BERKELEY – It’s a difficult subject to talk about. But the truth of the matter is that the most important subjects usually are tough to talk about – let alone to think about.
“Seven children today will die of childhood cancer. Forty-three children today will be diagnosed.
It’s a staggering statistic, and there aren’t many advocates” who will work on behalf of these children.
These were the words of Janet O’Brien, a township resident who has been working for childhood cancer awareness for years.
In the spirit of spreading the word, the town’s municipal building had gold ribbons out front during Childhood Cancer Month, which is September.
She said she can understand why parents don’t want to think about it or talk about it. It’s terrifying to think about. But people have to advocate for these kids because they often can’t themselves. Childhood cancer gets only a fraction of funding for research. There are fewer foundations for fundraising.
She learned this when her daughter, Emiliana Rose, passed away in 2015 at just 13 years of age. She had been fighting osteosarcoma, a rare bone cancer.
The family started Emiliana’s Hope, named after her. Emiliana never gave up hope and inspired them. So, now they want to inspire hope in others.
It truly is more common than anyone could imagine. After accidents, cancer is the second leading cause of death in children ages one to 14, according to the American Cancer Society.
With the coronavirus, fundraisers and special events have had to be cancelled. The group had once been able to donate $10,000 to cancer research through Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, where Emiliana was being treated.
Emiliana wasn’t alone. There have been several other local children diagnosed with cancer as well. So, it is more common than anyone thinks.
And the Emiliana’s Hope foundation wants parents to know that they are not alone, either.
Visit EmilianasHope.com for more information. Their online fundraising is at gofundme.com/emiliana-shope
