I was 15 years old. It was my best friend's 18th birthday. My best friend in the entire world. The best friend I have ever had. And he called me to come over to his house and shave his head.
He had leukemia. The most common childhood cancer.
Within a few months he was in remission. His hair grew back and all was right in the world.
2 1/2 years later he was sick again.
Before his 21st birthday he was dead.
Of course adults get leukemia. But something like 25% of all childhood cancers are leukemia and the mortality rate over five years is something more than 25%*.
So why when this disease kills our children is there no crazy, all-consuming awareness campaign??
I love my boobs, and your boobs and everyone else's boobs, but dammit, I love our kids more.
*Sorry, I completely realize that if I want to bitch about something, I probably should have some more solid numbers for you. My only excuse is that it's 2AM as I write this, and I didn't want to give you solid wrong numbers and I can't find anywhere that comes right out and says it, they want you to figure it out and I'm not capable at the moment.. But if you'd like to look, you could go here or here.
6 comments:
So sorry you had to experience that type of loss at such a young age. Cancer is a horrible, horrible disease.
awwww I'm sorry Jennifer!
I don't get the whole hooplah about the booby cancer. But ALL cancers suck the royal fat ass. I'm sorry you had to go through such a loss. Now I'm crying.
Thanks guys.. I think Aaron's death was the hardest one for me, I know I still carry it around. I know this was a hard post for me to write even with its brevity.
I think at that point in my life I just didn't realize that people could die even when they were young and strong.
I'm sorry for your loss and I feel your pain. I lost my best friend when I was 15 too.
and I totally agree about our kids. Where's the "Kid's Cancer Awareness" month???
I am, unfortunately, all too familiar with childhood cancers. There should be more press about it.
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