Cancer. There I said it. Why should we be aware?
Nearly 12 million people per year are diagnosed with cancer. That’s nearly 4% of all Americans. 11,000 of those cases are children under the age of 16. I could name at least 4 survivors that have been associated with our school, though I’m positive there are more.
October is specifically Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Within the classroom, I use it as a general cancer awareness. Why? There are more than 100 types of cancer that can affect the body. Why this month? A male wearing pink the entire month long definitely draws attention. Why bring awareness? Many reasons I’ve listed already.. Here’s a few more statistics: 30% of cancers could be prevented mainly by not using tobacco, having a healthy diet, being physically active, and preventing infections that may cause cancer; around 7.5 million people die from cancer each year, accounting for about 13% of all deaths worldwide; more than 30% of cancers can be cured if detected early and treated adequately.
Cancer is something that affects every single person. If you are not diagnosed, you know someone who has been. It is something that I would wish away, were I ever to find a genie lamp, but realistically, that cannot happen, thus, I do what I can. I’ve walked several Relays for Life and I’ve donated my time and money. I’ve given what I can to help those with the knowledge one day bring an end to it.
Until that day, we have the grave statistics to deal with. Like this one: Primary Children’s hospital has 3 new children per week admitted to their care, fighting various types of cancer. This brings me to our toy drive. Kids fighting cancer can spend hundreds of days, if not more than a year in the hospital fighting the disease. Those kids who get to go home in between treatments are still in the hospital for up to 10 to 12 hours at a time while receiving the treatment. The chemotherapy wipes out their immune system, often times keeping them home when they’re not at the hospital. These kids could use a friend, a toy, something to do.
This year will be our third annual service project for this cause First and foremost, we are going to have a toy drive, which we will deliver to Primary Children’s Medical Center specifically for their Oncology wing. Due to the chemotherapy, and what it does to the immune system, we do have to ask that the donation items be newly purchased. They’ve also asked that we steer clear of stuffed animals because of the germs they could collect. Here is list of items that would be perfect to donate to our cause:
Plastic toys (Barbies, action figures, small toys, etc.),
Playdoh,
Fuzzy Coloring Posters,
Nail Polish,
Yoyos,
Hot Wheels,
Coloring Books,
etc.
In no way should you think you have to go out and buy the expensive Barbies, dollar toys bring just as much joy. Again, we are trying to stay away from stuffed animals and the items donated should be newly purchased, still in package if applicable. We will be collecting items until October 30. If you would like to help us out, please bring the items to Mr. Pratt’s class, room 203.
The second part of our project is to write letters to the children. This is something that will be introduced by Mr. Henson during the writing rotation at some point this month, hopefully either this week or next. It will be friendly letters with words of encouragement, letting the children know that they are not fighting alone; that there are people who care.
We have challenged the students to collect 216 toys. That’s an average of two toys per student. I will be bringing in some donations, and I’m sure my colleagues will be joining me in this.
Ghandi once said, “The best way to find yourself, is to lose yourself in the service of others.” Find it in your hearts to give. Ask your friends, neighbors, churches, wherever. Let’s help the kids’ reach their goal. I realize that times can be hard, so if you are unable to give anything, please don’t worry or feel bad. The kids can draw an extra picture, or write an extra letter and still feel like they’ve done their part. Thank you in advance for any help you will be able to give us as we “lose ourselves” in this service project.
“Cancer is a word; not a sentence.” ~ John Diamond
The Google Board will be monitoring our progress.
