Grace: A Child's Intimate Journey Through Cancer and Recovery
Once upon a time– long, long ago, and in this very land we live in– there was a girl who wrote a daily blog to help raise awareness about childhood cancer. With a deep care in her heart for all children who have faced the battle, she sought to make a difference in our world for them. Because childhood cancer is pitifully overlooked and underfunded, she knew she needed to join other childhood cancer awareness advocates in sharing and speaking the truth. She knew her role in this life as a survivor was not just to be grateful for her own life, but to work passionately to stop childhood cancer.
Alas, this young survivor entered her senior year of high school. Amid all of the studying for her challenging advanced placement courses, she began applying to colleges. With future options spread out before her, she knew, without a doubt, that she wanted to study to become a pediatric oncologist. And so, the college applications began, as the girl wrote essay after essay with the hope of being accepted to a great school. Double alas, the reality of paying for her college education sent her on a “Scavenger Hunt” for scholarships, and the essay-writing and packet-making reached a fever-pitch!
But something huge has been missing from her life. She needs to educate people about childhood cancer. She needs to share news; she needs to be aware so she can make others aware. Her passion and purpose have been buried under the weight of preparations for the future. She has had to keep reminding herself that there is purpose in the applications, that they are so much more than just “papers.” Her sincere hope is that all of the application work will translate one day into saving the lives of children.
So now, with a huge smile, and a breath of relief, this girl is about to re-enter the World of Blogging About Childhood Cancer.
It is SO good to be back!!!!!!!!!!!!
Please do all that you can to make our voices heard—thank you PAC2 for all of this information about the severe shortage of methotrexate. It is true, “Our kids need ACTION NOW!”
New York Times Article—“Supply of a Cancer Drug May Run Out Within Weeks”
Dr. John Maris testified before Congress about the shortage
Please take swift action—as if it were your child who needs this medicine to survive…
President Obama, The White House: 202-456-1111
FDA: 888-463-6332
Find and call your rep here.
Call the 5 companies who have stopped/slowed production. Press the option for “adverse effects” & tell them how you feel:
APP Customer Service
1-888-386-1300
Bedford Customer Service
1-800-562-4797
Hospira, Inc. Customer Service
1-877-946-7747
Mylan Institutional
1-888-258-4199
Sandoz Customer Service:
1-609-627-8500
Finally click here to contact your legislators now and urge them to cosponsor the Preserving Access to Life-Saving Medications Act now!
(Thank you PAC2!)
We must act now!
Why???
Out of respect for this brave warrior’s family, the names in the following quote will remain anonymous. I know this is not what people want to see or hear… but it is truth. Today, this is what one incredible cancer child faced. This is what the family faced.
“It won’t be much longer. His breathing is rapid and shallow. His chest sounds crackly and he’s been coughing up foamy white stuff. ( ) suctioned some out and saw blood in the tube. This is horrendous. I don’t think he’ll make it through the day, but I don’t know. So sick to my stomach right now.”
Our choices are:
1) Look away and do nothing
2) Act boldly
I choose to act boldly. Please, allow your love for children to stir you to immediate action.
With my deep respect to all those who choose action, I give thanks for you!
I love Reef! He is calling all of us to action
Melinda Marchiano 
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