I first learned what death was when my cousin died of brain cancer. I guess that event also taught me what true grief and sadness felt like. I was eight when my cousin died and he was also eight, and will always be eight.. For many years after he died, he became my imaginary friend. I would talk to him and play with him, just like if he was with me. He died to soon and so many children are also dying needlessly.

I was thirteen when my sister was diagnosed with cancer. I could still remember when the doctor told us my sister needed chemo, and that we there was a chance that we would lose her. Since my only experience with cancer was my cousin dying, I assumed that my sister would die also. I also knew that if she died I would quickly follow her, because I didn't want her to be alone. I did not want to live in a whole in which did not contain my sister. During her treatment I was cruel to her, I was cruel to myself. I stopped caring about things and cared too much about doing things that a young person should not do.

As you all may know, my sister survived, and what also survived was my guilt. I can never fully forgive myself for the cruelty I I felt and unleashed on my sister, and on myself. I suppose what happened to me, made me stronger and more compassionate, but I think it was a lesson I could have learned later. I know that things are never secure, your whole life could change in a blink of an eye. I do not want any other child to suffer the way I did. I want siblings to grow strong together and not have to face obstacles like cancer. I want children to live, to see adulthood, and be happy. If you can please donate to Team Lemon. There is no suffering like a family mourning a child. Let us find a way to prevent this. Thank you.