A Childhood Cancer Survivor Blogging about the World of Childhood Cancer

Archive for April, 2014

Hyundai Hope on Wheels Has Just One Wish… #EndChildhoodCancer

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“We Have Just One Wish… #EndChildhoodCancer “

                                                                      ~Hyundai Hope on Wheels

http://tinyurl.com/yc9uo8x 

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Every 36 minutes, one more child in the United States is diagnosed with cancer. Each year there are 15,000 new childhood cancer patients, and there are over 40,000 children who are currently in treatment. Two out of three children who survive will suffer lifelong effects caused from their cancer treatments. Our children need—absolutely need— politicians, celebrities, businesses, sports organizations, essentially everyone who walks the Earth and breathes, to act to #EndChildhoodCancer We are all called to be Gold Spokes in the Wheel speeding its way to cures.

One of the stellar “Gold Spokes” in the “Wheel” on its way to end childhood cancer is Hyundai. On this day, Hyundai is kicking off their 16th annual Hyundai Hope on Wheels program. Over the past 16 years, they have raised over $86 million to fight pediatric cancer. Yes, $86 million! Michelle Williams has recently joined Hyundai to help them in their wish to #EndChildhoodCancer

On April 9th of this year, Hyundai Hope on Wheels announced a $2 million grant they awarded to fund Children’s Oncology Group’s Project:EveryChild. This grant will allow doctors and researchers access to thousands of cancer specimens in an enormous database at the Hyundai COG Biorepository.

http://www.fenderbender.com/FenderBender/April-2014/Hyundai-Awards-2-million-Cancer-Research-Grant/

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“Hyundai’s generous support to Project:EveryChild will make a significant difference in our ongoing battle against childhood cancer,”

“This crucial funding will ensure that every child diagnosed with cancer in the U.S. will be eligible to participate in and benefit from the advances in research from Project:EveryChild, regardless of the rarity of the type of cancer.”

                                                                                        ~Dr. Peter Adamson

                                                Chairman of the Children’s Oncology Group

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Now that we see how this automobile manufacturer, Hyundai, has huge ambitions to help our kids, I HOPE more and more consumers will turn their attention and their dollars to show their appreciation to Hyundai.

Thank you, Hyundai Hope on Wheels! Very best wishes to youth ambassadors, Ashley Burnette and Kenny Thomas!

What’s in YOUR garage?

Kenneth and Ashley National Youth Ambassadors for Hyundai Hope on Wheels

Photo shared from Hope on Wheels Twitter Page  @hopeonwheels https://twitter.com/hopeonwheels

Guest blogger: Lee Marchiano

 

Suzanne Shelpman, A Bright Gold Spoke

 

Please keep Neuroblastoma Warrior Bryson in your thoughts and prayers! ~Suzanne Shelpman

Please keep Neuroblastoma Warrior Bryson in your thoughts and prayers! ~Suzanne Shelpman

Suzanne Shelpman is one of Melinda’s Facebook friends. I notice Melinda and Suzanne have 233 “friends” in common. Suzanne is not a high school friend, or a Pepperdine friend; Suzanne is a caring, concerned advocate for children with cancer. Suzanne keeps track of countless CaringBridge sites  and Facebook pages where families post the latest updates on their child’s treatments, scans, and health reports. She follows the journeys of many children, and she writes beautiful posts on her Facebook page so that others can join her in caring, sharing, and praying. She saves all year long so she can donate to support friends who are raising money for childhood cancer research.

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“It snowed last night, so am headed over for a session of Spin cycling for Run for the White House for Childhood Cancer Awareness 2014. After I finish, it is my night to serve dinner to my unsheltered homeless friends.”

“I have several more kids’ updates and will post when I get back later tonight.”

                                                                            ~Suzanne Shelpman

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This is one of Suzanne’s latest updates about Carly, who we have all been praying for. And please remember Bryson!

“Warrior Carly who is battling a secondary cancer caused by the harsh treatment during her initial diagnosis will have a stem cell transplant tomorrow (Tuesday). Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers and remember her generous donor.”

                                                                           ~Suzanne Shelpman

https://www.facebook.com/groups/prayforcarlytomlinson/

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Not everyone can create and run a foundation, like so many childhood cancer families have successfully accomplished. Not everyone can create an Emmy Award-winning childhood cancer documentary, like Mike Gillette. Not everyone can go after the entire United States to light it GOLD, like Tony Stoddard. Not everyone can shave their head in support of their cancer-fighting friend, like Kamryn Renfro did for Delaney Clements. Likewise, not everyone can do what Suzanne so lovingly does each and every day of her life. She uses her life to help better the lives of children who are suffering.

Each one of us has something unique we can give to children fighting cancer. Each gift is like a Gold Spoke in a Wheel. All of these Golden Spokes are equally important and equally necessary to keep the Wheel moving forward. The Wheel must move quickly forward, because we have children’s lives to save.

My deepest thanks to Suzanne. Your sincere love is inspiring, and it encourages all of us to look inside to find our very best selves.

My deep thanks to all of you Gold Spokes out there who keep loving, giving, and sacrificing for the goal of ending childhood cancer.

Praying for Carly Tomlinson

Praying for Carly Tomlinson

Guest Blogger: Lee Marchiano

The Truth 365 Loves Taylor Swift

Taylor SwiftThe Truth 365 is launching a campaign to invite Taylor Swift to be an official celebrity spokesperson for children with cancer. They have been communicating with Taylor’s “team” and believe she may consider helping out. Do you remember the song she wrote for Ronan?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_nVBsDP5DoM&feature=kp

Ronan Thompson was diagnosed as a toddler with stage-four neuroblastoma– cancer stole him away just eight short months later.  Maya Thompson blogged about her son’s illness, and her moving story found its way to Taylor. Maya received a phone call from Taylor, telling her she wrote a song for Ronan.

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“I was a blubbering mess telling her how much this meant to me as she was helping me keep your memory alive and helping me to do amazing things. How if I had to pick my dream person to be tied to your name, it would be her because she is full of so much pure goodness, just like you.”

                                                                        ~Maya Thompson, Ronan’s mommy

                                                                           www.rockstarronan.com

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Dear, dear Mike Gillette from The Truth 365 gives us these details on how we can all work together to make this happen:

Announcing the ‪#‎ThankYouTaylor Campaign!

“As a way to thank Taylor Swift for her years of kindness toward kids with cancer we are launching a social media campaign called #ThankYouTaylor.

Here’s how you can participate:

Step 1. Take a photo with a message for Taylor that includes the hashtags #ThankYouTaylor and #‎thetruth365film. Photos can be of individuals, groups, pets or anything that you can think of. Children fighting cancer are strongly encouraged to participate.

Step 2. Upload it to Facebook, Twitter or Instagram

Step 3. Be sure to tag it with the hashtags #ThankYouTaylor and #thetruth365film so that we can find your image.

We will then then choose 1,000 images and print a 36 sq. ft. wall mural for Taylor which she may accept or donate to her favorite charity. The mural will be designed as a mosaic made up of all of the images.”

 Ronan

 The inspiration for Taylor’s song, Ronan Thompson

National Siblings Day — Alex’s Lemonade Stand and SuperSibs!

 

Phoenix Children's Hospital, Make-A-Wish Hope Tour

Phoenix Children’s Hospital, Make-A-Wish Hope Tour

Today, April 10th, is National Siblings Day. This annual celebration honors the relationships of brothers and sisters. Although Siblings Day is not recognized federally like Father’s Day and Mother’s Day, 39 of our states have official proclamations recognizing Siblings Day. Claudia Evart created the concept for the holiday in 1997, to honor the memory of her sister and brother.

Siblings of kids with cancer have an enormous burden upon them. They live with fear of losing their brother or sister. They watch their sibling suffer in ways that children should never have to witness. They step to the background so their parents can attend to life-threatening issues and provide care  that steals all of their time. They continue with their so-called “normal” life while their sibling and at least one parent are away at the hospital. They try their best to bring joy to their family when their family is falling apart. They sit with their ill sibling just to be with them. To any sick child, this is the greatest of all gifts… time. These kids are SUPER!

Today, Alex’s Lemonade Stand announced it will be working with the organization SuperSibs! in the near future, to provide support for siblings of children fighting cancer.

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From April 2014 Newsletter from Alex’s Lemonade Stand:

“ALSF is going to join forces SuperSibs!, an organization that has worked to support siblings of children with cancer since 2002. SuperSibs! was established when Melanie Goldish’s older son was diagnosed with leukemia, and she was unable to find support services as her younger son struggled to cope. Goldish hoped to fill that void, creating SuperSibs! to focus on the well-being of siblings who may experience fear and isolation as their brother or sister fights childhood cancer.”

To view this new program on their website: www.AlexsLemonade.org/supersibs   

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Today on Twitter, Beads of Courage tweeted a photo of their Sibling Program Guide for kids at Phoenix Children’s Hospital.

https://twitter.com/beadsofcourage/status/454390377772875776/photo/1

Embedded image permalink

Tweet: “This is the Sibling Program Guide for kids at @PhxChildrens with a brother or sister in the @beadsofcourage program.”

Do you know a sibling of a childhood cancer patient? They need us. They need our time. We need to show them they are extremely important. Thank you to Alex’s Lemonade Stand, SuperSibs!, Beads of Courage, and all of you out there taking care of the kids who are taking care of siblings fighting childhood cancer.

Go SuperSib Zach Hofen….. Z-Force!!!

 

Guinness World Record Shave for St. Baldrick’s Foundation on the Today Show

David Alexander, Guinness Record-Holding Barber

David Alexander, Guinness Record-Holding Barber

What a great day it is Today! Childhood cancer advocate and barber, David Alexander, teamed with St. Baldrick’s to break the record of the most heads shaved in one hour by one barber. In the past, David has raised over $600,000 for pediatric cancer research. I read that he even has a St. Baldrick’s tattoo on his chest!  Today, David shaved 73 heads of hair back to their shiny domes live on the Today Show to beat the world record– with eleven seconds to spare. This record shave is a huge thrill for everyone working to end childhood cancer. Hearty congratulations and thank you, David!

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“I think we’ve established that Bald is Beautiful!” ~ Savannah Guthrie

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Hearty thanks go to all the volunteer “shavees”who have formed teams, raised money and awareness, and traveled to leave your hair behind. I’m thankful St. Baldrick’s sent out an email to alert us about what would transpire this morning! As I tuned in, feelings of excitement rushed through my heart. I was happy to see St. Baldrick’s on the Today Show, because awareness is extremely important! I was happy to know that a lot of money was being raised for childhood cancer research. I was routing for David to break the record. And then…

St. Baldricks Record Today Show Shave 003

The camera turned to the very first person who would become bald. I recognized her immediately as Susan Heard. Memories of her son, David, and his origami cranes filled my mind, then my heart flooded with sorrow. My eyes filled with tears. I could see the celebratory mood of everyone in the crowd, but my eyes would not leave Susan’s eyes. As only another mom could, I felt I could see in her eyes what she was feeling at that moment. It was all for David. It was all for love.

I lost it.

Viewers of the Today Show this morning got a short glimpse into the world of what “lengths” childhood cancer advocates are willing to go to in order to make a brighter future. Record-breaking excitement, hair flying to the ground, and Today Show appearances are great. What is beyond great is that people like Susan Heard are choosing to use their pain to lead all of us.

Susan Heard ~ David’s Warriors

http://www.stbaldricks.org/teams/mypage/94079/2014

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“Bald never looked so beautiful.”

                                                          ~Al Roker

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Six Year-Old Joseph Maroney one the Today Show 4 -9 -2014

Six Year-Old Joseph Maroney on the Today Show 4 -9 -2014

 

Would you like to make a donation on this record-setting event & help fund childhood cancer research?

http://bit.ly/Donate-to-the-record-breaking-event

 http://www.today.com/news/close-shave-barber-sets-guinness-world-record-cancer-charity-2D79506021

http://www.stbaldricks.org/

https://www.facebook.com/46Mommas

https://www.facebook.com/StBaldricksFoundation
Guest Blogger: Lee Marchiano

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mr. Jon Lester, Please Meet Mr. Tony Stoddard. Light Major League Baseball Gold for September

 

Red Sox Pitcher Jon Lester

Red Sox Pitcher Jon Lester

There was a story in the news last week that grabbed my attention because our family is what you call “a baseball family.” Melinda’s brothers played Little League ball, her dad coached, and she sat in the stands for countless games, cheering her brothers on. My first trip to a major league baseball game was to see the Red Sox play at Fenway Park in Boston in the late 1960’s. Gosh, do I ever I remember the excitement of seeing the Green Monster and my favorite player, Yaz—Carl Yaztremski. So, when I read last week that Boston Red Sox pitcher, Jon Lester, is raising money and awareness for pediatric cancer, my Red Sox Fan Meter went sky high.
Jon Lester was diagnosed with non-Hodkins Lymphoma in 2006; now he and a few of his teammates, along with players from other teams, are working on a project called “Never Quit” to encourage children battling cancer. For many children, meeting a major league ballplayer would be the thrill of a lifetime. For children in cancer treatment to be able to meet Jon- a cancer survivor himself- has got to be highly inspirational and even healing.

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“Lester has big plans to expand the program, in Boston and beyond. He hopes to bring in players from other sports to help, especially in cities that don’t have baseball teams.”
                                                                                                                                                                      ~Don Fair, coordinating producer of Fox News’ Los Angeles bureau

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Is there anyone else thinking what I am thinking? I think Mr. Jon Lester needs to meet Mr. Tony Stoddard. In case you missed yesterday’s post about what Tony Stoddard is doing to help children with cancer, you must know!
https://gracemelinda.com/2014/04/07/a-day-of-yellow-and-gold-to-fight-childhood-cancer-tony-and-cole/
Every time I hear of someone using their lives to help children with cancer, it inspires me and encourages me to do the same. Whenever I join with others who feel strongly about the importance of making a change in the world of childhood cancer, the results of the outcome of our work jumps exponentially. This is what will happen when Jon and Tony meet. Tony, I think Jon might know one or two people in the Front Office at Fenway Park. I think Jon might know a bit about how one would go about Lighting Major League Baseball Stadiums yellow and gold for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in September.
And the best news of all, Tony, I will bet—I will double-down—that Jon has a heart that is willing to help you make this happen. Jon, will you please help honor these warriors? Will you please help Tony spread awareness that will lead to funding for cures? From the work you have already done, you’ve demonstrated you feel our children are worth every bit of effort and sacrifice. Thank you for all you are doing, Jon, and thank you for your consideration to step up to the plate to accomplish even more… for Tony… for Cole… for all the kids who should never have to face the Monster. The only Monster I want our children to face is that big Green One I marveled at as a kid at Fenway Park!

http://www.foxnews.com/sports/2014/03/31/opening-day-ace-jon-lester-hopes-to-shut-out-childhood-cancer/?intcmp=latestnews

Tony and Cole

Tony and Cole

Guest Blogger: Lee Marchiano

“A Day of Yellow and Gold to Fight Childhood Cancer” Tony and Cole

 

“A Day of Yellow and Gold to Fight Childhood Cancer”

What a world this would be if…

…if we would choose to take care of our children first.

Tony Stoddard is a leader in the world of childhood cancer advocacy, believing our kids deserve the best we can provide. Melinda and I have great respect for this man, his mission, and his brilliant campaign to color our country gold for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in September. Along with Tony, we honor the memory of his son, Cole.

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“This past September I was mired in grief at the loss of my precious five year old son Cole. He passed away from neuroblastoma cancer on January 20th 2012. I created my page “A Day of Yellow and Gold to Fight Childhood Cancer” to honor the memory of my son Cole and all children who have faced the monster that is Childhood Cancer.
I am determined that we will never go through another September without the gold of Childhood Cancer Awareness shining everywhere. Without awareness childhood cancer will remain underfunded and ignored, leaving many thousands of children to continue to suffer through antiquated treatments and to have less than the best chance to survive this monster. I am unwavering in my attempts to see gold each September on town buildings, on the White House, on the fields of the NFL and MLB, on ribbons worn by celebrities, politicians, and media personalities. I want to see as much gold in September as we see pink in October! Our children need and deserve this!”
                                                                                                                 ~Tony Stoddard, Cole’s Dad

  (From People Against Childhood Cancer (PAC2) website)

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I am not sure where or when the motto, “Women and children first” went out of style. I have a sneaky suspicion it left the moment our nation decided money is paramount. I have suspicions it left because treating children with cancer is not a profitable business, unlike treating adult cancers. I suspect it left because we have lost ourselves in adult selfishness.

Today, I ask you to take a stand with Tony for Cole. Take a stand with Tony for all the children who have fought, have suffered, and have taught us that they are worth every bit of “guts” we need to spill to see they receive a much different future. Tony is right. Without awareness, kids with cancer will continue to be treated with “antiquated treatments,” and funding for research will remain frighteningly low. If you haven’t already, please like Tony’s page to color our country yellow and gold. While you are there, tell him how much you appreciate what he is doing for our children. Tell him his heart and the “guts” he is spilling for our dear children are making a difference. Steer your heart under Tony’s wings and help his mission to end childhood cancer soar!

https://www.facebook.com/yellowandgoldforcole

https://twitter.com/smilesforcole @smilesforcole

Smile, Be Happy (Cole’s Song)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZSn2WcSo9fc

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Advocacy Opportunity!

Please give a few moments of your time to be an advocate for kids with cancer.

From Kids V Cancer Facebook page today:

#endchildhoodcancer “Please post this pic and put the hashtag #endchildhoodcancer on your status. For every photo shared Hyundai will pledge another $1 to AACR Pediatric Cancer Programs, up to $5,000… as many times possible until Wednesday!”

https://www.facebook.com/kidsvcancer?hc_location=timeline

Can you say "Viral"?

Can you say “Viral”?

 

 

 

                   Ready, set, go!

 

 

 

 

 

Guest Blogger: Lee Marchiano

Melinda will be back soon!

 

 

“Talk is (Bleep); We Need Action” — The Truth 365

“Stop Talking and Start DOING!”
                                              ~Gabriella Miller
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Gabriella tells us to “Stop Talking and Start DOING!”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QaoqnILa0l4

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Are you laughing and crying at the same time after watching and hearing ten year-old Gabriella express her opinions about our elected officials? One of the greatest things about being around kids is they tell you exactly how they feel. Is there anyone else who feels they need to hug her and give her high fives?

The signing of the Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act by President Obama is the result of a long, arduous, and fervent campaign spearheaded by two of the most passionate people Melinda and I have ever had the blessing of meeting, Mike Gillette and Dena Scarpelli-Sherwood. This progress for childhood cancer research can be traced back to their hearts to help children with cancer and to their willingness to dive into the unknown and “stop talking and start doing.” They produced The Truth 365 Childhood Cancer Documentary to raise awareness, raise funds for research, and to gather petition signatures, all with the goal of uniting the childhood cancer community to work together to end childhood cancer.

http://m.whitehouse.gov/photos-and-video/video/2014/04/03/president-obama-signs-gabriella-miller-kids-first-research-act

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“Talk is (Bleep,) we need action.”
~Gabriella Miller
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“WOW…A 10 YEAR OLD WITH MORE BRAINS THAN ANYONE IN WASHINGTON!”

 The Truth 365 Childhood Cancer Documentary
The Truth 365 is a ground-breaking, grass-roots documentary film and social media campaign that gives a voice to children fighting cancer. The film features compelling and inspiring stories of children and their families fighting cancer as well as interviews with political leaders and several of the country’s most respected pediatric oncologists. With the help of thousands of volunteers and highly focused social media campaign, the film will inspire millions of people to show their support for children with cancer. Host: Melinda Marchiano
To learn more about The Truth 365, visit www.thetruth365.org or Facebook at www.facebook.com/thetruth365film .
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“By combining the powerful medium of documentary with the viral nature of Social Media, we aim to shine a light on the state of childhood cancer research funding by uniting the childhood cancer community, members of Congress, the nation’s top pediatric oncologists and several influential celebrities. In this election-year we need for our politicians to hear the cries of these children and their parents, who are desperate for funding, less toxic treatments, and ultimately a cure.”
~Dena Scarpelli-Sherwood
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http://www.thetruth365.org/one-voice/
http://www.thetruth365.org/petition/
My hope is that Gabriella, Mike, and Dena will educate you, enlighten you, and inspire you to do more than talk about making a difference in the world of childhood cancer. Let’s play Follow-The-Leaders, or become leaders ourselves. There is no time to waste. We must begin Smashing Walnuts today.
Thank you Gabriella, Mike, and Dena. Thank you!
http://www.smashingwalnuts.org/

The Truth 365 Childhood Cancer Documentary

The Truth 365 Childhood Cancer Documentary

Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act Signed by President Obama

“If I go, if I lose my battle then I’m going to want other people to carry on this war.”

                                                                                   ~Gabriella Miller

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Today, something extraordinary happened in the world of childhood cancer. President Obama signed the Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act into law, with Gabriella’s family present. Gabriella was diagnosed with a brain tumor at nine years old, and became a fierce advocate for childhood cancer research before cancer stole her at ten years old. As you can see from her quote above, she now needs all of us to carry on the “war.”

http://abcnews.go.com/Health/wireStory/obama-signs-cancer-research-bill-memory-girl-23182252

http://www.wjla.com/articles/2014/04/gabriella-miller-kids-first-research-act-to-be-signed-into-law-101786.html


“This Act may be cited as the Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act.

Termination of taxpayer financing of political party conventions; use of funds for pediatric research initiative”

The full text:

https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/113/hr2019/text

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“When you get cancer, you have to be all grown up and you don’t really get a childhood.”

                                                                                                                ~Gabriella Miller

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While I am feeling happy along with other childhood cancer advocates over what happened in Washington today, I cannot help but think of the Miller family. What did it feel like for them to be there for the signing today? How are they ever dealing with the grief over their loss of Gabriella? One of the things that strikes me most when I watch Gabriella’s videos is when she says, “If I die, I will be with my friends.” What an enormous burden these childhood cancer patients carry, not only fighting for their own lives, but emotionally fighting for their cancer-stricken friends as well.

If you have never “met” Gabriella, you absolutely must. Gabriella shows wisdom that comes only through suffering. The purity of her soul and her message will grab your insides and squeeze them until only love remains. Sweet Gabriella, may your mission continue. Your spirit lives. Your spirit will save the lives of many children in the future. To Gabriella’s family, thank you for raising a child with such tremendous insight, grace, and love. She has forever made an impact on my life. May she forever have an impact on our nation and our on our world.

http://www.thetruth365.org/2013/04/04/welcome-10-year-old-gabriella-miller-to-the-truth-365-documentary/

Gabriella Miller’s words: Sugar, Protein, and the need for Constant Awareness

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4a7NZxNMpcA

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“My biggest fear is that a little child is going to die.”

                                                                    ~Gabriella Miller

Happy Dance for the signing today of Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act

Happy Dance for the signing today of Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act

 

Guest Blogger: Lee Marchiano

A Hero’s Welcome for Zach Hofen

 

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Zach Hofen is ten years old. Melinda and I first met Zach three years ago when we traveled to Kansas City, Kansas to participate in Braden’s Run, a fundraiser for Braden’s Hope Childhood Cancer Foundation. Braden is Zach’s younger brother. Braden was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma in December of 2007, the exact same month Melinda was diagnosed with cancer. Unlike Melinda, Braden’s fight against cancer continues to this day.
From Braden’s Caringbridge site:
“Braden was admitted to Children’s Mercy on Friday, December 28, 2007 after a visit to the ER for abdominal pain. A chest x-ray revealed a large white shadow across most of the right side of his chest and extending partially across the left side. A CT scan determined that it was a solid mass, which doctors suspect is a Neuroblastoma, a rare tumor found in infancy and early childhood.”
Braden has endured unimaginable pain and suffering, yet he continues to be an amazingly bright- spirited boy. Without any doubt, Braden’s family has been an enormous factor in his ability to stay positive and stay alive. His parents, Deliece and Brian, are more educated about Braden’s illness than many doctors will ever be. The Hofens have struggled through piles and piles of “bad stuff,” yet, incredibly, this is a family who gives other families hope. Deliece posts beautifully written pieces of her heart about Braden’s illness on Caringbridge and also in her blog, No! This is SERIOUSLY My Life! Amid all the chaos of treatment, they made time to found Braden’s Hope for Childhood Cancer, to be sure they would make a difference in the lives of many other children.
And this brings us to our hero, Zach. We don’t often think of the effects or the challenges of siblings of those battling childhood cancer. Most of their parents’ time and attention is gobbled up by caregiving. The household has illness living there; there are no “normal” days, yet they are still “normal.” They have constant terror from witnessing their brother or sister suffer and constant fear that death will take them away. In the case of this courageous sibling, Zach has made a hero’s choice and he has completed a hero’s deed. Zach is a bone marrow donor, and his recipient is his brother, Braden. Not only has Zach supported his brother and family with his wit and exuberant personality through the past difficult years, but he has given LIFE to Braden. Deliece says, “Zach is hilarious and has many “Zachisms”. He keeps us laughing every day! “
Zach and his Dad, Brian, return to their home from Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia in two days, on Friday, April 4. Family friends are planning a Hero’s Welcome for Zach! If you live anywhere near Olathe, Kansas, or if you are able to get there somehow, please, please give Zach the warmest, most sincere and grateful welcome home there could ever be!

Big Brother, Zach! You are a Hero!

Big Brother, Zach!
You are a Hero!

Details are in these links!

https://www.facebook.com/BradensArmy
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/bradenh/journal/view/id/533c2331ca16b42c0269d871
https://www.facebook.com/deliece.hofen/posts/10152337426025970