"Awareness"

September is the month to spread awareness for childhood cancers...September 12th specifically, but all month long as well. Most people aren't even aware there is a special month devoted to this cause-until it is you that has a child diagnosed with this disease.

When you are dealing with a RARE disorder (OMS for example) chances are you won't be getting a month OR a day for your cause, lol. I am realistic, but not giving up on spreading awareness for either condition! Much like smoking leads to lung cancer in many cases-cancer led to my sons brain injuries, making me feel moved to spread the word to everyone I can reach that more research is needed to prevent other parents from going through what us OMS moms and dads and cancer parents have. So here is how YOU can help!

*Support Childhood Cancer research (organizations such as CureSearchand The Children's Cancer Foundation)
*Donate blood
*Donate your time and money to Ronald McDonald House Charities
*Wear GOLD!!! (ribbons that support childhood cancer)
*Volunteer at children's hospitals
*Support Camp Sunshine (programs for children with cancer)

You might notice that although these examples are directed towards fighting cancer, most of them have long reaching benefits for the OMS children as well. Especially the donation of life-saving blood! When we are at clinic we see so many kids receiving blood transfusions, probably more than we see getting chemotherapy. But here is an interesting fact most people aren't aware of-I know I wasn't before Connor became ill and began getting infusions of antibodies every 3-4 weeks for the past two years...

IVIg (Intravenous Immune Globulin) is a blood product administered intravenously. The antibodies are collected from the pooled plasma of THOUSANDS of donors! So you can see how badly blood products are needed for many conditions.

We are going to Camp Sunshine for family camp weekend in October! I was happy to hear this-it should be fun for all of us (well, maybe not Connor, he is still struggling with going anywhere he isn't used to) He is really getting used to his school routine though and is doing GREAT!

More soon,
Debbie