One of my most difficult days was the day I found out my precious seven-year-old granddaughter, Ellie, was diagnosed with cancer. My heart broke for her and my daughter as I knew they had a very difficult and frightening journey ahead of them.
If you’re reading this as a parent, grandparent, or caregiver, take a moment to hug your children a little tighter today. For families facing childhood cancer, every ordinary moment becomes precious.
Ellie was diagnosed with stage 3 Wilms kidney cancer just before Christmas and was taken into emergency surgery shortly after. They removed her kidney and the football-sized tumor and started her on chemotherapy and radiation soon after. The battle against this cancer had begun, and I was about to learn just how strong and courageous my granddaughter was.
While I could not battle the cancer for her, I dedicated myself to supporting Ellie and trying to bring joy into her daily life. Somedays, it was simply reading stories, playing dress up, or just cuddling on the couch to provide some comfort.
Ellie the Brave, Bald Fairy
One day, I saw Ellie struggling emotionally with the loss of her hair due to her treatments. She asked me if I could find a picture of a bald fairy.
I contacted Barbara Wirth, a local artist Ellie had taken an art class from, and asked if she could draw a fairy. When Ellie received the drawing, she was so excited! It sparked an idea to create a story for her.
Sometimes the smallest acts of kindness create the biggest impact. What small act of kindness could you do for a family facing childhood cancer in your community?
When I saw the impact this story had on Ellie, I decided it was a story of hope and courage that should be shared with other children fighting childhood cancer and those supporting them.
As an author, I understand the impact books can have. I wrote Ellie the Brave, Bald Fairy to provide hope and inspiration and to encourage understanding to all the children, their families, and friends who are supporting them during this difficult time. The book is now available, and a portion of the proceeds continues to be donated to pediatric cancer research. Visit EllietheBraveBaldFairy.com to learn more and order your copy!
Books can heal, inspire, and provide hope during the darkest times. Consider donating children’s books to your local children’s hospital – stories have the power to transport young minds beyond hospital walls.
The Reality of Childhood Cancer
The numbers tell a story, but behind each statistic is a child, a family, and a community that needs our support. As you read these facts, think about how you might be part of the solution.
Many people don’t realize how different childhood cancer is from adult cancer. Here are some important facts that might surprise you:
The Numbers Are Staggering
- Approximately 9,600 children ages 0-14 and 5,300 adolescents are diagnosed with cancer each year in the United States
- About 1 in 260 children will develop cancer before age 20
- While childhood cancer rates have stabilized since 2015, adolescent cancer rates continue to increase by about 1% annually
Hope in the Statistics
- The overall 5-year survival rate for childhood cancer has increased dramatically from 10% in the 1970s to over 85% today
- Over 80% of children survive cancer, compared to just 50% of adults
- Children often respond better to treatments than adults and can handle more intensive therapy
These improving survival rates represent decades of research, dedication, and hope. But we can’t stop here – too many children still lose their battles. What will you do to help improve these numbers even more?
Childhood Cancer is Fundamentally Different
- Unlike adult cancers, most childhood cancers have no known cause and cannot be prevented
- The same type of cancer behaves very differently in children versus adults – for example, childhood leukemia has an 83% survival rate while the same leukemia in adults has only a 20-30% survival rate
- Children receive more intense treatments, but their growing bodies respond differently than adult bodies, sometimes leading to long-term effects that appear years later
The Global Picture
- Worldwide, more than 275,000 children are diagnosed with cancer annually, with over 105,000 deaths
- Almost 85% of childhood cancer cases occur in developing countries where access to treatment is limited
Share these facts with your community. Knowledge spreads awareness, and awareness drives action. Post one fact on social media today and tag three friends to help spread the word.
Meaningful Ways You Can Make a Difference Today
September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, and the fight against childhood cancer needs all of us. Whether you have five minutes or five hours, there’s a way you can help:
Financial Support (Every Amount Matters)
- Donate to Research: Organizations like Alex’s Lemonade Stand fund critical research grants
- Support Family Services: Ronald McDonald House Charities provides housing for families during treatment
- Fund Treatments: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital ensures no family pays for treatment
- Support Organizations: The National Pediatric Cancer Foundation directs funds efficiently to research and family support
- Local Impact: Contact your nearest children’s hospital about their specific needs and wish lists
Even $25 can provide a meal for a family staying near their child’s treatment center. Set up a small monthly donation – it adds up to make a real difference.
Volunteer Your Time
- Hospital Support: Many children’s hospitals need volunteers to read stories, play games, or simply provide companionship
- Camp Counselor: Organizations like Camp Kesem offer camps for children affected by cancer
- Event Help: Volunteer at local fundraising walks, runs, or awareness events
- Skill-Based Volunteering: Offer professional skills like photography, graphic design, or accounting to local childhood cancer organizations
Contact your local children’s hospital volunteer coordinator this week. Many hospitals offer flexible volunteer schedules that can fit any lifestyle.
Raise Awareness in Your Community
- Social Media Campaigns: Share childhood cancer facts during September (and beyond) using #ChildhoodCancerAwareness
- Organize a Fundraiser: Host a lemonade stand, bake sale, or community walk
- School Programs: Partner with local schools to create awareness presentations
- Workplace Involvement: Organize a dress-down day with donations or team fundraising challenge
Choose one awareness activity to do this month. Whether it’s sharing a post or organizing an event, your voice matters.
Support Families Directly
- Meal Trains: Coordinate meal delivery for families undergoing treatment
- Transportation Help: Offer rides to appointments when families need support
- Sibling Support: Provide childcare or activities for siblings of children in treatment
- Gift Giving: Many hospitals have wish lists for comfort items, toys, and family necessities
Reach out to a local family support organization to see how you can help families in your area right now.
Advocate for Change
- Contact Representatives: Advocate for increased pediatric cancer research funding
- Join Advocacy Groups: Organizations like Children’s Cancer Cause organize advocacy efforts
- Attend Awareness Events: Show up for local walks, rallies, or awareness events
- Share Your Story: If cancer has touched your family, sharing your experience helps others understand the need
Write a letter to your congressman asking them to support increased funding for pediatric cancer research. It takes 10 minutes and your voice counts.
Corporate and Business Involvement
- Cause Marketing: Partner with childhood cancer organizations for awareness campaigns
- Employee Matching: Implement donation matching programs
- Percentage Giving: Donate a portion of profits during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
- Team Building: Organize company volunteer days at local children’s hospitals
If you’re a business owner or have influence at your workplace, propose one childhood cancer initiative for your company to adopt.
Moving Forward Together
Ellie overcame her cancer due to the strength she found in her faith and the extensive and ongoing research being conducted by doctors dedicated to winning the war on pediatric cancer. She also learned she is brave and strong. This fight will be ongoing until we can find a cure for all these amazing children with cancer.
Cancer is the number one cause of death by disease for children in America. Cancer is the number one cause of death by disease for children in America. But together, we can make a difference – but only if we each take action. Don’t let this article be just something you read. Choose one way to help from the list above and take that step today. Ellie’s story continues because people like you decided to act. Whose story will you help write?
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published on September 9, 2023, and has since been updated.