Melinda Marchiano

Grace: A Child's Intimate Journey Through Cancer And Recovery

Have you ever noticed (I’m not sure that it’s possible not to notice!) the headlines on the magazines available for purchase at our grocery store checkout stands? Right along with the latest headlines of the latest happenings of celebrities, there are captions commenting on how excellent it is that someone has lost weight, or how dreadful it is that someone has packed it on.

I have a hard time managing my brain when I look at those. I have a hard time managing my heart when I realize that we, as a society, value what our outer shells look like much more than we value the wholeness of our hearts. Is it just me, or is something sickening and wrong with this? I am not suggesting we discontinue bathing and grooming. I just think that The Grand Prize of Life cannot possibly lie in becoming The Thinnest, The Most Beautiful, or even The Most Famous.

I think the Grand Prize of Life lies much deeper… down in the deepest part of us.

Will you please help me look for winners of The First Annual Childhood Cancer Awareness Month Big Heart Red Carpet Awards?

I am looking for foundations, businesses, and individuals who have opened their hearts (wallets are appreciated, but certainly not necessary!) to fighting childhood cancer.

melinda@melindamarchiano.com

It’s way past time we start giving awards where they are truly deserved.

Know what’s funny…. if there were an award ceremony for this, no one would show up. These people already have their “prize.” They have helped children with cancer. They don’t need or want accolades or praise.

Those aren’t The Prize.

I leave you with —reminders of the reality of childhood cancer…

Andrew McDonough

Written by Andrew’s family…

 This B+ Hero is Andrew – the reason we fight so hard for a cure. Andrew was diagnosed with Leukemia (AML) on January 29, 2007, just 48 hours after playing 4 soccer games. His body went into septic shock and his heart stopped. Doctors said he wouldn’t live through the night, but he proved them wrong. He underwent nearly 50 surgical procedures, 4 strokes, multiple hemorrhages and a brain aneurysm that forced him to be airlifted to Jefferson Hospital in Philadelphia for emergency brain surgery. We were told he was the sickest child the hospital had ever treated. After 167 days in the hospital, Andrew passed away on July 14, 2007. www.caringbridge.org/visit/andrewmcdonough

46/7 is real... are you?

Written by Carla Mota…

… like always up all night fearing for my daughter… indescribable how it is to live fearing that your daughter might die… only someone who walks in my shoes will truly know the heartbreak I live with and for all of you who don’t, get on your knees and thank God NOW and beg him you never find out !!!

Update on Reefie... he's on his way to the U.S. today!

Written by Randy Hinton…

“If you force radiation ,steroids, and chemo on a condemned prisoner without his permission he can SUE THE STATE AND WIN. If you do it to a child it is called “Best medicine available”.

Praise the Lord for Remission

Written by Nikki Katz of Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation…

“Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation is currently working with a family whose three year old daughter is battling a Wilms Tumor. The family recently had to move out of their home into a small two bedroom apartment and have no furniture. If you or someone you know have any of the following items and wish to donate them please contact Nikki at 308-9941 or via e-mail.

Be sure to share this e-mail with friends, family and coworkers.

Queen bed, sheets, comforter, two pillows & pillow cases

Twin bunk bed, sheets, comforter, three pillows & pillow cases

One Twin Bed mattress

Sheets and comforter for a toddler bed

Small couch and chair

Dining room table with six chairs (not big)

TV

 DVD player

Standing lamp or two

Side Table for table lamp

Bookshelf

Thank you for your time and consideration.”

Reality check to all of America!

I will be awaiting your votes for the True and Most Deserving Winners in This Life.