This foundation is new to me and I have enjoyed learning about all they are doing to help conquer childhood cancers.  Cancer is a scary word for anyone to hear but I can't imagine being a mom and hearing that about my child.  But, it is happening to many moms out there all over the world.  I had my first experience with childhood cancer early in my teaching career.  A precious little girl in my kindergarten class was diagnosed with Leukemia the summer after kindergarten.  This was devasting to me as a teacher who had just spent a year loving on this precious little girl.  She spent many months in the hospital and missed the next 2 years of school.  It was a scary time.  Thankfully, she is still with us and is a Junior in college at Duke University.  

I received a great tote bag from St. Baldrick's Foundation.  It is sturdy and great to carry things from home to school.  But most importantly, every dollar from the purchase of this tote goes directly to fund the most promising childhood cancer research across the country.  Currently the foundation has awarded more than $176M in research grants by hosting their signature head-shaving events, as well as do-what-you-want fundraisers and the online store.   The St. Baldrick's Foundation is a volunteer-powered charity committed to funding the most promising research to find cures for childhood cancers and give survivors long, healthy lives.

Cute bag that I will carry proudly!!

Also received a bracelet and button, which Aiden has added to his collection. 

Here's some information about the St. Baldrick's Foundation and the wonderful work they are doing...

How big is the problem?

More children are lost to cancer in the U.S. than any other disease—in fact, more than many other childhood diseases combined.  Before they turn 20, about 1 in 285 children in the U.S. will have cancer.  Worldwide, a child is diagnosed every 3 minutes.  In the 1950s, almost all kids diagnosed with cancer died. Because of research, today about 90% of kids with the most common type of cancer will live. But for many other types, progress has been limited, and for some kids there is still little hope for a cure.

Even the term “childhood cancer” is a problem, because it actually means cancers that strike infants, children, teens and young adults. That’s why the St. Baldrick’s Foundation often refers to “kids” with cancer.

While the word “kid” is slang and isn’t used in other countries, in the U.S., it is more inclusive. (At 21, you may be a college kid, but you’re certainly not a child!)

But the issue is far more serious than language. Adolescents and young adults with cancer are often treated as adults. If they received childhood cancer treatments instead, 30% more would survive!

A cure is not enough.

For many years, researchers struggled to give kids just a few more months of life. While many kids now survive, the search goes on for cures for many childhood cancers.

But even for kids who survive, the battle is not over. A recent study shows that because of the treatments they had as kids, by the time they’re 45, more than 95% of survivors will have a chronic health problem and 80% will have severe or life-threatening conditions.

So in addition to finding cures, a lot of research is focused on preventing the lifelong damage that results from surgeries, radiation and chemotherapies given while young bodies and brains are just developing.

Even during treatment, kids face all kinds of side effects, some very uncomfortable, others life-threatening. That’s why St. Baldrick’s also funds research to improve supportive care for patients.

Will you help?  Become involved!!

There are different ways for you to be a part of the St. Baldrick's Foundation!  Check out their webpage to find out how you can help.  You can also visit the online shop where your purchases will help fund research.  You can also connect with them on Facebook or Twitter.  

Special thanks to our friends at St. Baldrick's Foundation for the opportunity to learn about the work you do for our children and for allowing me to share this with our readers.