Brianna and the guitarist from her favorite band, BOYS LIKE GIRLS
Please take action to show your support for the Conquer Childhood Cancer Act 2007.
Welcome to Brianna's Web Site! I created it to share with the world the light of my life and to keep family and friends updated on Brianna during her treatment for leukemia. On New Year's Eve 1998, Brianna was diagnosed with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (pre-b cell) when she was 6 years old. She received 2 1/2 years of combination chemotheraphy (POG 9605 protocol) and completed her treatments in July of 2001. She is now 15 years old, in remission and doing very well. She is followed at the KNOT clinic (Kids Now Off Therapy) where her Oncologist tracks her progress as an official long term survivor. This includes appointments (now only once a year!) for a complete physical, blood work and addressing any therapy related issues that may arise.
CHILDHOOD CANCER FACTS
September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. The Gold Ribbon has become the unifying symbol ~ The precious nature of all children and the golden flame of hope that burns brightly for childhood cancer patients, survivors, families and loved ones.
~ Currently,one in every 330 children is diagnosed with cancer before their 20th birthday. On average, that is 46 children, or two classrooms of children every weekday in the USA who are diagnosed with cancer!
~ Cancer is the number one disease killer of children. More children die of cancer than AIDS, asthma, diabetes, cystic fibrosis, and congenital anomalies COMBINED.
~ On average, 1 in every 4 elementary schools have a child who is being treated for cancer. The average high school has 2 students who are current or former cancer patients.
~ In the USA, childhood cancer as a group is the 6th most common type of cancer.
~ Unlike many adult cancers, the cause of the majority of childhood cancers are unknown and cannot be prevented by a lifestyle change (smoking, diet etc)
~ Childhood cancer occurs regulary, randomly, and spares no ethnic group, socioecomoic class, or geographic region.
~ Currently in the USA, more than 1 in every 900 persons between 20-45 years of age is a survivor of childhood cancer.
~ Because lengthy treatments interupt normal growth of children, long term side effects may include but are not limited to: learning disabilities, impaired endocrine systems, growth difficulties, fertility issues, cardiovascular disorders, dental abnormalties, bone damage, and even secondary cancers from the chemotherapy that initially cured them. It is not uncommon for patients, siblings and caretakers to have symptoms of depression or Post Tramatic Stress long after diagnosis or treatment.
~ Historically, the investment in childhood cancer research has paid dividends in understanding the basic biology of cancer, provided the principles of therapy and continued advances in treatment for adult cancers and other diseases. The first evidence that chemotherapy could be a curative of human cancer resulted from a clinical trial in children.
"You're braver than you believe, stronger than you seem and smarter than you think." -Christopher Robin
Journal
Sunday, May 11, 2008 9:01 AM CDT
A baby asked God, "They tell me you are sending me to earth tomorrow, but how am I going to live there being so small and helpless?" God said, "Your angel will be waiting for you and will take care of you."
The child further inquired, "But tell me, here in heaven I don't have to do anything but sing and smile to be happy." God said, "Your angel will sing for you and will also smile for you. And you will feel your angel's love and be very happy."
Again the child asked, "And how am I going to be able to understand when people talk to me if I don't know the language?" God said, "Your angel will tell you the most beautiful and sweet words you will ever hear, and with much patience and care, your angel will teach you how to speak."
"And what am I going to do when I want to talk to you?" God said, "Your angel will place your hands together and will teach you how to pray."
"Who will protect me?" God said, "Your angel will defend you even if it means risking its life."
"But I will always be sad because I will not see you anymore." God said, "Your angel will always talk to you about Me and will teach you the way to come back to Me, even though I will always be next to you."
At that moment there was much peace in Heaven, but voices from Earth could be heard and the child hurriedly asked, "God, if I am to leave now, please tell me my angel's name."
Your gift will help millions of people stay connected with friends and loved ones during challenging times.
This page has been viewed 36924 times.
Note: The foregoing information was
authored by the patient, parent or guardian, or other parties who
are solely responsible for the content. Such announcements or their
content are not necessarily endorsed by CaringBridge, Inc. or any
sponsoring agent. This information does not confirm that anyone
is or was actually a patient at any facility.
