Because of Daniel
Photo courtesy of Ryann Colleen Photography. My son Daniel died on August 28, 2016 from osteosarcoma. He was 13 years old. I know that I am sup...
Our Top Five Childhood Cancer Stories
You’ve helped us reach 12 million more people since last year’s Childhood Cancer Awareness Month (CCAM) by sharing and commenting on our st...
Clementine’s Story: From Brain Surgery to Bike Balancing
Flipping up her sandy-blond ponytail, 8-year-old Clementine showed us the scar she had across her skull from brain surgery. “See, I bet you d...
Tanner’s Story: Never Alone
Wearing a hospital gown, Tanner picked “the cherry smell” to go with the anesthesia for his port removal surgery — a procedure his family...
Zach’s Story: A Time to Fly
As I walked to the mailbox the other day, the stack of mail was larger than normal. Envelopes containing graduation announcements were a welcom...
So Far Today
526 days of having seizures. Despite hospitalizations, new medications, increasing doses of medications he’d already had, multiple blood test...
To See Her Smile
Emerson is a 12-year-old 6th grader who enjoys swimming, piano, shopping and hanging out with her friends. Right before Emerson’s 10th birthday...
Purpose to the Pain
Childhood cancer— two words you never think will be a part of your family. At least I never thought they would be until my niece was diagnose...
My Journey of Advocacy
In the past five years, I have had to step outside of my comfort zone. I have stopped unnecessary procedures, double-checked orders, kept every...
“Tell me exactly how to be the friend you need.”
After college graduation, my friends and I scattered to new states, new jobs and first marriages. We remained close, but gone were the nightly ...
Being a Grandparent
It was the worst phone call of my life. Our daughter, Michelle, called me as she left her office in Wisconsin. She was upset, crying. Doctors t...
Carpe Diem
In the weeks following my son’s leukemia diagnosis, I found myself searching for a positive spin. I would use conversations with my friends a...
Life After Cancer: A Father’s Perspective
Our battle is over, won. The weekly trips for chemotherapy have ended; the overnight bags are no longer packed. My wife and I have returned to wor...
Perspective
Memories – we hold a special place in our hearts to store them, whether they are life-changing or tragic events. I knew I needed to document ...
Reaching for the Stars
This photo is my favorite because it represents the hope we all had for a cure. Jennie was literally reaching for the stars. The only thing...
Faith in the Dark
When your children are small, you are the one they cry out to in the dark. It is easy to be brave in the light, but in the dark, fears are ofte...
Because I Was You
I was just a regular girl, living a normal life when in an instant something terrible happened. I realized that life is fragile- not to be take...