Blog Posts – Page 3

Community News–Childhood Cancer Advocates Support Successful 2024 Action Day!

February 22, 2024 CAC2

The Alliance for Childhood Cancer sends its thanks for a fantastic Action Day on February 14. More than 225 advocates from 32 states participated and shared their stories, asking for congressional support for important legislation and funding for childhood cancer. CAC2 members, Alliance members, and many others across the country had their voices heard. This year’s asks: Federal Funding for Childhood Cancer Programs We request $30 million to fully fund the Childhood Cancer STAR Reauthorization Act for a 7th year and $50 million to fully fund the Childhood Cancer Data Initiative (CCDI) for a 6th year. Additionally, we urge Congress […]

A Tribute to Pediatric Cancer Caregivers: Honoring Heroes

February 16, 2024 Bethany Lieberman

Blog Posts, Explainer Post No comments yet

At the Coalition Against Childhood Cancer (CAC2), we extend our deepest gratitude to our community’s current and former caregivers. They embody compassion, resilience, and unwavering support for children, adolescents, young adults, and their families confronting a cancer diagnosis or the many complications that arise in survivorship. Caring for a child with cancer is a profound journey marked by a mix of emotions, challenges, and unyielding love. In the shadows of this harrowing ordeal stand the caregivers, often unsung heroes, beside young patients. On this National Caregivers Day, we acknowledge their pivotal roles and the extraordinary commitment they bring to the […]

Empowering Lives After Cancer: Introducing the Coalition Against Childhood Cancer’s CAC2 Survivorship Toolkit

January 12, 2024 CAC2

Blog Posts, CAC2 News No comments yet

In the continually evolving landscape of cancer care, the survivorship phase stands as a pivotal and unique challenge. Recognizing the significance of this critical juncture, the Coalition Against Childhood Cancer (CAC2) takes great pride in introducing its groundbreaking CAC2 Survivorship Toolkit. This meticulously curated online resource, boasting over 500 resources and publications, is designed to meet the diverse needs of childhood, adolescent, and young adult (AYA) cancer survivors and their families throughout the lifespan. Let’s delve into the distinguishing features that set the CAC2 Survivorship Toolkit apart as a vital support resource for individuals navigating the intricate journey of life […]

CAC2 Member Blog–Joseph’s Legacy: A Personal Odyssey in the Fight Against Childhood Cancer

January 6, 2024 CAC2

Blog Posts, Member Blogs No comments yet

By CAC2 Student Member Joshua Omale In the hushed corridors of my memories, Joseph's laughter remains a poignant melody, forever intertwined with the tale of his unwavering courage in the face of Hodgkin's Lymphoma. A journey that began with a misdiagnosis, the local hospital here initially labeled his symptoms as malaria, an oversight that cast a shadow over the critical early stages of his battle. It wasn't until we sought refuge in the halls of a larger hospital in another city that the cruel reality unveiled itself – Hodgkin's Lymphoma, a formidable adversary masked in the guise of a [...] Read more

CAC2 Member Blog–Grief and the Holidays

December 18, 2023 Bethany Lieberman

Blog Posts, Member Blogs No comments yet

By CAC2 Organizational Member Katie Holcomb (Ryan’s Case for Smiles) When you’re grieving the loss of your child, holidays are tough. Instead of bringing joy and good tidings, the holiday season can increase feelings of sadness and loss. Even if you don’t celebrate a winter holiday, watching others come together can make you miss your child and old life, even more. While this is expected, it does not mean it isn’t hard. Below are a few ideas to help you manage grief this holiday and future ones to come. Am I Grieving? As the holidays draw near, you […]

Compassionate Counseling Services are Available for Families Dealing with Pediatric Cancer

December 11, 2023 Bethany Lieberman

Blog Posts No comments yet

A pediatric cancer diagnosis can shatter the world of any family, plunging them into a challenging and emotionally tumultuous journey. Amidst the physical and medical aspects of treatment for the diagnosed child, the psychological toll on the families should not be underestimated. Recognizing the importance of mental health support becomes paramount to helping families cope, heal, and find hope in the face of childhood cancer. The Emotional Impact: Pediatric cancer not only affects the child diagnosed, it reverberates throughout the entire family and primary caregivers. Parents and grandparents often grapple with a rollercoaster of emotions—fear, anxiety, guilt, and helplessness. Siblings […]

CAC2 Member Blog–Fueling the Lifelong Fight Against Childhood Cancer: Nutrition for Patients and Survivors

November 13, 2023 CAC2

Blog Posts, Community News, Member Blogs No comments yet

By CAC2 Organizational Member David Achey (Wit You Against Childhood Cancer) Childhood cancer is a challenging experience that affects everyone: the child, their family and their loved ones. Both during and after treatment, nutrition plays a critical role in supporting the health and well-being of childhood cancer survivors and caregivers. Proper nutrition can help manage treatment-related side effects, support healing and recovery, and promote a long, healthy cancer-free life. Per the American Cancer Society[1], proper nutrition can help childhood cancer patients and survivors: Feel better and sleep better; Work better with their healthcare team; Reduce irritability and improve dealing with […]

Remembering Donna “Nana” Marie Carmical: A Fierce Advocate for Childhood Cancer

August 3, 2023 Bethany Lieberman

Blog Posts, Community News, In Memoriam, Member Blogs No comments yet

By CAC2 Individual Member Joe Baber and Organizational Member Dena Sherwood (Arms Wide Open Childhood Cancer Foundation) On July 18, 2023, the childhood cancer community suffered a heartbreaking loss as they bid farewell to Donna "Nana" Marie Carmical. Known for her unwavering dedication and compassion, Donna was an advocate and a cherished friend to many. Her journey as a fighter began when her beloved grandson, Declan, lost his life to AT/RT brain cancer before his first birthday. In his memory, Donna co-founded the Journey 4 A Cure Foundation (J4AC) to spread awareness, increase funding, and promote more childhood cancer research. [...] Read more

Community News–Update on Federal Childhood Cancer Appropriations Process

July 28, 2023 CAC2

Blog Posts, Community News No comments yet

Update from our colleagues at the Alliance for Childhood Cancer (July 28, 2023): The Senate Appropriations Committee has released its Fiscal Year 2024 Labor-HHS Appropriations bill, and we are excited to report that it included language to fully fund the Childhood Cancer STAR Act and the Childhood Cancer Data Initiative again this year. If you are interested in the details you can find the report language that specifies our Labor-HHS funding priorities is available here. We still have more work to do heading into the fall to make sure our priorities remain in next year’s budget, but the inclusion of STAR and […]

Guest Blog–Molecular Characterization Initiative (MCI) Continues to Enroll

March 6, 2023 CAC2

Community News, Guest Blogs No comments yet

In March last year, the CCDI Molecular Characterization Initiative (MCI) launched. Since then, it has opened enrollment to children, adolescents, and young adults newly diagnosed with central nervous system tumors, soft tissue sarcomas, and rare tumors—with plans to expand. Results have been returned to more than 750 participants. Data released from the initiative are searchable through the database of Genotypes and Phenotypes and Seven Bridges’ Cancer Genomics Cloud. See Where Can These Data Be Accessed? on the MCI web page for more information about access. Enrollment continues and participation is free. Potential participants must also be receiving care from a […]

Currently browsing: Blog Posts