Grace: A Child's Intimate Journey Through Cancer and Recovery
I received a message on Facebook today from a lovely lady named Suzie, and she told me about Oprah’s “Last Call.”
Suzie… you know I had to… thanks for informing me:)
Dear Oprah,
I do have a dream.
What I dream of is an end to childhood cancer. While I recognize that there is no way to accomplish this in one show, my heart searches for the words to explain to you the enormous impact you could have in the lives of children and their families for years to come. The impact from this one show would be felt throughout the world, throughout time.
My dream begins with “HARPO-Hook-Up” bringing together a team of experts on childhood cancer to educate your audience.
Some daunting facts: childhood cancer is the #1 cause of death by disease for children in our country. When children are diagnosed with cancer, 80% are at advanced stages, compared with 20% in adults. The National Cancer Institute and the American Cancer Society appropriate a tiny portion of their budgets for childhood cancers. For children who survive, 2/3 will face serious health consequences as a result of their treatment. For some children, surviving cancer treatment is just the beginning of a new nightmare. Many families are left emotionally and financially devastated.
What I dream of is awareness. What I dream of is an assembly of passionate people– outrageously intelligent scientists, brilliant doctors, and childhood cancer organization personnel who will speak together at a big table (yes, like Mr. Trump’s big table!)
What I dream of is a huge surprise for the doctors, scientists and children…BIG funding for a cure. Awareness is the huge beginning obstacle, but what needs to follow to make my dream a reality is a large donation of money for childhood cancer research. The biggest and best surprise of all would be adequate funding to build the BIGGEST & BADDEST Childhood Cancer War Machine ever built. We do not have a day to waste. There are 40,000 children fighting cancer in the United States this moment.
My dream is to win the war against childhood cancer.
Please Oprah… let’s fire up the Tank and start blasting.
Hope!
Melinda Marchiano 
Comments on: "Oprah’s Last Call" (2)
Brilliant!
I am hoping and praying that Oprah’s producers agree with you:):):)
Yes… hoping, dreaming, praying for this to become a reality!