Going Gold For A Cure

My sweet cousin, Ashlei, is sharing her experience with childhood cancer and ways you can help.  Read her story and information below.

 

"It’s September 1^st, so marks another month to turn the world gold and raise awareness for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.

 

My son Dj, was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor in 2011 at the tender age of 17 months. Since his diagnosis, we as a family, have tried to raise awareness about this community that no one really wants to be a part of. Prior to Dj being diagnosed, we saw the cute bald kids on the St. Jude’s commercials but never really considered the children’s circumstances, their statistics or quality of life. Not until we had no choice but to be a part of this community did we understand the importance of having our WHOLE community back us. Our families, friends, strangers have helped us carry this sometimes unbearable load.

 

There are many great organizations that you can send your money to that are making leaps and bounds in the pediatric research area. Those include St. Baldrick’s, Cure Search and Alex’s Lemonade Stand.

 

In our community we have the great Battle For A Cure organization that makes life for our little local fighters a little bit brighter.

 

Before I spit out statistics, I would encourage you to be a part of this community financially ($2 does add up) and physically/spiritually. Prayers never fall on deaf ears and a lending hand is always appreciated. J

 

When Dj was diagnosed there were 2 drugs specifically for children with cancer since the 80’s. This year another drug for was developed! This is a huge step moving all our kids in the right direction.

 

46 children are diagnosed daily with some form of cancer. While we are lead to believe that childhood cancers are rare; they really are not. We have to change our mindsets to really start getting a control of this nasty disease.

 

My husband and I have the dream of one day lobbying on Capital Hill to press for more funding for our children. Currently only 4% of U.S. federal funding is solely dedicated to childhood cancer research. I'm not sure about you, but that is just not enough of an investment in our children. They deserve more.

 

I encourage you to check out http://www.stbaldricks.org/filling-the-funding-gap/ if you're up to the challenge.  

 

Here are few of our pictures from our charity events.

 

Before St. Baldrick's

After St. Baldrick's

DJ's first day of Kindergarten

 

 

You can catch up with Dj on FB @ www.facebook.com/teamdjthebrave

 

Also check out Be The Match – It is to become a bone marrow donor. My husband joined soon after Dj was diagnosed and this February was able to donate his marrow to another child with leukemia. It was such an amazing experience!

 

All in all, I very happy to report that Dj has started Kindergarten this year and he has more friends than he ever though imaginable. Although he is still getting treatment every day, he is enjoying being just a normal little boy!"

 

The Littlest Funk will be fundraising again this year to help raise awareness for Childhood Cancer.  You can head over to our Instagram to find out more details!