GOLD IN SEPTEMBER

This blog I am going to share with you today, is so close to my heart. I've contemplated on sharing, only because the emotions are still deeply embedded in my heart.

September is Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month. Here are a few statistics for you from www.stbaldricks.org 

• Pediatric Cancer is the #1 cause of disease related death of children.
• World Wide every 3 minutes a child is diagnosed with cancer.
• While great progress has been made in curing some childhood cancers, for many others progress has been limited, and for some kids there is still little hope for a cure.
• Only about 4% of the National Cancer Institute's funding goes to all childhood cancers combined. (out of about 4.6 billion dollars)

It was a cool September evening when I got home from school. My dad had been watching my then 9 month old son Christian for me so I could attend class, while Bill worked. When I got home my dad suggested I take Chris to the ER because he was still sick. So we went. Christian had a series of 5 bruises in a perfect circle down his spine, and two on his chest, The doctor questioned me about them, but I was also concerned about the little red dots all over his body (called petichia- pet-teek-ee-i).

I recalled a show I watched once where there was a two year old with the same red dots and bruises all over his body, and the doctor ordered a blood platelet test. So I asked the doctor for a platelet test also which we got done, and he sent Christian home and diagnosed him with a severe ear infection. 

Not but 10 minutes after we walked in the door, the Doctor called our house phone. He informed me that Christian's blood test came back abnormal. He wanted me to speak the nurse for further instruction. 

Because of that t.v show I watched I knew that Chris showed the same symptoms of that two year old boy who was eventually diagnosed with Leukemia, and later went into remission. My family told me that it could be something else, but I knew. 

After speaking to the nurse she instructed us to head to Children's hospital of Wisconsin. Bill and I drove up to Milwaukee. On the way we saw a tractor trailer with a Cross lit up on his mirrors, who pretty much led the way to the hospital. When we reached there, it was a while later that it was confirmed that our Nine Month old son had Infantile Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia. Our hearts were utterly broken, our lives shattered. 

That was September 23rd, 2002. 12 years ago today.  

Fast forward 12 years later, Our son in November will be 12 years cancer free!! PRAISE AND GLORY BE TO GOD ALMIGHTY!!!  Christian doesn't remember all he went through as a baby, how he had to relearn to crawl with an I.V pole attached to him in the hospital hallways, how we would hold him all night so he could just get a little sleep. How even though he was sick, he still made us smile and laugh all the time. 

Christian, almost 13 years old, Loves the Lord and is involved with fundraising for Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, Miracle Network. We also support the efforts of Children's Oncology Services of Illinois, who do great work for children with cancer and survivors! 

OUR STORY

I share this story today because the out come of our story is a blessing, but there are thousands of children out there who are in the struggle right now. I believe that we as parents, brothers, sisters, aunts and uncles should support Pediatric Cancer. It is severely underfunded. Please pray about it, and consider donating to such a beautiful cause! 

AARON RODGERS SUPPORTS PEDIATRIC CANCER 

Gold in September (please watch this video)

http://youtu.be/NgVpnjev79Q

Where can I donate? 

• St. Judes Hospital
• Children's Hospital of Wisconsin
• St. Baldricks 
• MACC FUND 
• Gold in September 

Please don't forget to keep those precious babies, children, teens, in your prayers. Thank you for taking the time to read this page, and please share it, so others can be aware.

Gold is the official color of Childhood Cancer So I propose on Tuesday September 30th, to wear Gold and show your support to finding a cure! Make it world wide family!! Hashtag #findacure #childhoodcancerawareness #goldinseptember God bless you and thank you!!  

God Bless Family!