Wednesday, December 15, 2010

St. Jude's Children's Hospital

St. Jude's has a special place in my heart. No, I've never known anyone who was a patient there, but my Uncle Paul was a doctor there. He told us of the advancements made in cancer treatment for children.

This is a wonderful time of year, but can you imagine being the parent of a child who has been stricken with cancer? Wondering if your child, the light of your life, will be here to celebrate next year. Wondering what side effects the treatments will have, will your child be able to live any kind of so-called normal life while getting the treatments.

As a parent, you hold your newborn in your arms and think of the limitless future that is in front of this baby. You know that this is the child who will grow up to be a doctor, a lawyer, a teacher. Maybe a great artist or writer who will win a Pulitzer Prize. You look forward to soccer games, little league games, Pee-Wee football, dance lessons, school recitals, proms, high school, college and even grad school graduations. You think about the spouse this baby will choose and the children they will have.

Then, sometime in the future, you're hit with the devastating news that your child has cancer and may not live to see that bright future. You'd give anything to trade places with your child. But this is something that your child has to face. You'd do anything to make this go away, but you can't. You can barely face that your child is hurting, not to mention that your child might not live to see that grand future you envisioned.

St. Jude's researchers are working every day to keep another child from facing this insidious disease. It's what they do. But, they need our help. Money seems to be so cold and impersonal, but it's what's needed to fight for the lives of children who need this research.

I can't give enough to make a difference on my own, nor can you. But together, and with all the others who are make a donation, we can help.

I'm not asking for myself and I will see no money. Using the link I provide, your donation goes directly to St. Jude's. My suggestion is $10. That's not much. I'm hoping for $500, but whether that goal is not reached, or it goes way over, I appreciate everyone who donates.

Thank you.