Cancer Awareness

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.  Just last year, we had 4 survivors (that I know of) associated with our school.

October is specifically Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  Within my 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 idea for this year.  These kids are in the hospital for up to 10 to 12 hours at a time receiving 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, our sixth grade is doing a service project.  First, we are going to write letters to these patients, letting them know they are not alone, that there are people out here that care.  Our goal is write at least 200 letters.  Secondly, we are going to do a toy drive, that we will then deliver to Primary Children's with our letters.  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.

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 26.  If you would like to help us out, please bring the items to Mr. Pratt's class, room 203.  Along with the 200 letters we hope to write, we have a goal of collecting 200 toys.

Ghandi once said, "The best way to find yourself, is to lose yourself in the service of others." 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