Social Media Goes Gold® this September to Raise Awareness for Childhood Cancer

Posted on August 25, 2021 by American Childhood Cancer Organization

Beltsville, MD., August 25, 2021 – The American Childhood Cancer Organization (ACCO) is on a mission to turn social media gold this September by asking the community to post the signature gold square or change their profile picture. ACCO seeks to raise awareness for childhood cancer by families sharing stories of their “why.” The square will be rolled out on social media on Wednesday, August 25, 2021 to build momentum leading into September.

By turning social media gold, it will increase awareness of childhood cancer issues, create supportive communities for families who are dealing with childhood cancer and raise funds to provide information and support materials for children currently fighting cancer. An official fundraiser has been started to turn social media gold here.

“The gold ribbon is known as the international awareness symbol for childhood cancer because gold is a precious metal, and is therefore the perfect color to reflect the most precious thing in our lives – our children” says Ruth Hoffman, CEO, ACCO.

The signature square is located on ACCO’s “Downloadable Content” page of the website and is available now to share.

About The American Childhood Cancer Organization

The American Childhood Cancer Organization was founded in 1970 by parents of children and adolescents diagnosed with cancer. We’re dedicated to making childhood cancer a national child health priority through shaping policy, supporting research, raising awareness and providing educational resources and innovative programs for children with cancer, survivors and their families. For more information, please visit www.acco.org/donate

Gold Ribbon Hero: Shanaia

Posted on August 22, 2021 by American Childhood Cancer Organization

Meet Shanaia, a Disney princess loving ALL Survivor!

When Shanaia started spiking a fever and felt lethargic, her parents took notice. She started bruising easily and had a cough which prompted them to take her to the doctor. After a few tests, doctors told Shanaia’s parents that she had B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. “We were so scared. We cried a lot and could not sleep for a while. It was a hard and sad day” remembers Joseline, Shanaia’s mother.

Treatment consisted of chemotherapy and a port. “It was so hard, Shanaia was so scared but now, she is a happy survivor!”

Shanaia just celebrated her 9th birthday and loves to play soccer and volleyball.

Learn more about ALL here.

Together, we can make a difference.

Donate today… because kids can’t fight cancer alone®.

Gold Ribbon Hero: Leonardo

Posted on August 15, 2021 by American Childhood Cancer Organization

Meet Leonardo, soft tissue sarcoma warrior and an aspiring superhero and fisherman!

Leonardo was diagnosed with a desmoplastic small round cell tumor (DSRCT) in 2020 after vomiting landed him in the pediatrician’s office. When Leonardo was diagnosed “we were completely shocked about this rare childhood cancer. My son looked very healthy” remembers Ainalez, Leonardo’s mother. DSRCT is a very rare, aggressive and fast growing soft tissue childhood cancer with no current standard of treatment or cure.

Treatment began almost immediately and he recently rang the bell for radiation. Leonardo had a whole tumor resection in May 2020 and has participated in a clinical trial to prevent relapse. Doctors are calling him a “miracle boy.” Leonardo continues to beat the odds with a healthy immune system despite so many invasive treatments.

Leonardo’s energy is boundless and most days, you can find him playing with Hot Wheels. He is looking forward to beginning school this month.

Learn more about soft tissue sarcomas here.

Together, we can make a difference.

Donate today… because kids can’t fight cancer alone®.

Resources for Childhood Cancer Siblings

Posted on August 11, 2021 by American Childhood Cancer Organization

Siblings of children with cancer can feel a lot of stress as family dynamics change. They may not be the ones feeling sick, being poked and prodded, or spending long days and nights in the hospital, but their lives are getting upended, too. Suddenly their sibling can’t play like they used to, their parents aren’t around as much, and they might be scared and confused about what’s happening to their brother or sister.

We know how difficult it is for the parents who love their children equally but are forced to give so much of their time and attention to the one whose life is at risk — and how difficult it is for the child who’s left on the sidelines. That’s why we’ve developed these resources specifically for siblings of children with cancer: to help them navigate the complicated thoughts, emotions and circumstances of the unique position they’re in.

Oliver’s Story: A Book for Siblings of Children with Cancer

Created for children ages 3 to 8, this 40-page illustrated book addresses the questions siblings may have when their brother or sister is diagnosed with cancer, and offers constructive ways they can give them support. The book is available in English and Spanish. ACCO families can order a copy for free, and others can be purchased on the ACCO store.

Paul and the Dragon: An Animated Film About Childhood Cancer

When a child is diagnosed with cancer, they’re thrust into a world of hospitals and doctors, tests and procedures, strange equipment and complex medical terminology. It can be scary and confusing for siblings, too, who might not know what questions they should ask. This 25-minute cartoon of a boy battling an evil cancer-dragon helps explain childhood cancer and its treatment in an entertaining yet truthful way. Families can order a DVD for free or stream it online.

Print-at-Home Activity Sheets

This selection of Mad Libs, coloring pages, games and puzzles can help siblings pass the time while they’re waiting for their brother or sister to finish treatment. They’re also a great low-energy activity to do together on the days their sick sibling needs to rest.

Emotional Communication Kit

Dealing with childhood cancer in the family brings up tough emotions for everyone. This emotional communication kit, designed for children and parents to use together, helps siblings identify and talk about the range of feelings they experience. Families can request a free copy of the kit or simply use this online version.

Childhood cancer is hard on the whole family, but we’re here with you, every step of the way. Join ACCO to take advantage of all of our free resources and support for children and families affected by childhood cancer.

Join ACCO

Gold Ribbon Hero: Olivia

Posted on August 8, 2021 by American Childhood Cancer Organization

Meet Olivia, an avid reader and stage 3 non-hodgkin’s lymphoma warrior.

When Olivia started having slight swelling in her face, her mother thought it was just allergies. She was taken to the local clinic to assess her condition, thinking it was an allergic reaction.

“We were completely shocked. We couldn’t believe it was as advanced as it was,” remembers Regina, Olivia’s mother. “We were told Olivia had cancer on February 16, 2020 and initially received the diagnosis of T-Cell Lymphoblastic Lymphoma.” The CT revealed a massive tumor in her chest and around her trachea and she was rushed by ambulance to Children’s Medical Center in Dallas. While en route, Olivia’s parents were called by the doctor letting them know that the tumor was so large that it had displaced her heart and compressed her lungs.

Treatment will consist of 32 days induction to chemotherapy for two and a half years. Olivia’s cancer is inoperable but has been shrunk by chemotherapy. One of the biggest obstacles that Olivia has had to face during her journey has been temporary paralysis on the right side of her body. She remains positive and is determined to get through her treatments.

Please help ACCO send well wishes for Olivia while she finishes her treatments.

Together, we can make a difference.

Donate today… because kids can’t fight cancer alone®.

ACCO Celebrates Selection as a Giant Food Community Bag Program Beneficiary TWO Years in a Row!

Posted on August 4, 2021 by American Childhood Cancer Organization

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Beltsville, Maryland – For the SECOND year in a row, the American Childhood Cancer Organization has been selected as a beneficiary of the Giant Food Community Bag Program for the month of August.

The Giant Food Community Bag Program, which launched in May 2019, is a reusable bag program that facilitates community support with the goal to make a difference in the communities where shoppers live and work.

ACCO was selected as the August beneficiary of the program by store leadership at the Giant Food located at the Beltsville location. ACCO will receive a $1 donation every time the $2.50 reusable Community Bag is purchased at this location during August, unless otherwise directed by the customer through the Giving Tag attached to the bag.

“This is great news, we are honored to be selected as the beneficiary of the Giant Food Community Bag Program. This will directly impact the lives of childhood cancer patients by helping provide crucial resources and advocacy programs to help ACCO further our mission.” said Ruth Hoffman, CEO of ACCO.

Visit the Giant Supermarket locations here:

Beltsville Location: 11701 Beltsville Drive, Beltsville MD

The American Childhood Cancer Organization was founded in 1970 by parents of children and adolescents diagnosed with cancer. We’re dedicated to making childhood cancer a national health priority through shaping policy, supporting research, raising awareness and providing educational resources and innovative programs for children with cancer, survivors and their families. For more information, please visit www.acco.org/donate

For more information on the Giant Food Community Bag Program, visit giantfood.bags4mycause.com

Gold Ribbon Hero: Sydney

Posted on August 1, 2021 by American Childhood Cancer Organization

Meet Sydney, a Sesame Street loving, neuroblastoma survivor!

When Sydney was two months old her parents found a lump on her neck. “Her diagnosis was a complete shock. The news shocked us to our core and no one had even mentioned cancer before,” Sydney’s mother, Jenna remembers.

Doctors initially thought that Sydney’s mass was underdeveloped tissue but when they removed the tumor and biopsied it, they found that it was malignant. She was monitored for a while after her surgery and then started chemotherapy.

“Throughout this wild ride, Sydney has never stopped smiling. She always gets excited at seeing her nurses and other people she knows at the hospital. She’s overcome so much and doesn’t even know it.”

As of June 2021, Sydney is in remission. Sydney’s mother now runs an organization dedicated to helping parents of children with cancer.

Learn more about neuroblastoma here: https://www.acco.org/blog/childhood-neuroblastoma-cancer-stages-and-prognosis/

Together, we can make a difference.

Donate today… because kids can’t fight cancer alone®.

Gold Ribbon Hero: Hunter

Posted on July 25, 2021 by American Childhood Cancer Organization

Meet Hunter, an aspiring engineer and Ewing’s Sarcoma warrior.

When Hunter was 7 years old, he began complaining of pain when he went to the bathroom. His parents thought it was a simple bladder infection and took him to the pediatrician. The doctor did a routine urine test and sent him to school. When Hunter’s mother picked him up after school, he had a fever and was unable to pee. He was rushed to the hospital where they determined it was likely constipation. Hunter’s mother demanded an ultrasound to rule out kidney stones “and from that point on, it was a blur.”

“We were in absolute shock. He was a healthy 7 year old jumping out of trees 3 days before. Now he was diagnosed with a type of bone cancer and metastatic tumors in both lungs with a 12-15% five year survival chance. Total devastation.”

Two days later, the biopsy revealed a Ewing’s Sarcoma diagnosis and showed that it was metastatic in both lungs. He underwent eight months of chemotherapy, 28 proton beam sessions and 30 days of regular photon radiation after chemotherapy was complete. His family elected to do conservative treatment instead of losing his pelvis to cancer and the ability to walk. “It was a hard decision for an active 7 year old to face.”

Hunter is three years out of treatment and is now a thriving 11 year old. He is extremely interested in engineering and loves building things. He is gifted with computers and loves to be the jokester of the family.

Join ACCO in sending well wishes to Hunter and his family today.

In July 2021, Hunter was featured as part of our Sarcoma Awareness Month campaign. This Giving Tuesday, read more about Hunter and learn about his day to day life with cancer. Give the Gift of Time this Giving Tuesday.

UPDATE from Mom on 10/13/21:

Hunter is doing very well even though he still has tumors in his lungs. They slow him down when it comes to running and doing some of the physical activities that he enjoys. However, there is no active treatment at this time. Hunter is now in seventh grade and glad to be done with distance learning post Covid. He is enjoying middle school back with his friends. Hunter was given a 12-15% chance at five years. His five years will be this November! We feel very fortunate that Hunter is still here.

Together, we can make a difference.

Donate today… because kids can’t fight cancer alone®.

Gold Ribbon Hero: Julia

Posted on July 18, 2021 by American Childhood Cancer Organization

Meet Julia, a Ewing’s Sarcoma warrior who loves to go camping!

Three days before her ninth birthday, Julia was diagnosed with Ewing’s sarcoma. After more than a year of complaining about shoulder pain and dislocated shoulder, the tumor was found. “We were devastated and had no idea what was going to happen,” remembers Leasha, Julia’s mother.

“It happened so fast. We went to the emergency room for her shoulder and they did so many X-rays. They thought they saw something and immediately sent us to the Children’s Hospital in Oklahoma City. After the CT scans were performed, they found the tumor.” Julia underwent a biopsy and her port was placed.

Julia’s treatment started with inpatient chemotherapy two days a week followed by proton radiation treatment. She later had her left scapula removed.

Despite her diagnosis, “Julia has grown stronger through treatment. She is more mature and has made straight A’s. She is a great big sister to her younger siblings and has never let the cancer beat her.”

Help ACCO send healing thoughts to Julia during her Ewing’s Sarcoma journey.

Learn more about osteosarcoma here: https://www.acco.org/bone-cancer/

July is Sarcoma Awareness Month. Learn more: https://www.acco.org/sarcoma-awareness-month/

Together, we can make a difference.

Donate today… because kids can’t fight cancer alone®.

Gold Ribbon Hero: Taylor

Posted on June 27, 2021 by American Childhood Cancer Organization

Meet Taylor, a 9 year old alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma warrior.

In January 2020, Taylor’s mother, Amber noticed a lump on her right hand and decided to take her to the pediatrician. The doctor said that it was a ganglion cyst and referred her to a specialist. On February 17, 2020 Taylor was diagnosed with stage 3 alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma of the extremities. “Those first few weeks went by quickly with MRI’s, PET scans, CT’s and a port placement. There really wasn’t much time to think” remembered Amber.

Treatment began immediately with 43 weeks of chemotherapy. Frontline treatment ended in December of 2020 and maintenance therapy began in January of 2021. In February, Taylor’s mother noticed another lump on her cheek and her heart sank. “I knew what this potentially was. I took her to the ER that same day, she got an ultrasound and an MRI. The ER doctor confirmed what I already knew. The cancer was back.” Taylor’s relapse appeared in her cheek, shoulder blade and sternum and had metastasized. “I knew it wasn’t good. Spreading to other locations is not good. Her chance of survival went from 80 to 10 in a year. We were given a list of options, we chose the most aggressive. This included Vincristine, Cyclophosphamide and a new super powerful chemo called Doxorubicin. These drugs were given admission over 48 hours every three weeks. Week 6 was a 5 night hospital admission with two new drugs, Etoposide and Ifosfamide. New scans were done about two weeks later. We found out on February 29, 2021 that the new chemotherapy treatment was not working.. The tumors in the shoulder blade and sternum stayed stable and the one in the cheek had necrosis but was growing fast in the opposite direction.” Doctors are currently trying to determine next steps for chemotherapy.

“She has been so incredible during all of this. Her entire world was flipped upside down and she didn’t complain once about it. She had to stop going to school in person due to Covid shortly after diagnosis. She smiles through the anxiety and the things that scare her. She likes to race other patients down the halls at admission times and loves playing with the little kids. She is so good with them, patient and kind. She is the strongest young lady I know.”

Taylor continues to fight and is incredibly creative according to her mother. “She is a master builder, architect and designer. She can draw really well and creates amazing videos.

Learn more about sarcomas here.