By: Trish Adkins
“At one point I had no voice,” said Nicole Mood as she recalled her daughter Delaney’s terrifying and difficult treatment for pilomyxoid astrocytoma, an uncommon and aggressive childhood central nervous system tumor. Delaney was just two years old when she was diagnosed — and now she is 9 years old and two years cancer-free.
In the early days of Delaney’s treatment, Nicole was completely overwhelmed. Chemotherapy wasn’t working and induced an allergic reaction. Nicole spent hours reaching out and trying to find more options but kept coming up short. Delaney had surgery and then, because the tumor was intertwined in her spinal cord, the little girl had 25 rounds of proton radiation. For several years, Delaney’s cancer remained stable and then they got the wonderful news that the tumor was gone.
“Her doctor prepared me for the tumor to be there for the rest of her life. We were in complete shock when her scans were clear,” said Nicole. It was a great relief to Nicole who said the good news gave her the ability to step forward and share Delaney’s story as an ambassador for Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF).
Ambassadors are a critical part of the Foundation’s mission to find safer treatments and cures for childhood cancer. By sharing their stories at events, hosting special events, and connecting with other cancer families, ambassadors have the power to make huge impacts for childhood cancer.
Nicole and her family have hosted lemonade stands for the past several years — raising more than $12,000 for ALSF. At each lemonade stand, Nicole and Delaney share her story. “It truly connects people to the cause for them to see a child in their community,” said Nicole.
Before Delaney was diagnosed, Nicole had no idea childhood cancer research was underfunded as compared to adult cancers. She shares those facts and the stories of other children they have come to know through treatment who are still waiting for cures or who have passed away. Nicole has spoken at ALSF partner events, opening her heart by sharing Delaney’s story, while, in turn, getting everyone in the room to open their hearts, as well.
“I saw the impact working right in front of me. To see people feel it, truly feel it, I knew right then and there advocating does work,” said Nicole.
Anyone who wants a deeper level of involvement with ALSF can become an Ambassador. Children — childhood cancer heroes — who have battled cancer or are battling can share their stories on the ALSF website and also sign up to do more. Hero families — parents and SuperSibs— can get involved, too. And of course, friends can lend their voice to the cause by sharing their perspective and stories of their loved ones who have been impacted by childhood cancer. Ambassadors can do big things like speak at large events or local things like host and visit community lemonade stands or virtual things like sharing their story to social media.
Not only is this work empowering and cathartic for the Ambassador, but all these perspectives show the breadth of childhood cancer’s impact and bring to light more reasons cures are so desperately needed.
“There is no way you can turn down making a difference for our children,” said Nicole.
Ready to join the cause and share your story? Learn more about being an Ambassador for Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation here. Ambassadors can be family, heroes, SuperSibs, and even Super Friends. Everyone can help!
