What is Pediatric cancer?
There are about 73 million kids that live in the United States, but all of them do not live healthy lives. Every single day about 47 children are diagnosed with cancer. Out of the $6.44 billion budget the National Cancer Institute has, “Only 4% of [it] is directed to pediatric cancer” (littlewarrior.org). Pediatric cancer receives very little funding, but it is also the leading disease-related cause of death in children. One in eight children do not survive, meaning there is an 87.5% chance they will survive, but a 12.5% chance they will not. Pediatric oncologist Dr. Boston explains how “85% of survivors have long term health conditions”. Many of the survivors of childhood cancer will have health problems for the rest of their life. However, surviving is better than the alternative.
What can you do?
As a high schooler, if you are 16 years old you can volunteer at Driscoll Children’s Hospital. You can also donate hair to the organization Wigs for Kids which will repurpose your hair and make it into a wig for another child. Many children have old toys that they shove into the back of their closet and eventually throw away. Instead of that, donate them to Driscoll Children’s Hospital. You can also participate in a walk that benefits children with cancer.
What do we do here at Ray?
In the United States, childhood cancer awareness month is September. This year Ray held a theme week the week of September 22-26, having to do with the color gold, which is associated with childhood cancer awareness. We also host blood drives here at Ray. You can donate blood if you are 17, or 16 with parental consent. Last but not least you can join Do That One Thing with Triumph Over Kids’ Cancer, which meets once a month. Go gold for children with cancer!
