|
It is a devastating moment in the life of any parent to hear the words, "Your child has cancer." We expect that our children will live happy, productive lives, free from the tragedies that affect "other people". Yet, for thousands of children and their families, their lives are interrupted or in some cases, cut short by a diagnosis of childhood cancer. CURE Childhood Cancer (CURE) is here to help.
For the past 25 years in the United States, the incidence of childhood cancer has steadily grown, with over 12,500 new diagnoses each year. Over 40,000 infants, children and adolescents are currently receiving treatment for cancer. Importantly, in the United States, cancer remains the #1 disease killer of children, claiming the lives of more children and young people under the age of 20 than any other disease.
Once an impossible dream, curing childhood cancer has become achievable in our lifetime. Since the 1950s, cooperative research has improved the survival rates for childhood cancer from less than 10% to over 77%. This triumph occurred through the collaborative effort of clinical investigators, laboratory scientists, and cooperative clinical trial groups. However, the somber reality remains that childhood cancer kills, and one out of every four children diagnosed will die from the disease. For those who survive, the late effects of the toxic treatments and therapies can be devastating.
Founded in 1975, CURE Childhood Cancer is dedicated to conquering childhood cancer through research, education and support of patients and their families. Since its establishment as a grass-roots organization, CURE has focused its efforts on improving the care, quality of life, and survival rate of children with cancer. The founders, parents and a dedicated pediatric oncologist, joined forces to support laboratory research that would translate into immediate care for children with cancer. Since that time, CURE has raised millions of dollars to fund cutting edge research at the Aflac Cancer Center Blood Disorders Service at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and Emory University School of Medicine. Through innovative programming, CURE also provides support for stricken families, providing them comfort and support during their time of devastating need.
"There are moments in life when you have no choice but to laugh. But then, there are moments when you wonder if you'll ever laugh again, like when your child's doctor places his or her hand on your shoulder and says gently, 'I'm so sorry, it's cancer."
"When the security of your normal life spins away in the blink of an eye, what exactly do you DO? You realize - thank goodness we don't have to go it alone. CURE Childhood Cancer, dedicated to conquering childhood cancer through research, education, and support programs for patients and their families, has been with us since the beginning."
- Kristie E., 4-year-old daughter diagnosed with leukemia
For more information about CURE Childhood Cancer and how you can help, please visit www.curechildhoodcancer.org or call Kristin Connor, Executive Director, at 770-986-0035.
|
