As we begin another year of working to find a cure for all kids with cancer, we thought we would implement a new aspect of the blog – top 11 lists for 2011. This year is still brand new, and yet we already know of several children who have lost their lives to childhood cancer. For the first top 11 list of the year, we chose to highlight 11 reasons to fight childhood cancer. Some of these reasons are the staggering statistics we have become all too familiar with, while others are reasons why it’s easy to get involved. Either way, we hope to recruit new members to the battle against childhood cancer in 2011, and these are just a few of the reasons we hope you will be one of them:

1. In simple terms, children continue to die from cancer, and that is unacceptable.
2. Current treatments cause side-effects that can last a lifetime.
3. On average, childhood cancer treatment lasts at least two years.
4. Children deserve to live happy young lives and experience all the normals associated with childhood.
5. Families whose children battle cancer often face financial and emotional distress during and after treatment.
6. Childhood cancer research is vastly underfunded. Currently, the National Cancer Institute gives only 4% of its grants to childhood cancer.
7. Contributing to a cure is easy by getting involved with a leading childhood cancer charity.
8. Hosting a lemonade stand, running a marathon, or any event for childhood cancer is a fun way to participate in community service.
9. Holding a fundraising event, or rallying around a local childhood cancer fighter brings communities together.
10. Spreading awareness is just as important as raising funds.
11. Why not? Here are 10 reasons why we should ban together to fight childhood cancer, can you think of a reason why we shouldn’t?