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Pediatric Cancer Awareness Day

Pediatric Cancer Awareness day is an event that should be acknowledged everyday.  Former Bounce Back Kids participant, seventeen year-old, Andrew, made everyone’s Valentine’s Day a productive and meaningful one by holding a Pediatric Cancer Awareness day at Leesville High School in Raleigh.  The high school gymnasium was full of  tables and colorful posters, as local organizations affiliated with pediatric cancer filled the space to discuss their cause and how they are raising awareness for pediatric cancer, and giving back to those whose lives have been impacted by it.

Striving for his merit badge, Andrew organized the day filled with presenters from different organizations including Durham Bulls’ own, Wool E. Bully, massage therapists, face painters, and blood drives.  Time and space were also utilized to put together “Be Prepared” bags, a Boy Scout motto and another way in which Andrew hopes to give back to the pediatric cancer community.  A survivor of cancer himself, Andrew plans on putting together 300 “Be Prepared” bags, full of different kinds of toys, card games, puzzles, books and  toothbrushes to distribute in the pediatric cancer ward of UNC hospital, the hospital where Andrew himself was treated.  All the items to be put into the “Be Prepared” bags were donated, which Andrew and the rest of his Boy Scout troop had been collecting for three months.  Boxes upon boxes of different children’s items filled the high school cafeteria as project managers from Andrew’s boy scout troop directed fellow troop members and volunteers to separate the items into categories.  The bags will be divided into different categories, such as boy/girl, and then further divided into different age groups.  To receive his merit badge, Andrew has written a preliminary paper, will complete his “Be Prepared” bags, write another paper, and then after all is said and done, go before a board of members to present his project.  We’re rootin’ for ya, Andrew!

Back in the gymnasium, organizations such as “Flashes of Hope”, a once a month photography organization that comes to the pediatric cancer ward at UNC hospital and takes portraits of patients and their families, Victory Junction Gang, Jimmy V Golf Foundation, St. Baldericks, School of Rock, and many more were present.  As a volunteer I found this aspect particularly helpful just because there are many organizations out there to help in the fight for pediatric cancer.  Having the many organizations there was a phenomenal way to raise awareness, especially for those of us who aren’t directly impacted by pediatric cancer.

One central aspect that Andrew hit right on the head during his merit badge project is the idea of positive mental attitude.  An awareness day dedicated to a not-so-happy cause turned out to be a day full of fun and fulfillment for people of all ages.  Director of the “School of Rock,” Lisa White, put it into perspective when she stated, “Awareness is huge.  Especially with the economy the way it is, we may not all be here next year.  But it’s important to show that not everything is a negative (referring to the experience of the patient).”  A lot of the organizations at Andrew’s Pediatric Cancer Awareness day bring a positive light to cancer patients, and have activities that include friends and family of kids impacted by cancer.  They’re organizations that restore a childhood, such as Bounce Back Kids does, and provide kids with opportunities to be around other kids just like them where they can feel …like a kid.

-By Rachel Galanos