I can’t imagine being told that my child may die from cancer – not because a cure can’t be found, but because there’s a lack of funding to find a cure. Unfortunately, parents are hearing those words everyday. One of my best friends, Amy Christenbury, has heard those words. Her youngest son, Grier, was diagnosed with Stage IV Neuroblastoma four years ago. He has relapsed three times. Neuroblastoma is a rare form of cancer that attacks the nervous system. Grier was just 2 ½ when he was diagnosed. He doesn’t even remember life without cancer, and his family’s life has been changed forever.

I certainly am grateful for the strides made in Breast Cancer, Prostate Cancer, Leukemia, and other major cancers. I know the reason there are great odds of beating these cancers is primarily due to the research that has been poured into finding cures. My sister-in law is a breast cancer survivor – THANKS TO RESEARCH! It just seems unfair that less than 4% of the National Cancer Institute’s budget goes to PEDIATRIC Cancer research. These precious children deserve more than that. They deserve a chance to LIVE!

It might come as a surprise that pediatric cancer is the number one disease killer in the U.S. of children under the age of 18. In fact, it kills more children than asthma, AIDS, muscular dystrophy and multiple sclerosis combined. An average of 46 children are diagnosed with cancer every day; totaling nearly 13,000 new cases per year. Unfortunately, pediatric cancer receives a very small percentage of the National Cancer Institute’s $4.8 billion annual budget and almost no research and development dollars
from pharmaceutical companies. Research funding has made a direct and measurable impact on the survival rates of pediatric cancer. If children are our most precious resource, why wouldn’t we do everything in our power to keep them safe? It’s our responsibility and obligation to protect them and our future.

One cancer Mom was determined to make a difference. Gretchen Witt’s son, Liam, was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 2 ½. Gretchen was shocked to learn that the main reason over 25 percent of kids diagnosed with cancer do not survive is because of a lack of effective therapies. And the reason for the lack of therapies was very simple: lack of funding. Gretchen had the idea to bake cookies to sell during the holidays to help raise funds to increase her young son’s odds in his fight against cancer. Her small
idea became a huge movement with 96,000 cookies baked and sold during a three-week period with the help of more than 250 dedicated volunteers. Her bake sale raised more than $400,000. During that massive bake sale she realized people want to get involved and help, they just need a way to do so. Late
2007, Cookies for Kids’ Cancer was created. Cookies for Kids’ Cancer is a 501(c)3 nonprofit public charity raising money for pediatric cancer research through local bake sales. Through the concept of local bake sales, Cookies for Kids’ Cancer provides the inspiration and support for individuals, communities, and
businesses to help fight the disease. Sadly, Liam lost his battle to the disease this past January. Gretchen Witt’s courageous work continues. Liam would have celebrated his 7th birthday in May. To honor him, his determined mother set a goal of having 700 Cookies for Kids’ Cancer Bake Sales during the month of May. The Glad Products Company, one of Cookies for Kids’ Cancer sponsors, has agreed to match all funds raised from the May bake sales.

It is my goal that everyone will want to be a GOOD COOKIE and help raise funds for Pediatric Cancer Research.

For more information about Cookies for Kids’ Cancer, visit www.cookiesforkidscancer.org

To learn more about my hero Grier Christenbury, visit www.gogriergo.com

Kerri Norwood