Let's paint the town gold for kids with cancer
This is Landon. This is the face of childhood cancer. Many of you want to stop reading now; this isn't a fun subject, it isn't one that will make you smile or feel good. This is going to force you to think and feel things that you don't want to; I know, because that used to be me. I never could watch St. Jude's commercials; as soon as I saw that adorable little kid with a bald head I had to change the channel.
It's a normal instinct for most of us; we will do just about anything to avoid difficult topics. I was the Queen of denial, never even aware that there were so many children in our little community that were battling cancer. I wasn't aware, that is, until my son's pediatrician spoke words that I wouldn't wish on any parent, "Tracy, Landon has Leukemia."
Landon was 5 when he was diagnosed. Five-year-olds should not have to fight for their lives. They shouldn't have to know medical terms and medication names before they know how to read. Children should not have to spend months in the hospital and watch friends pass away. Parents should not have to hear their child ask, "Mommy, am I going to die?" These kids shouldn't have to do any of this, but they do, and they need your help.
September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, something I'm sure most people aren't aware of. It's not advertised around town or with commercials; I'm sure if you even saw a gold ribbon around town (the color of childhood cancer awareness) you wouldn't know why. I'm trying to change that, at least in our area, so all of our little heroes are acknowledged and awareness is spread; this is the only way we're going to get more research for childhood cancer.
Right now, 96 percent of the budget for cancer research is spent on adult cancers. This leaves only 4 percent for our children. Four percent is nothing. In the last 20 years, only one new medication has been approved for all of childhood cancer. ONE. In just one year, 23 new medications were approved for adult cancer. That is unacceptable. Can you imagine how many children could have been saved if they had spent the last 20 years with more than 4 percent of the budget? Even The American Cancer Society only gives one cent per dollar toward childhood cancer. When you go to donate to most organizations, there are options for you so you can choose where you want your money sent, such as lung, breast, colon cancer etc. There isn't an option for childhood cancer.
As a mom, I'm supposed to protect my child and keep him safe. I'm his advocate and he expects me to be able to "make things better." Nothing will make you feel more helpless than watching your child fight for his life and not be able to take his pain away. This is my chance to do something for my little man, but I need your help if it's going to make a difference. One passionate mom will not bring about change, but one amazing community standing behind her, can.
This is what I'm asking; I want to paint the town gold for the month of September. I want people to ask you why you have a yellow ribbon painted on your car window, or a gold flag in your yard. I want you to tell them our children are worth more than 4 percent. I want Landon, Carter, Aiden, Sophie, Spencer, Gabby, Mitchell, Brodie, Kaylee, Georgia and all the other little fighters in our community to know they aren't fighting alone. They matter. One month is all they get so let's make it count. We love this community and are so amazed at all the generosity and support it gives us; I'm confident you will continue to show just how amazing you are.
Tracy Burt is a Coeur d'Alene resident.