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I'll never forget the moment that we first found out that Joey had leukemia. I think the experience is much the same for all parents who are told that their child has cancer. It was one of the most shockingly horrible moments I've ever experienced.  At this point, I knew almost nothing about leukemia.  I didn't know that there have been huge advances in the research and treatment of childhood leukemia.  Later that day, I was told by the oncologist that this is a very deadly disease but they now know how to cure most patients.  The panic was still there but with it was a strong sense of hope. 

I have since learned that the advancements made are largely thanks to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society that was created in 1949.  It was created by a family who had lost their teenage son to leukemia, a disease that was 100% fatal at the time.  They began raising funds for research and have become the leading private funder of blood cancer research. This research has lead to the treatments that we have today and has saved the lives of many children.

(You can read the full story here: http://www.leukemia-lymphoma.org/all_page?item_id=221384)

If it were not for this work, we would be facing a much different future for Joey. 

However, there are other childhood cancers that do not have such a history.  There are other parents who are told that their child has cancer and aren't given much hope for treatment or cure.

If we don't do something, this may never change.  Just as in the LLS story, there is another group of family and friends trying to create hope from loss.  Young Kyrie Thome lost her battle with brain cancer, the #1 mostly deadly childhood cancer.  From this loss came The Kyrie Foundation.  They are a young foundation whose mission is to "raise awareness and funding to cure pediatric brain cancer."

The foundation is in the running to be awarded $250K from the Pepsi Refresh Project.  They are currently in 4th place but must be ranked in the top 2 by Oct 31 to win.  Please follow this link to learn the 3 ways you can vote.  You can vote 3 different ways once every day.  It only takes a few minutes and is your way to help make a difference.  I know personally how important this research is for thousands of young children and their families...