Every Single Day, 47 Precious Lives are Challenged...
Let's give them a fighting chance.
Each day, 47 children, ranging from infancy through age 19, receive a heart-wrenching cancer diagnosis. Yet, the funds for their fight are grossly insufficient. Out of the billions allocated by the FEDERAL government for cancer research, a meager 4% is dedicated to childhood cancer. The disparity is stark, and the consequences are dire. Our children deserve more. Let’s stand up for them. Let’s give them a fighting chance.
About Book for Hope®
Book for Hope® is a registered 501(c)3 organization that provides vital support for families in Western Kentucky and Southern Illinois whose children have been diagnosed with cancer. Our mission is multi-fold: raising awareness about childhood cancer, providing financial assistance to families with a child actively undergoing cancer treatment, and contributing to research aimed at eradicating this devastating disease. We understand the hardships these families face, and we’re committed to being there for them in their hour of need.
Why Your Support is Needed
Many Survival Rates for Childhood Cancer Linger Below 50%
2 Out of 3 Childhood Cancer Surivors Will Face Chronic Health Conditions, Including Secondary Cancers
There Are Only Six Treatments Specifically Developed and FDA Approved for Children
Childhood cancer is alarmingly underfunded, receiving only 4% of federal funding for cancer research. This disparity starkly contrasts the fact that cancer is the leading cause of death by disease among children in the United States. Although there have been improvements in treating some forms of childhood cancer, many survival rates linger below 50%, with some even less than 1%. It’s a harsh reality that one in six American children diagnosed with cancer will not survive past five years.
Moreover, for the brave children who do survive, two out of three will face chronic health conditions, including secondary cancers, due to their treatments. These treatments are often outdated, designed for adults, or repurposed, with only six treatments specifically developed and FDA approved for children in the past thirty years. The delay in starting pediatric clinical trials after adult trials averages a staggering 6.5 years.
Our children deserve better, and your support can make that happen. You have the power to change this narrative. Your contribution aids us in raising awareness, increasing funding for childhood cancer research, and directly assisting families shouldering the burdensome expenses linked to treatment. In essence, your support extends a lifeline to these families in their most challenging times, giving them hope for a better future.
Caleb
This is Caleb. He looks like any other 4-year-old. He loves trucks, animals, and doing anything outside. He’s the youngest of 5, with the second youngest being 16! His middle name is Able, from the verse Ephesians 3:20. “Now to Him who is ABLE to do exceedingly...
Our Warriors
This page is a heartfelt tribute to the brave children who are actively fighting against cancer. Their resilience inspires us every day, and we want to share their stories with you. Come, get to know our warriors.
Get Involved
Events
From fundraising galas to awareness drives, our events are at the heart of our efforts. Visit this page to learn more about our upcoming events and how you can join us in making a difference.
Give
Financial contributions are the lifeblood of our organization. Your generous giving, whether as a recurring monthly donation or a one-time gift, allows us to continue supporting families and funding research. Donate today and write a new chapter of hope in a child’s life.
In Memory
In this space, we honor the beautiful young lives that were cut short by cancer. This is our tribute to their courage and spirit. They may have lost their battles, but through our memories, they continue to inspire us.
Lennon Kash Black
"Everybody loves Lennon. I'm brave and strong." “Everybody loves Lennon; I am brave, I am kind, I am strong, and I am loving,” all words of affirmations spoken directly from the most heroic three year old child. She was a lover of being at the lake, fishing, riding on...
Our Blog
Stay updated on the latest news, updates, and insights surrounding Book for Hope® and childhood cancer awareness. Our blog serves as a hub for stories of hope, advances in research, and ways you can make a difference.
Gaylon Hayden, The President and Founder of Book For Hope®, Shares Her “Why.”
I was diagnosed with breast cancer on Christmas Eve, 2007, at 4:10 PM. I began to go to Dr. Ingrid A. Meyer, the Director of Breast Cancer at Vanderbilt. Every visit, Dr. Meyer would share a childhood cancer statistic with me. I had no idea until she told me breast...
Types of Childhood Cancer
As we delve deeper into the issue of childhood cancer, it's crucial to understand the variety of types that affect our children. The following chart provides detailed information on different forms of childhood cancer. Armed with knowledge, we can be more effective in...
Dancing for Gold
Dancing for Gold® Over the last few years, mothers of children would always comment they wished someone would dance for only childhood cancer. After two years of praying about dancing for childhood cancer, God dropped the title in my heart, Dancing for Gold®. The gold...
A Spirit of Slumber
Growing up, I never heard of a child diagnosed with cancer. Not a day goes by now that I don't hear of someone newly diagnosed with cancer, whether a child, adolescent, or adult. What should be uncommon has become a common occurrence in the world we are living in....
There can be life after cancer
On New Year's Day, 2017, Kendall James' parents, Shawn and Kendra James, got the news no parent would ever want to hear, "Your child has cancer!" Kendall was sent to Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt in Nashville, TN, and diagnosed with Embryonal...
How Book for Hope Helps Families with Children Battling Cancer
How Book for Hope Helps Families with Children Battling Cancer Book for Hope became a 501 (c) (3) childhood cancer organization in January 2015. The mission statement of Book for Hope is to raise childhood cancer awareness, financially assist families with a...