cancer

Yesterday, Steve Jobs, a co-founder of Apple, passed away. An obituary read "Apple has lost a visionary and creative genius, and the world has lost an amazing human being. Those of us who have been fortunate enough to know and work with Steve have lost a dear friend and an inspiring mentor. Steve leaves behind a company that only he could have built, and his spirit will forever be the foundation of Apple."

Steve had cancer. Pancreatic cancer. Which does not hold a good prognosis. He was diagnosed in 2004. To live another 7 years is good. But it is hardly any time at all. Steve was only 56. That is so very young. It really is. To think if he had another 25-30 years in the workforce, what he could have created.

I read a caringbridge update tonight for a little boy named Grant. Grant was born in the year that Steve was diagnosed. Grant is only 7 years old (which is the same age as my Jason). Grant was diagnosed with cancer when he was only 16 months old. Grant had ATRT (atypical teretoid rhabdoid tumor). This is a rare, extremely aggressive, malignant brain tumor. We were told Grant had a less then 10% chance for long term survival.

Today's update is not a good one. His recent scans show that his tumor is growing.

I pray that Grant will beat the odds he is facing, and get a chance at having life. Everyday 46 children are diagnosed with cancer, and 7 die from it. Children who do not get to grow up and share with the world their talents.

We can not let these children who are dying, who are suffering, who are going through chemo, being pricked and poked, who are sick - who should all be playing, learning, growing, being kids, continue to do so in vain. We must find a way to honor their lives and find a cure.

For all the kids, the young adults, and for everybody, we need a cure. We need to fund research to find one. We need to raise awareness. This is not acceptable.

And like the orphans around the world, hidden away from the main stream, with no voice, cancer is not a pretty subject. It is hard. It is hard to think about, it is hard to take action. Life is so much easier for us if we stay ignorant. If we choose ignorance. Is that really how you want to live? I am tired of always wanting to do something, but not doing anything. I am choosing to change that. I will continue to follow the stories of children with cancer. I will rejoice with those that beat the odds. I will mourn with the families of those who do not. I will be Thankful for all the time that I have with my children and my family, knowing that time is borrowed. I will help give these children a voice. I will raise awareness and money for research so that a cure can be found.

What will you do?