Pediatric cancer is something my family has personal experience with. A little over three years ago, my son (7 at the time) started having some health issues. It's quite a long story, and I don't want to get into all of the details, but after spending months trying to diagnose the cause of his symptoms, we finally learned that it was a brain tumor. Since that diagnosis, he has had two brain surgeries and a full course of radiation treatments and we are very fortunate that he is stable and doing quite well now. His tumor is somewhere that can't be removed, but it is stable, which is great news. We are so thankful for the team of doctors and nurses who saved his life.

Having gone through this with my family, I've learned how underfunded and neglected pediatric cancer is compared to adult cancer. I heard a statistic that Starbucks makes more money in 2 days than is spent on pediatric cancer research in a year. I know people need coffee (I certainly do), but this really highlights the need to raise awareness and support pediatric cancer research.

Doing this charity stream really is the reason that I committed myself to trying to start and grow my own YouTube channel.  I want to do something to help the kids and families that have had to face pediatric cancer.  I'm relieved and excited to finally get the ball rolling on my first charity live stream! Pediatric cancer is something that desperately needs more support. The techniques that saved my son's life didn't exist just a few short years before we needed them.  We need more research and we need it now! Alex's Lemonade Stand focuses on raising money for pediatric cancer research. I've decided to focus on research because the developments made from research can benefit everyone everywhere. There are so many wonderful charities that help kids and families in so many different aspects relating to pediatric cancer, whether it's providing meals, lodging, travel expenses, entertainment, funds for medical bills, etc. If there is another charity that you have a personal connection with, please feel free to donate to any cause you wish! It all means so much to the kids and families facing pediatric cancer. 

I've already started to receive offers of support and help for the stream, and I can't put into words how much it means to me.  I'm tearing up as I type this because I'm really starting to believe that we can make a difference! And it is definitely a WE. None of this is possible without all of your help and support. THANK YOU!!! 

The stream will take place on September 19th from 9AM CST to 9PM CST. In the near future I'll be posting the schedule of events for the stream on my YouTube channel, on my discord (link to my discord can be found in my videos), and on my Twitter @mooniegtracer.  I'm so excited! LET'S DO THIS!!!