September 5, 2007
You may remember that September is Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month. Doug Vance, who hosts a radio show on KEOS FM 89.1, invited Erin and me to guest on his show this Friday night from 6:00-7:00 to talk about childhood cancer. We will be his only guests for the entire hour.
My question to you: what do you think are the essentials we should mention?
Vickie, I think you need to make sure that people realize how little of the $$ that American Cancer Society raises actually goes to research for pediatric cancers. And then, of course, there's attitude. It may be hard for you to talk about yourself, but people need to know that your outlook and approach are responsible for getting Erin to where she is today. Just some thoughts!
ReplyDeleteJennifer Steen
Hi Vickie,
ReplyDeleteWhat an honor to be asked on the show! Thanks for asking us our thoughts. Three themes of concern to me are captured in these three points copied from the Alex's Lemonade Stand site:
Childhood cancers affect more potential patient-years of life than any other cancer except breast and lung cancer.
The causes of most childhood cancers are unknown. At present, childhood cancer cannot be prevented.
Childhood cancer occurs regularly, randomly and spares no ethnic group, socioeconomic class, or geographic region.
Then, that the outlook with neuroblastoma for many patients still remains bleak. Some info about that is posted at the beginning of Kendall Jackson's site: http://www.caringbridge.org/ny/kendall
That parents have to sometimes take matters into their own hands to get a treatment available http://www.lonliestroad.org as an example biking across country to help raise a few million for a humanized 3F8 antibody when there is no money for it from any other source.
Of course, Conquer Childhood Cancer Act and the funding issue
that's what comes to mind.
Mara
mother of nb angel Laura
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/laurastiles
Hi again
ReplyDeleteback to correct the website for the humanized antibody treatment
it's
www.loneliestroad.org
Mara
laura's mom
I think you should stress how your family has tried to maintain a normal life for all of you. I have been so impressed with the upbeat attitude of each member. I believe that your positive outlook on life and your faith has made a real difference in how Erin views her illness.
ReplyDeleteHi Vickie!
ReplyDeleteI've checked out your site a few times. It's fun to read and keep up with Erin and her adventures.
We've just got so much room for improvement with Neuroblastoma Research. Look at where Lukemia was 30 years ago - outlook bleak. Now - ALL is very well treated. We know our research scientists have tons of things they want to study to try to help treat NB - the funding is just lagging behind. Let's fund their projects and put them to work!
Have fun on the air!
Lara Weberling
(Hans' mom - www.hansjourney.blogspot.com)