When you hear the two words, pediatric cancer, what image pops into your head? Do you see a little girl that is no more than six years old who is so sick, and has tubes of medication flowing in and out of her from an IV pole? Or do you see a boy that is so weak from chemotherapy, he can’t even walk? Is that child fighting cancer your neighbor’s kid, your friend from school, or your own child? When you find out that someone you know is battling pediatric cancer what do you feel? I know some people wish they could trade spots and fight their battle for them. I think that is because most adults know what is in store for these young warriors and it is something very difficult. It breaks my heart every time when I find out another kid is battling cancer. My heart breaks often because there are so many. According to the National Foundation for Cancer Research, every two minutes a child is diagnosed with cancer. Also, one in five children diagnosed with cancer in the U.S. will not survive. Pediatric cancer is a very strong set of words. So many are suffering from cancer. For me, it is just too many. But I believe in hope and I imagine better outcomes. Therefore we need to help the children become the warriors they need to be, and let them know that they are not in it alone. Let us all help them in their battles to not only survive, but to thrive!
– From Positively Jessica
Jessica Meyer is 15 years old and a three-year pediatric brain cancer survivor. She is an advocate, public speaker, and ambassador with the hopes and dreams of changing the face of pediatric cancer.