Each day as we go about our daily routines, there are children suffering with all types of cancer. As we are enjoying our activities, they are going through chemotherapy, blood transfusions, and endless poking and probing of their little bodies. Chemotherapy brings their blood count down. Each week when they are not in the hospital they spend countless hours at the doctor’s office receiving blood or platelets. They sit on their parents laps in a little chair and sometimes lie on a sleeping bag resting while the slow drip goes into their bodies. The days are long, four to eight hours each visit, and very often they are there for several days a week.
Children’s hospitals. What do we think when we drive by them? Behind walls children are there, fighting for their lives, trying to cope so their parents won’t see them suffer. These brave little people show more maturity than we can ever understand.
I remember one time when my daughter and her husband took their little son to get x-rays again, the doctor mentioned that he could always tell when a little one had cancer. “They are so knowing and wise,” he said, “far beyond their years.” Reflecting back, I realize the truth of his statement.
Before our little Jay became ill we did not “understand” the amount of work that needs to be done.
Funds are needed to treat these illnesses and to discover cures. Hopefully researchers will discover a way to prevent this insidious disease from attacking our children. We need to be reminded that this is a reality. Children and their families need support while they are fighting the disease because often they feel very much alone. They need an ear to listen and heart to hear.
Working tirelessly, doctors and nurses, need support too so they can continue to endure the pain and suffering that they see each day. Where would we be without these wonderful people who give these children a chance and their parent hope?
Our little grandson passed away on April 7, 2000 from a malignant brain tumor. He was seven-months-old. If you are seeking a worthwhile charity, the Childhood Brain Tumor Foundation would appreciate your support. We have to “get it” so our little children can be helped.
Written by Kathleen Boyles
This article was written for The Childhood Brain Tumor Foundation, Germantown, Maryland
Visit ‘Bike TrAle Brewing‘ for related fundraiser.
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