The Childhood Cancer Blog
The Childhood Cancer Blog
Ginny Mclean (center) from the Swifty Foundation togther with Liz and Jay Scott
Patti Gustafson became aware of childhood cancer when her son Michael was diagnosed with medulloblastoma, a type of brain tumor. Michael was nearing the end of his life when he developed his “Master Plan” to donate his tumor tissue to science so a cure might be found for other children. From his plan, the Swifty Foundation was born.
Michael died at the age of 15. Today, his family caries on his foundation.
“Before I was in this space, I always assumed 'somebody' was curing childhood cancer. I mean, everyone wants children to stop dying from cancer, so of course it’s... Read More
Every day in the United States, 47 children are diagnosed with childhood cancer. When you expand that to the entire world, the number skyrockets to more than 1,000 children a day. After diagnosis, children face a variety of treatments and prognoses. But one thing unites all their stories: these kids want cures and they deserve those cures.
Childhood Cancer Awareness Month is every September. During the month, we “Go Gold” to honor the children in treatment, those out of treatment and those who have lost their lives to cancer. This month of “Going Gold,” is all about awareness and... Read More
12-year neuroblastoma survivor Lucy.
Dr. Janice Withycombe, an ALSF-funded research nurse at Clemson University and Prisma Health, believes that the long-term side effects of pediatric cancer treatment can best be understood not by talking to the parents of a child, but by talking to the child directly to hear their experience.
Childhood cancer treatments — especially chemotherapy, radiation and surgery — come with a myriad of immediate, short-term and lifelong side effects. Side effects during treatment can make the harsh months of... Read More
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