Tonight "Stand up to Cancer" will be broadcast on most major networks. Last year, Stand up to Cancer raised over 750 million for cancer research, the lions share going to breast, prostate and colon cancer research. While we have made such great strides towards eliminating some forms, we are seriously lacking in funding others and some of us with cancer have no treatment options at all. I have Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumor, a form of Sarcoma that accounts for only 100 diagnosis yearly. My treatments have all been experimental. As this cancer is so rare, no one saw a need to develop a treatment. MPNST and other forms of Sarcoma are considered Childhood Cancers as they attack the soft tissues and bones primarily in children and young adults. 20% of all Childhood Cancer diagnosis are Sarcomas, yet last year Stand Up to Cancer gave literally nothing to researching childhood cancers. This year, 46 mommas have banded together to plead for the case to fund childhood cancer. I know of and know personally 1/4 of these women. They have shaved their heads for St. Baldricks Foundation and have traveled many miles to be at "Stand UP to Cancer" this year so that they can bring awareness and present the case to fund research for Sarcoma and all the other childhood cancers that result in the deaths of 3000 children yearly. 5000 of the 10,000 patients diagnosed with any form of Sarcoma will die. If the cancer recurs, there is no second line of defense. I wish them well and if you're watching "Stand up to Cancer" tonight, keep an eye out for these phenomenal women and ask yourself "What if it were my child?" 46 mommas for the 46 children diagnosed daily....
No comments:
Post a Comment