Every day children with cancer fight with great strength and courage to survive and be cancer-free. Meet these brave young people and their families as they share their struggles and triumphs of dealing with their illness.
Erik - Neuroblastoma (high risk, relapse)
Supporting these brilliant researchers with the funds they need...is a huge priority for us!
Date of diagnosis? 12/27/1991
How old was the child when diagnosed? 6.
Where is the patient and their family from? Park Rapids, MN
Where was the patient treated?Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Boston Children's for frontline treatment (induction, radiation, surgery, BMT) and then Merit Care Fargo for chemo after relapse care. Erik was then transferred to the U of M Fairview for another stem cell transplant and TomoTherapy (total marrow irradiation) and treatment for the 2nd relapse at the U of M under Dr Joseph Neglia's care.
Are there any special messages you would like to pass along to others regarding the importance of childhood cancer research?
Erik directly benefited from cutting-edge research at the U of M as the first in the world to undergo TomoTherapy (true head-to-toe total marrow irradiation) as part of conditioning for stem cell transplant which is a major medical milestone. We are very thankful Erik was eligible to receive care at a top-ranked institution and by the most outstanding medical professionals imaginable. We have experienced treatment at three other pediatric cancer centers and we can't say enough about our appreciation for the excellent care our son receives at the U of MN. Supporting these brilliant researchers with the funds they need to push forward for cures for difficult-to-treat pediatric cancers is a huge priority for us!
Are there any special messages you would like to pass along to children that are currently undergoing cancer treatment? You are enduring hardships that comprise some of our greatest fears. A few decades ago, almost no child survived their cancer, but today we enjoy the great hope that research has brought to fruition... children growing up after cancer.
Ian - Wilms Tumor
Ask for help... Never give up hope!
Date of diagnosis? 07/19/2005
How old was the child when diagnosed? 3 1/2.
Where is the patient and their family from?Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Where was the patient treated?The Children's Hospital at OU Medical Center in Oklahoma City and at MD Anderson in Houston
Are there any special messages you would like to pass along to others regarding the importance of childhood cancer research?
Ask for help! Never give up hope. Read & ask questions.
Are there any special messages you would like to pass along to children that are currently undergoing cancer treatment? You can do it!
Deanna - Ewing's Sarcoma
Cancer...cannot cripple faith, cannot shatter hope, cannot corrode faith...
Date of diagnosis? November 2003
How old was the child when diagnosed? 10-years-old.
Where is the patient and their family from?Pulaski, Tennessee
Where was the patient treated?Monroe Carell Jr. Vanderbilt Children's Hospital
Are there any special messages you would like to pass along to others regarding the importance of childhood cancer research?There is absolutely no reason at all in this world why childhood cancer research should not be fully funded and a top priority. No child should ever have to spend the best years of their childhood fighting for their life every day. My child was determined to beat her cancer. Against all odds she fought with everything she had for almost four years. Sadly she lost her battle. Life is never the same without your child.
Are there any special messages you would like to pass along to children that are currently undergoing cancer treatment?Keep the faith, keep the fight, and never, ever give up! Cancer is so limited, it cannot cripple love, it cannot shatter hope, it cannot corrode faith, it cannot destroy peace, it cannot kill true friendship, it cannot suppress memories, it cannot silence courage, it cannot invade ones soul, it cannot conquer the spirit, And it cannot EVER steal eternal LIFE.
Logan - Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (with FLT-3 mutation)
Focus on living, loving and learning. You will never, ever regret doing so.
Date of diagnosis? May 2008
How old was the child when diagnosed? 12-years-old.
Where is the patient and their family from?Northfield, Minnesota
Where was the patient treated?Logan started his journey at Minneapolis Children's Hospital with a very rough start spending 3 weeks in the PICU as his body reacted to an unknown infection complicated by the chemo. He had three rounds of chemo there, then transferred to the University of Minnesota Amplantz Children's Hospital for his umbilical cord blood transplant which he received on October 17th, 2008, just 5 days following his 12th birthday. A bumpy ride kept him hospitalized until Christmas Eve. Finally leaving the U of M campus in February and returning to Minneapolis Childrens for his ongoing care. Now having returned and completed a successful day 180 follow-up, he is happy to be cancer free and excited about starting the weaning off of rejection medication.
Are there any special messages you would like to pass along to others regarding the importance of childhood cancer research?We have been so thoroughly blessed by the ongoing research. 7 years ago, treatment for our child's type of Leukemia was almost impossible, 4 years ago, still experimental and today not quite a common occurance. Without the research, we would not be celebrating the "re-birth" of our son. We pray daily that research will continue and even speed up so no other family finds themselves where we did. And if they do, they will be able to look forward to results that are way more positive than not, making success and survival the majority!
Are there any special messages you would like to pass along to children that are currently undergoing cancer treatment?Attitude, Attitude, Attitude!!! You must stay positive and never think about "if". The question is not "if", it is "when" I get home, "when" I am Done, "When" this is over!! The love and positive attitude may be even more important that the medicine in some ways. Forget about all those "busy things" that seem to fill our days and focus on living, loving and learning. You will never, ever regret doing so, and those other things in life we think are so important, will still be there and will adjust.
Kyle - Wilms Tumor
Have hope. Laugh as much as you can.
Date of diagnosis? February 2007
How old was the child when diagnosed? 6-years-old.
Where is the patient and their family from?East Bethel, Minnesota
Where was the patient treated?University of Minnesota Children's Hospital
Are there any special messages you would like to pass along to others regarding the importance of childhood cancer research?More research! We don't know why Kyle got this Wilms Tumor - so we have lots of unanswered questions. We of course worry about our one-year-old son, as does Kyle, who often asks, "Will he catch my cancer?"
Are there any special messages you would like to pass along to children that are currently undergoing cancer treatment?Have hope! Laugh as much as you can.
Austin -APML Leukemia
Up until 18 years ago this type of Leukemia was 100% fatal...
Date of diagnosis? August 28, 2008
How old was the child when diagnosed? 2-years-old.
Where is the patient and their family from?Utah
Where was the patient treated?Primary Children's Medical Center, Salt Lake City, Utah
Are there any special messages you would like to pass along to others regarding the importance of childhood cancer research? Up until 18 years ago this type of Leukemia was 100% fatal, until eastern medicine mixed with western cancer treatments proved to be a statue in the history of cancer research, thanks to ATRA, among other things a large dose of vitamin A, APML patients have an 80% chance of going into full remission after the first rotation of chemo & ATRA.
Are there any special messages you would like to pass along to children that are currently undergoing cancer treatment?If sharing the story of our brave little guy can help one family dealing with a diagnosis of APML, our mission will be accomplished.
Madison-Ependymoma Brain Tumor
Each and everytime we felt there was no hope, another treatment became available...
Date of diagnosis? April 16, 1999
How old was the child when diagnosed? Nine-months-old
Where is the patient and their family from? St. Paul, Minnesota
Where was the patient treated? St. Paul Children's Hospital & the University of Minnesota
Are there any special messages you would like to pass along to others regarding the importance of childhood cancer research? Our children are our future! We need to find a cure so that the millions of children diagnosed with cancer can fight and beat this disease. No family should ever have to say goodbye to their child. Our daugter, Madison, greatly benefited from cancer research. Each and everytime we felt there was no hope, another treatment became available. Because of this, we were able to spend 9 wonderful years with her! When she was diagnosed, she had a 1 in 5 chance of making it to age 5. Those are not great odds! She lived to be 9 years old, and in those 9 years she packed as much life as she could in EVERY day! Please help us in the fight against childhood cancer...our children need this!
Are there any special messages you would like to pass along to children that are currently undergoing cancer treatment? Always remember how much y ou are loved. When you are feeling so blue, and so sick from treatments, remember you are not alone! There are many, many people out there who care for you!.
Sherry-Rhabdomyosarcoma
...there is hope and there is light...
Date of diagnosis? October 21, 2008
How old was the child when diagnosed? Four-years-old
Where is the patient and their family from? Dumaguete City, Philippines
Where was the patient treated? Silliman University Medical Center
Are there any special messages you would like to pass along to others regarding the importance of childhood cancer research? I believe as a mother of a cancer patient that research is very important to equip us with proper knowledge and answers to our unending battle and questions about this dreaded illness. It helps us, it enlightens us that somewhere along the way there is hope and there is light.
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Are there any special messages you would like to pass along to children that are currently undergoing cancer treatment? All I can say is my daughter Sherry is still in her battle with cancer, but we hang on to the truth that there is hope as long as we believe and have faith.
Sherry-Rhabdomyosarcoma
We all have to stick together, because I wouldn't wish cancer on anyone...
Date of diagnosis? March 23, 1974
How old was the child when diagnosed? Four-years-old
Where is the patient and their family from? Bucyrus, Ohio
Where was the patient treated? Bucyrus Community Hopsital, Bucyrus, Ohio & Columbus Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio
Are there any special messages you would like to pass along to others regarding the importance of childhood cancer research? Childhood cancer research is very important to help others. If there weren't those that participated in clinical trials, we would not have the different medication and treatments available now. I'm still in clinical trials to determine the after-effects of the radiation and chemo treatments that I went through. They collect the data to help. It's a way to help, so give someone else a chance. We all have to stick together, because I wouldn't wish cancer on anyone. I just want the word to disappear.
Are there any special messages you would like to pass along to children that are currently undergoing cancer treatment? Treatments are a lot easier now than back in the 70s since there are many more researchers, medications, and specialists out there. Keep laughing, smiling, and going on. Don't let yourself get down. Parents: I was a child when I was diagnosed. Don't let your child stand in the dark. They know what's going on - they are smarter than you think as cancer makes you grow up fast.
Phylicia-Osteogenicsarcoma
Once you have lost a child to cancer, your goal is to make sure no other parent has to live the heartbreak...
Date of diagnosis? June 21, 2000
How old was the child when diagnosed? 15-years-old
Where is the patient and their family from? Virginia
Where was the patient treated? Children's Hopsital of the King's Daughters, Norfolk, Virginia
Are there any special messages you would like to pass along to others regarding the importance of childhood cancer research? Once you have lost a child to cancer, your goal is to make sure no other parent has to live the heartbreak that you live every day for the rest of your life. There is an inner strength in myself that is dedicated to doing good so that others may gain that extra strength needed to fight childhood cancer.
Are there any special messages you would like to pass along to children that are currently undergoing cancer treatment? The children that are chosen to travel this journey are special, strong, and no less loved than any others. Please continue to fight and be willing to find good and promise for every day of this horrendous battle.
Michael -Retinoblastoma
One minute we had this perfectly healthy baby boy, and the next minute we find out he has cancer.
Date of diagnosis? January 2004
How old was the child when diagnosed? 4-months-old.
Where is the patient and their family from?Fergus Falls, Minnesota
Where was the patient treated?University of Minnesota Children's Hospital
Are there any special messages you would like to pass along to children that are currently undergoing cancer treatment?We have learned a great deal about life through this process. We have gained a new perspective on what is truly important in our lives and we should make every effort not to take anything for granted.
Lucas - Medulloblastoma
Keep Smiling!
Date of diagnosis? April 2007
How old was the child when diagnosed? 6-years-old.
Where is the patient and their family from?Nova Scotia, Canada
Where was the patient treated?IWK, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
Are there any special messages you would like to pass along to others regarding the importance of childhood cancer research?Without research, Lucas probably wouldn't be here today.
Are there any special messages you would like to pass along to children that are currently undergoing cancer treatment?Keep smiling
Sierra - Undifferentiated Metastatic Sarcoma
I know it is a battle, but there is a plan for all of your lives - a special plan.
Date of diagnosis? September 2006
How old was the child when diagnosed? 16-years-old.
Where is the patient and their family from?Monticello, Minnesota
Where was the patient treated?University of Minnesota Children's Hospital
Are there any special messages you would like to pass along to others regarding the importance of childhood cancer research?We need a cure!! Cancer research is so important, we donated part of Sierra's tumor to different hospitals for research. I hope this helps in any way for the next child diagnosed with this type of cancer.
Are there any special messages you would like to pass along to children that are currently undergoing cancer treatment?Fight !Fight! Fight!!! It is so hard for everyone involved, but know you are not alone. I know it is a battle but there is a plan for all of your lives, a special plan.
Lexi -Wilms/Rhabdomaytous Nephroblastoma
Fight! Fight! Fight!
Date of diagnosis? June 2006
How old was the child when diagnosed? 17-months-old.
Where is the patient and their family from?St. Michael, Minnesota
Where was the patient treated?Minneapolis Children's Hospital and the University of Minnesota Children's Hospital
Are there any special messages you would like to pass along to others regarding the importance of childhood cancer research? Give, give, give to help with all research needed. With Lexi's second diganois, only 14 kids in the world had this type of cancer. We did not have answers right away due to that fact and I only hope that more reseach can be done to help Lexi and others who may be diagnosed with this type of cancer.
Are there any special messages you would like to pass along to children that are currently undergoing cancer treatment?Fight! Fight! Fight!
Christian - Philadelphia Positive ALL
Keep the Faith!
Date of diagnosis? April 2006
How old was the child when diagnosed? 4-years-old.
Where is the patient and their family from?Midland, Georgia
Where was the patient treated?The Medical Center in Columbus, Georgia and the University of Minnesota Children's Hospital, Fairview
Are there any special messages you would like to pass along to others regarding the importance of childhood cancer research? Withough researc, "Blake's" full recovery would not have been possible! We were not given the best odds when he was first diagnosed, but after learning about the amazing research that had occurred in Minnesota and other parts of the country regarding transplants and leukemia, we were given so much hope. That hope has turned into our reality of a healthy seven-year-old.
Are there any special messages you would like to pass along to children that are currently undergoing cancer treatment?Keep the faith! God and millions of people are fighting for you every single day!
Christian U -Osteogenic Sarcoma
Miracles DO happen!
Date of diagnosis? May 1982
How old was the child when diagnosed? 7-years-old.
Where is the patient and their family from?Castle Rock, Colorado
Where was the patient treated?Denver's Childrens Hospital and Shriner's Hospital in Salt Lake City
Are there any special messages you would like to pass along to others regarding the importance of childhood cancer research? Miracles DO happen! Chris is now married and the father of a beautiful little boy! We were told that Chris would probably never be able to have children of his own because the treatment would leave him sterile. However, that was not the case. Chris is now a healthy and happy young man, thanks to cancer research and all of the health professionals at Shriner's Hospital in Salt Lake City.
David G. -ALL (Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia)
Don't ever give up!
Date of diagnosis? April 1996
How old was the child when diagnosed? 6-years-old.
Where is the patient and their family from?Pierre, South Dakota
Where was the patient treated?Sioux Falls, South Dakota and Minneapolis, Minnesota
Are there any special messages you would like to pass along to others regarding the importance of childhood cancer research? God teaches us to love one another for Jesus said love one another for I have loved you. It is way better to give than receive because you will touch someones spirit in that is truly a gift in itself.
Are there any special messages you would like to pass along to children that are currently undergoing cancer treatment?Don't ever give up. Take cancer as a blessing because its going to teach families to be as one and also it will teach everyone around you to cherish life and find God.
Maxwell S -Retinoblastoma
This could be the best cause a person or organization could donate to.
Date of diagnosis? January 2008
How old was the child when diagnosed? 4-months-old.
Where is the patient and their family from?Coon Rapids, Minnesota
Where was the patient treated?The Mayo Clinic and the University of Minnesota Children's Hospital, Fairview
Are there any special messages you would like to pass along to others regarding the importance of childhood cancer research? This could be the best cause a person or organization could donate to. It is so important!
Are there any special messages you would like to pass along to children that are currently undergoing cancer treatment?You are a very special person and don't give up!
Trent -Rhabdomyosarcoma (alveolar)
You are a hero, a warrior, a fighter!
Date of diagnosis? August 2005
How old was the child when diagnosed? 5-years-old.
Where is the patient and their family from?Eagan, Minnesota
Where was the patient treated?Minneapolis Children's Hospital and Dana Farber
Are there any special messages you would like to pass along to others regarding the importance of childhood cancer research? We need more funds for children's cancer research. These children deserve to live, they are our future. Children who endure chemo, numerous surgeries and radiation seem to be more mature than others. They have high hopes, they want to be a doctor someday, a nurse, a fireman...they will give to our society like no others.
Are there any special messages you would like to pass along to children that are currently undergoing cancer treatment?You are a hero, a warrior, a fighter!
Erin -Leukemia
Overcoming my battle with cancer shaped me into the person I am today.
Date of diagnosis? May 1990
How old was the child when diagnosed? 3-years-old.
Where is the patient and their family from?Fargo, North Dakota
Where was the patient treated?Dakota Hospital in Fargo, North Dakota
Are there any special messages you would like to pass along to others regarding the importance of childhood cancer research? As a 21-year-old college student who battled leukemia at age 3, witnessing childhood cancer patients breaks my heart. It has got to be one of the most unfair things I can think of that can happen in a child's life. I would advocate childhood cancer research because I have been through the battle myself and cancer of any kind is devastating. This is a cause that is very close to my heart.
Are there any special messages you would like to pass along to children that are currently undergoing cancer treatment?I am a 21-year-old female who is an 18-year-leukemia survivor. Overcoming my battle with cancer shaped me into the person I am today. It made me a stronger, more determined person and it has made me able to more easily see the amazing ways God works in my life!
Peter -Stage IV Neuroblastoma
You are amazing children who have everything to complain about, and yet, you never seem to.
Date of diagnosis? August 2006
How old was the child when diagnosed? 4-years-old.
Where is the patient and their family from?Brainerd, Minnesota
Where was the patient treated?University of Minnesota Children's Hospital and Memorial Sloan Kettering
Are there any special messages you would like to pass along to others regarding the importance of childhood cancer research? We cannot say enough about the importance of research for childhood cancer. In the case of Neuroblastoma, there is very little funding because there are fewer diagnoses (approx. 650/year) and it is clear when you look at the prognosis for these kids - 20-40% chance of 5-year survival for Stage IV kids. While we never ask "Why our child?", no child, or their siblings, should ever have to live the journey that cancer takes them on.
Are there any special messages you would like to pass along to children that are currently undergoing cancer treatment?Keep fighting! You are amazing children who have everything to complain about, and yet, you never seem to. Play, sing, laugh, dance and have fun!
Jordyn - Stage IV Neuroblastoma
You are all stronger than the battle within!
Date of diagnosis? June 2007
How old was the child when diagnosed? 11-months-old.
Where is the patient and their family from?Pipestone, Minnesota
Where was the patient treated?Sanford Children's Hospital and the University of Minnesota Children's Hospital
Are there any special messages you would like to pass along to children that are currently undergoing cancer treatment?If you fall down seven times, stand up eight! You are all stronger than the battle within!
Alma -Hodgkins Lymphoma
Keep fighting! Don't give up!
How old was the child when diagnosed? 10-years-old.
Where is the patient and their family from?Huntington Park, California
Where was the patient treated? Children's Hospital of Los Angeles
Are there any special messages you would like to pass along to others regarding the importance of childhood cancer research? I've heard that medicine has gotten better and there is an 80% of cure rate of childhood cancer patients. Before the survival rate was much lower. It's all because of everyone that is researching cures for cancer. So keep up the good work so soon we can have a 100% cancer cure rate.
Are there any special messages you would like to pass along to children that are currently undergoing cancer treatment? Keep fighting don't give up. my daughter said that she would never give up that she would fight until she got better and she is doing great.
Angel -Clear Cell Sarcoma
Cancer knows no age,sex,race,religion. You never know when this can happen to someone you love.
Date of diagnosis? June 2003
How old was the child when diagnosed? 15-months-old.
Where is the patient and their family from?Columbus, Ohio
Where was the patient treated? Children's Hospital Columbus
Are there any special messages you would like to pass along to others regarding the importance of childhood cancer research? We were told Angel was more than likely born with what she had, so if they had done an ultrasound back then things may have been alot easier for her. If you have the money give it, the time offer it. Cancer knows no age,sex,race,religion. You never know when this can happen to someone you love.
Are there any special messages you would like to pass along to children that are currently undergoing cancer treatment? God doesn't give us more than we can handle" He knows just how strong we all are even if we don't.
Makenna -Rhabdomyosarcoma
We are very thankful for all the research...
Date of diagnosis? December 2007
How old was the child when diagnosed? 4-months-old.
Where is the patient and their family from? Sauk Centre, Minnesota
Where was the patient treated? Fairview University, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Are there any special messages you would like to pass along to others regarding the importance of childhood cancer research? We are very thankful for all the research that has been done to save Makenna's life.
Jackson - Neuroblastoma
It never ceases to amaze me the amount of courage and strength childhood cancer patients have.
Date of diagnosis? June 2006
How old was the child when diagnosed? 5-years-old.
Where is the patient and their family from?Plainview, Minnesota
Where was the patient treated?Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
Are there any special messages you would like to pass along to others regarding the importance of childhood cancer research? I know there are so many organizations to donate to. However, rare childhood cancers like Neuroblatoma get overlooked because it doesn't affect a large group of children. The survival rate for leukemia as risen over the years because of cancer research. I would like to all the childhood cancers have an increase in their survival rates, so no family has to go through this.
Are there any special messages you would like to pass along to children that are currently undergoing cancer treatment?I have met many children going through treatments. It never ceases to amaze me the amount of courage and strength they have. They have extreme determination and love for life.
