Despite all the miraculous advances in health care in the United States, many families are still affected by childhood cancer. Every year around 15,700 children are diagnosed, meaning that approximately 43 children per day get the life-changing news. Cancer does not discriminate based on gender, class, or ethnicity, and it is the number one cause of death by disease for children. There has been a push to increase research funding to find a cure, as the number of diagnosed cases has not declined in over twenty years. Although childhood cancer is a terrifying reality, let’s read about some kids who have battled the illness with the strength and grace of adults twice their age.
Prepare to be amazed by these kids, who are truly heroic spirits and inspiring examples of strength in the face of adversity.
Jayden’s Journey
Photo Credit: Jayden/ Kids Beating Cancer
When Jayden was eight years old, his parents took him to the doctor due to some strange symptoms that weren’t clearing up. After a battery of tests, it was revealed that the young boy had acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). This is one of the most common childhood cancers, which causes bone marrow to produce too many white blood cells.
Jayden needed a bone marrow transplant in order to survive his illness. He found a match in his little sister Azara. Despite suffering from a difficult illness, Jayden is a totally normal kid who loves Spiderman, Sonic the Hedgehog, football and Legos. After receiving his transplant in July of 2016, Jayden was on the road to remission.
Read on to find out what special treat got our next warrior “super-duper excited.”
