LETTERS

We need a cure

Posted 12/12/17

To the Editor: There's an old axiom that states, The first step in solving a problem is to recognize that the problem exists." This truth has never been more evident than in our society's fight against childhood cancers. Anyone who frequents Facebook"

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

E-mail
Password
Log in
LETTERS

We need a cure

Posted

To the Editor:

There’s an old axiom that states, “The first step in solving a problem is to recognize that the problem exists.” This truth has never been more evident than in our society’s fight against childhood cancers. Anyone who frequents Facebook can testify to the pain and agony so many families are suffering through as they watch a child slowly die from one of these hellish cancers.

For the past five years, I’ve watched as my daughter’s co-worker, Kelli Tucker, has chronicled her son’s fight against osteosarcoma and the suffering she and her family are going through as they support him. Fifteen-year-old Marik has fought this seemingly unconquerable disease since his single-digit years. He has suffered through the amputation of a leg, several hospitalizations and painful operations, hundreds of hours of chemotherapy and other treatments, and through the other countless indignities that go along with fighting this relentless cancer.

I’ve run in a marathon relay race that benefited Marik. I’ve donated to a You Caring Internet fundraising site on Marik’s behalf. I’ve bought items online whose profits go to Marik’s treatment and to support his family’s huge expenses. I’ve shared Miracles for Marik Facebook postings to promote awareness of Marik’s and other children’s pediatric cancer suffering.

I’ve come to realize that the best way to help fight pediatric cancer is to help publicize the ongoing fights so many American youngsters are currently enduring. Perhaps just one story will result in one person donating to pediatric cancer research. And perhaps that one donation will push he funding over the edge so that a new drug or new treatment is found.

For that reason, I am relaying the latest Facebook posting from Marik’s mother. Sharing on Facebook helps, but putting her words in print will help even more, I think. I still trust the power of the newspaper industry. Here’s the Mom’s latest entry: Last night I opened my Facebook and gasped. There it was, a post that our sweet Brynn had drifted away surrounded by everyone that she loved. It felt like a knife in the heart, and I couldn’t help but wonder when my post was coming.

Last week it was Cam, then Marissa. Dylan has been placed on hospice. Marik. Brock. Ashleigh. We are losing this war. We are losing not only our future, but yours as well.

Can you imagine what these kids could contribute, had they been given the time. Had every ounce of their energy not gone to just fighting to survive.

Nothing is changing. Our children are dying. Every single day. We have been surrounded by death for over 5 years. So many children that I can’t remember all of the names. How horrible is that?

We need newer treatments, with less severe side effects. We need research dollars directed straight to PEDIATRIC cancer. We need clinical trials. We need you to listen.

Close your eyes for me. Please just do this. Now, imagine your beautiful children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews. Remember all the amazing things they have accomplished, all the times they made you laugh until you cried, all the times you were beaming with pride. Now, which one do you pick to die a horrible death, while you stand back and watch?

Please help us. Likes, comments, and shares are for AWARENESS. Not popularity. Donate to families in need, because wars are expensive. St. Baldricks, St. Jude’s, CureSearch, MIB. These are just a few charities that are making a difference with their research.

I’m mad, I’m sad. I don’t want any of you to travel the roads that we have. I want your children to run on two legs, and never feel held back. I’m tired of empty places at the table, and broken hearts. I want a cure. We need a cure. During this season of peace, joy and goodwill toward all of mankind, please consider supporting research against pediatric cancer and perhaps donating to one of the many families who may no longer enjoy the presence of their child next holiday season.

Google any of the research organizations mentioned in Kelli’s message above and You Caring’s “Miracles for Marik, Strong to the Finish!” Internet fundraiser.

Lonnie Barham

Warwick

Comments

No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here