My healthy son, helping out.
Our family has been fundraising for the past two years on behalf of the fight against children’s cancer. At 10 years of age, my son read a book that inspired to him to join the cause to help find cures for a disease which claims about 46 new children each weekday. We are preparing for our third annual event and have partnered with The Children’s Hospital Foundation to raise funds that will go directly to support the children in Chattanooga.
- About 50 children from our area are diagnosed with childhood cancer each year.
- The children’s cancer center opened in 1986 and is a member of the largest cancer research organization in the world, Children’s Oncology Group (COG).
- A child in Chattanooga receives the same treatments as a child at any other COG hospital including Duke, St. Jude or The Cleveland Clinic.
But, for patients and their families, the children’s cancer clinic is more than a place to receive treatment – it’s also a home away from home. In fact, when you enter the cancer center, you hardly realize you’re in a hospital thanks to colorful murals, an inviting playroom and animal-shaped examining tables.
Our fundraising efforts support Children’s Hospital Foundation to fund a variety of projects and services to support patients and families—not only do gifts fund support groups, music therapy programs, toys and art supplies but also a child life specialist and a dedicated social worker.
Check out:
Dawn, as a parent of a child who was diagnosed with cancer at the age of two I am so inspired by you and your family who chose to join the fight against childhood cancer. For me it is not I fight I chose, but was rather thrust into, much against my will. I am very pleased that this year you all have decided for your event to directly benefit the clinic at T.C. Thompson. I know your efforts are greatly appreciated.
I would like to comment on one statement you made regarding the treatment in Chattanooga being the same as it is at St. Jude. I have been a St. Jude parent for the past 10 years and currently serve as the Chair of the Family Advisory Council. To say the the treatment a child receives in Chattanooga and at St. Jude is not entirely correct. While yes, it is true that if a parent chooses for their child to be treated on a standard COG protocol at St. Jude the treatment is the same. However, St. Jude is a research hospital and it is through that research that many of the COG protocols are written. Without the vital research done at St. Jude our move forward in the fight against childhood cancer would be greatly decreased. When my son was diagnosed we were offered the standard COG treatment and a research protocol that was very evidence based and exclusive to St. Jude. After reviewing our options our husband and I chose the research protocol for many reasons, one of which the survival rates on the standard protocol were not acceptable to us. For us, it was the right decision as our Jack is a happy healthy 12 year old today.
Making a decision as to where your child is going to receive treatment after a cancer diagnosis is one of the very hardest decisions a parent will make. One that I pray someday no parent will ever have to make. The amount of fear and uncertainty a parent faces is like no other. Each parent must make a decision based on what is best for them, their child, and their family. My goal is simply that parents are all given factual correct information about their treatment options so that they can make that decision to the best of their ability.
I wish you all the luck in the world on your fund raising efforts and I plan to support you and spread the word for many others to join you as well.
Thank you for sharing your incredible story, it further emphasizes why we choose to help childhood cancer and hopefully make a difference in the lives of many. I greatly appreciate your response and information regarding St. Jude Hospital, it is very helpful as we continue to share our work and the benefit to T.C. Thompson Children’s Hospital.
St. Jude is a wonderful organization that does so much for childhood cancer locally and nationally. They truly are on the forefront of discovering cutting edge treatments that I know many Children’s Hospitals are very thankful for! I value your experience and your support. And moreover, I am thrilled that St. Jude was instrumental in getting your son healthy again! Thank you, Beth for your support in our efforts to help as best we know how. I appreciate any support you can offer in spreading the word to help those beautiful children.
I have a friend in Chattanooga who’s son has cancer. Do you have support systems for the parents? She is hurting and needs good support. Thank you.
Thank you for reaching out to me and I am truly sorry that your friend and her family has to endure childhood cancer. She should reach out to http://www.hatchshouse.org/, I think she will find the support she needs there. Please let me know if I can do anything else.