Grace: A Child’s Intimate Journey Through Cancer and Recovery
“It takes two to speak the truth—one to speak and the other to hear.”
~Henry David Thoreau
September is National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. This past weekend, I had the opportunity to participate in a project that is bringing together the entire childhood cancer community– a project I believe will change the future of childhood cancer. I remember my oncologist, Dr. Dan, explaining to me how the cure rates for childhood cancer have improved remarkably, because of the sharing of information through Children’s Oncology Group. I have since learned how there are multiple childhood cancer foundations working hard to raise money for pediatric cancer research, many of them started by families whose own child has fought cancer. By taking a stand alongside one another, we can have a larger impact, and make a greater impact faster. By joining together, we can learn and share The Truth.
The project, The Truth 365, seeks to create “One Voice” for all. In creating One Voice, we can “speak the truth,” creating the opportunity for individuals, private corporations, and for our elected representatives to “hear.” With all of my heart, I have hope that our Voice will not bounce off of numb ears and numb hearts. I want each one to accept a bit of responsibility when they “hear.”
The Truth is, childhood cancer research is overlooked and underfunded. The Truth is, childhood cancer researchers must spend many of their working hours applying for grants. I don’t want brilliant pediatric cancer researchers spending their precious time writing grant applications; I want them in the lab, finding causes and cures. Sadly, in the world of pediatric cancer research, this is The Truth. If funding for research is the greatest obstacle standing in the way of ending the suffering of thousands of children, what are we waiting for?
The Truth is, funding for pediatric cancer research is an extreme, high priority for us as individuals, as a country, and as a world. Let’s stand together for action now. Time is of the essence. Children are dying… seven each day in the United States alone.
This is a pledge to our children of today and a promise to children of the future. We are looking into the face of greatness here– greatness in the form of ending human suffering.
That is, our Baby Humans.
Photo/Image by Mike Gillette
Melinda Marchiano 
Comments on: "It Takes Two to Speak The Truth" (4)
That was a powerful statement Melinda
With all of my heart, I have hope that our Voice will not bounce off of numb ears and numb hearts. I want each one to accept a bit of responsibility when they “hear.”
Thanks for sharing. Brian G. Jones
http://briansphirstblog.blogspot.com/2012/08/my-declaration.html
Thank you Brian, for all you do. Thank you for your encouragement– it means a lot:)
Our daughter has fought the brave fight for ten years. She no longer remembers being healthy.
Wow… “brave” is right! I am so sorry for all that she has had to face, and also sorry she doesn’t remember being healthy. I remember what that was like, and I want to hug her! Please tell her she amazes me with her courage, and her stamina… wow! I can’t forget a big hug for you, “Mom,” too.