Grace: A Child's Intimate Journey Through Cancer and Recovery
In less than two weeks, I am going to meet Braden Hofen at a childhood cancer fundraising event called Braden’s Hope Run.
http://www.facebook.com/BradensHopeRun
Braden’s Hope
Braden’s Hope was born after 6-year old Braden Hofen was diagnosed with relapsing, Stage 4 neuroblastoma and he and his family were told there was no known cure. Just a few short months later, Braden’s mom was diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer. The amount of information about her cancer in comparison to what is known about neuroblastoma was staggering. Braden’s mom began researching to find an answer as to why there was so much more known about her cancer in comparison to her son’s.
There are times when our language is entirely inadequate to describe what we are feeling inside, and this for me is one of those times. Braden is a remarkable cancer warrior who I have grown to love. His spirit and determination make him unstoppable and the love he shows to others through his own trauma makes me dig deep to discover how I can become a better me.
One example comes straight from his mom’s update today. Braden did not want his brother Zach to get a “Pokey.” Zach was only getting his yearly check (and we all know that Braden endures “Pokeys” galore,) but Braden needed to voice his love and protection from those dreaded Pokeys for his dearly loved brother.
And how old are you Braden?
Six?
Today I want to thank Braden’s family for their tireless dedication to stopping childhood cancer and for creating Braden’s Hope Foundation!
Every single day there are children battling cancer and fighting for their lives. There are children right now on life-support. Please pray. Please do everything you can to help.
I am praying for Noah. His family is praying for a miracle and I am praying for the same miracle. Noah is eight years old and has been fighting cancer for over a year. Please send many prayers– Colorful Beams of Light to Heaven– so many that they paint the sky with our love for Noah.
Prayers. Miracles.
Noah…
Melinda Marchiano 
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