a·ware·ness [uh-wair-nis]
noun the state or condition of being aware; having knowledge; consciousness
We choose to be aware and we are going to do something about it.
The 1st step for us was adding ourselves onto the bone marrow donor registry. Very simple and easy to get set up, 4 cheek swabs and they add you to the registry.
You can do that here!
The second step we made was by creating a blood drive in honor of Mallory and all Children with Cancer. The drive is February 25th at the Grandville Walmart from 10am - 4pm
You can sign up here!
the zipcode is "49508" and the sponsor code is "goodale"
One thing I wish we would have done is donated our daughters umbilical cord blood. I know a lot of people that are pregnant right now or trying to get pregnant take a moment out of your day and sign up NOW to have them deliver a kit to your house to bring with you to the hospital.
For more information go here!
There are many MANY MANY organizations you can donate to! Every SMALL amount helps, even if you can only give 5$, every little bit gives these foundations a better shot at making a difference.
The Children's Neuroblastoma Cancer Foundation
The Sierra Rayn Children's Neuroblastoma Foundation- This foundation was the first one to contact us to add Mallory to there Little Hero's section.
Children's Leukemia Foundation of Michigan
Get Well Gabby Foundation - they are in the process of filing paperwork. Gabby is a beautiful girl who earned her Angel wings on September 11th, 2011. She passed away 12 days before Mallory was born, I believe that she is personally looking over our little girl. Her story is the first one I read when Mallory was diagnosed, although Gabby was taken from this world her legacy continues on. This family is making tremendous strides in making a difference, they are our hero's, our inspiration, and although we have never met them they have changed our lives.
Beach Haven - is dedicated to serving children diagnosed with cancer and their families by providing retreats and other charitable services designed to help them connect with one another as well as with other families facing similar challenges.
St. Baldrick's Foundation - You can be a hero for kids with cancer by organizing a St. Baldrick's event in your community, shaving your head, involving your business or organization or volunteering at an event. This is an amazing program that focuses on finding a cure for cancer through public awareness, they raise money many different ways but the most profound way is by doing shaving of the head events!
St. Judes Children's Research Hospital
There are also MANY other ways to help.
1. Sitting down with your children and creating cards for the children at your local hospital.
2. Finding a family and sending words of encouragement, offering help, and being supportive. As a Mom of 2 small children and 1 that has Cancer, time is not on my side, all of the help I have received through volunteers working with me emotionally, doing small bits of housework, bringing us meals, holding Mallory and just being there in general has been so wonderful. I don't think I would have kept it together as well without those people.
3. Donating New toys to the the Hemotology, Oncology Floor. Each child at Helen Devos gets a "poke" prize every time they get poked. Toys can vary in range from 0-18years old. Anything you find on clearance, anything helps. Helen Devos Childrens Hospital is wear Mallory is treated.
4. Be conscience of other families. If you or your child is sick I cannot stress over how important it is to keep them at home. I realize that yes we all get colds, runny noses and coughs, although there are situations where you HAVE no other option but to go out but use proper hygiene and common sense. Cough into your elbow, don't wipe your nose on your arm, and wash your hands after using the restroom. Do not bring your child grocery shopping, birthday parties, church if they have a fever, are throwing up, or are not feeling well (They call it Motherly Instinct For a REASON!). This is a personal pet peeve of mine even before Mallory got Cancer (now I am overall way more cautious to the point where if you have a runny nose you are to stay at least a mile away from her). By making the choice to stay home when you or someone in your family are feeling under the weather you can prevent spreading this illness to other families.
5. WEAR GOLD! GOLD RIBBONS! Childhood Cancer Awareness Bumper Stickers, Magnets, T-shirts! Or for ANY cause!
GO HERE!
We will be updating this in the spring with events you can join to help us raise awareness! There are many foundations, causes, and things you can do to make a difference. And we encourage EVERYONE to do SOMETHING!!!
Your a sweet girl- Keep up the good work!
ReplyDeleteI'm in FL, or I would have definetely join the blood drive for Mallory. After my mom had cancer, I had such an awareness of the disease. I give back when I can, and will continue to do so. It's people like Mallory and you that want me to do more. THANK YOU for being such a support for people affected with cancer. You are amazing and using your situation for good. You are going to save lives, continue to touch people with your posts, and people everywhere are following you and Mallory. Continue to make such a huge difference to people everywhere.
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