One positive example of the effects of research on children
is the progress being made in children’s Leukemia cancer treatments. According to the Children’s Cancer Research
Fund, cutting edge research, such as the use of umbilical cord blood
transplants, has decreased the rate of leukemia relapses from 34 to 19 percent.
The greatest strides in leukemia research are tailoring treatments to
individual children. In the early 80s, researchers found that not all leukemia is the same;
therefore researchers look at genetics and environmental factors to find where the leukemia originated, and
what types of treatment it will respond to.
I have a work colleague whose nine-year-old son is currently being
treated for ALL Leukemia. He is
responding very well to the chemotherapy treatments, but will be required to do
these on-going treatments for three years.
The doctor’s told my colleague that the survivability rate for this type
of cancer is now over 90% due to research completed in effective
treatments. This colleague’s son wanted
to help other kids like him, so he consented to donate his blood and salvia
samples to research in ALL Leukemia. It
is because brave children participated in this research before him that my
colleague’s son is getting the effective treatments and has a positive
prognosis to survive this disease. Part
of the powerless feeling he has at having cancer is made better by the empowerment
he feels in providing research samples that can possibly save another child’s
life. He has also been such a motivational
example to the community by increasing awareness of this disease. He and his family have organized blood
drives, donor match drives, and 5K races to promote cancer research and aid in
the fight to find a cure. This kids is
exceptional and such a fighter!
Children’s Cancer Research Fund website: http://www.childrenscancer.org
Collett,
ReplyDeleteYour friend's son is truly an inspiration to others. I think it is incredible that he has agreed to participate in the research not only for himself but for the sake of other children like him. It is truly great news to hear that thanks to research, the survival rate for this particular type of cancer is at 90%! Society benefits thanks to the commitment of researchers and wonderful families like the family of your friend. Although an unfortunate event led them to participate in the research, their participation is helping make positive contributions to society. Thanks for providing a great example that illustrates the benefits of research involving children.
Collett,
ReplyDeleteYour story is such an inspiration and that little boy sounds like an amazing child. I am so glad to hear that the survival rate for that cancer is at 90%. It seems as though when I hear of people having cancer over the past few years the survival rate has been tremendous. I have a couple of friends and one of my husband's aunts who have had breast cancer and survived. I have another friend who has cancer in her kidneys and is doing amazingly well. It just seems as though research has come so far with cures for the different types of cancer and I am truly thankful for all those who research and those who participate as subjects.
Collett,
ReplyDeleteYour story is very uplifting. This boy has Leukemia and still wants to help others who also have this disease. What a special child. How did your colleague feel about him participating?
They are very proud of him. In fact, because cancer is so linked genetically, they are also participating in the study too. :) Both parents work in the hospital with me. Mom is a NICU nurse (newborn intensive care) and Dad is the Manager of Security. Such a great family!
DeleteCollett,
ReplyDeleteFor such a young boy who is suffering a serious disease, he is quite admirable! I find it amazing that leukemia research has come so far! I have raised close to $10,000 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma society through marathons that I run with a group called Team in Training. It is a such a life changer to see and hear these children speak about their life experiences and all that they have been through. They are extremely thankful for all that people do to raise money for cancer research. God Bless them!
Thank you for sharing!
Caitlin
Caitlin,
DeleteThat is so wonderful that you run in support of these kids! :) It is amazing the outpouring of community support that rallies around children in need. My friend has had some many expressions of kindness bestowed to their family - it is remarkable! :)
Another note - this little guy was awarded his wish from Make a Wish foundation on Saturday! He and his family will be going to Disney World in a few weeks! :)
ReplyDeleteHi Collett! I was just reading through a few of your posts and had a quick question about your blog. I was hoping you could email me back when you get the chance -emilywalsh688 (at) gmail.com- Thanks : )
ReplyDeleteEmmy