Every week day, 46 parents in the United States hear the words, “Your child has cancer.” Today, 46 strong mommas shaved their heads for childhood cancer research in an event properly titled: 46 Mommas Shave for the Brave. Visit their site to learn about the kid warriors who have inspired their mommas...their stories are heartening.
Stastically, 20% - 25% of these children will not survive. For certain types of childhood cancer, the numbers are more dismal. For example, a cure remains elusive for kids with DIPG, a rare brain cancer with less than 10% surviving 18 months after diagnosis. An even smaller percent will live 5 years, the standard measure of survival for cancer patients.
Awareness is the key, as it brings much needed funding. Approximately 4% of the National Cancer Institute’s budget is dedicated to childhood cancers. The lack of funding is a large reason so few breakthroughs have been made for childhood cancers compared to adult cancers.
The 46 Mommas have two goals. The first is to raise awareness by shaving their heads, something which has never been done at this scale by women. They want to get the word out that cancer happens to kids too. Their second goal is to raise at least one million dollars for childhood cancer research through the St Baldrick’s Foundation, the world’s largest volunteer driven fundraising program for childhood cancer research.
The St. Baldrick’s Foundation currently funds more in childhood cancer research grants than any organization except the U.S. government. St. Baldrick’s head-shaving events are the fastest growing volunteer-driven fundraising opportunity benefitting childhood cancer research. To learn more visit their site http://www.stbaldricks.org/.
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