The Childhood Cancer Blog
The Childhood Cancer Blog
![](https://www.alexslemonade.org/sites/default/files/styles/blog_full/public/sullivan.jpg?itok=ylOp2QjW)
This is Sullivan.
by Jen Butler, Hero Mom
My son Sullivan is a smart, kind, and strong 5th grader.
Until November 2016, Sullivan's health was fine. Then, he was diagnosed with brain and spine cancer. As a parent, it was one of my biggest fears come true.
Sullivan bravely underwent multiple surgeries to partially remove the main tumor and release the pressure on his brain. Sullivan's tumor removal surgery resulted in Posterior Fossa Syndrome which affected his vision, speech and ability to walk.... Read More
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Childhood cancer survivors like Tony, pictured above, have to be monitored for possible cardiac health side effects due to treatment.
Childhood cancer survivors are 7 times more likely to experience cardiac dysfunction at some point in their lives than other children. Harsh treatments from some types of high-dose chemotherapy and radiation therapy increase their risk of having an irregular heartbeat, weakening the heart muscle and even hardening of the arteries.
This is one of the many reasons why childhood cancer research is so important—cures should not come at the cost of heart health.
The good news: researchers are working every day to finder safer treatments... Read More
by Trish Adkins, ALSF
In Minnesota, there is a Vikings fan who really loves his team. A week before the division championship game, he won two Super Bowl tickets in a charity raffle, sponsored by Spare Key, a St. Paul, Minnesota charity that provides assistance to families with critically ill children. He was sure his team would make it to the Super Bowl. If they did not, well, he’d give away his Super Bowl tickets to a fan who would love to see their team play.
As everyone knows by now, the Vikings did not make it to the Super Bowl.
Meanwhile, in New Jersey,... Read More
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