For many, September means the beginning of fall, cooler weather, and football season being in full swing. But for families whose children have been diagnosed with Cancer, September is a painful reminder of the battle their children, and so many others, have fought and continue to fight even after their treatment is finished. For these families, this month is more than just 30 days of shocking statistics about the number of children who are affected by this horrible disease, or the realization that there is much progress to be made when it comes to research and developing less toxic treatments.
For them, this month is every month, every week, and every moment. For CMN Patient Champion Abby, it means celebrating milestones like becoming cancer-free, even though cancer will forever be a part of her life as she continues to grow up.
“We credit Lurie Children’s with saving her life. We are very grateful for the entire staff at Lurie Children’s—nurses, doctors, child life specialists, the people who served us coffee and helped us reboot every day.” – Abby’s mom Melissa
Throughout this month, we take time to celebrate how far we’ve come with the care, treatment, and research that Lurie Children’s can provide. But we also take this time to remember how far we still must go to help every child that comes through our hospital doors. During this month, several of our Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals’ partners will be fundraising for Lurie Children’s. When you visit your local Costco, Love’s Travel Stops, Kendra Scott, Spirit of Halloween, or other CMN partner that is asking for a donation, please consider supporting Lurie Children’s. Each donation goes to the area of greatest need at our hospital and helps to ensure kids like Abby are able to receive the lifesaving cancer treatments they need.
On behalf of all children whose parents have heard or will hear will hear the words “Your child has cancer,” we thank you for your support. You continue to lift us up and give us hope in even the darkest of moments. Thank you for all you do.
