is not going to do all the things he or she should do. That your child is going to experience pain and sadness. That there is absolutely nothing you can do.
Third, the reality. You try to be strong and brave and be the best parent you know how to be but how could you possibly stay strong knowing your child is going to die? How can you even imagine a life without them? No parent should ever have to experience such a tragedy. But it happens. Every. single. day.
Fourth, hope. Maybe one day there will be a cure. Maybe my child can be saved and if not, maybe someone elses child can be saved. When going through so much pain you find love and comfort in other people who are experiencing similar pain. You hope for a cure. You hope for a happy ending. For some parents that's all they can have, is hope.
But it doesn't always have to be that way. What if one day there is a cure and families don't have to experience so much pain?
No child should ever be sick, no child should ever feel ugly, and no child should ever be taken from their family.
If shaving my head can raise money, create awareness, give hope, or make even one child feel better about themselves then I would do it a million times over.
Now I need your help! Will you make a donation? Every dollar makes a difference for the thousands of infants, children, teens, and young adults fighting childhood cancers.
