Donna Day

Regardless of how it has been a part of your life, everyone has dealt with cancer in some way. I have talked about it countless times here in regards to those I know and love. Today is just another way of spreading awareness and compassion for the littlest victims of cancer.

I recently began reading Debie Hive written by a lovely lady named Kelly. I am a blog junkie, but it's rare that I find blogs that stick. Writers who hit a nerve with me are few and far between. When they do I look forward to their every post. That's how good they are. Debie Hive is one of those that is just that good.

Two days ago Kelly shared on Facebook that she was going to be a part of "Donna Day". She asked if there were any other bloggers out there interested in doing the same. All she said was that Donna Day was to be held on Tuesday, February 25th and that bloggers would dedicate a post to childhood cancer awareness. Basically, this a day for bloggers to unite and help raise money for childhood cancers. I was sold.

Welcome to my post about Donna Day!

Donna Day was started by Donna's mom Sheila, or Mary Tyler Mom. Sheila started Donna Day not long after losing her lovely Donna (pictured above) in 2009. The goal of this wonderful day is to not only raise awareness but to raise money for an organization that funds childhood cancer research called St. Baldrick's.

Childhood cancer research is so poorly funded and the statistics are staggering. I realize that through Facebook and a barrage of other social media outlets we seem to be inundated with cancer stories. I know I see so many of them cross my news feeds that I begin to feel like there must be money pouring in. Sadly, this just isn't the case.

* Before the age of 20, 1 in 300 boys and 1 in 333 girls will be diagnosed with cancer.
* Worldwide, a child is diagnosed every three minutes.
* More US children will die from cancer than any other disease, or many other diseases combined.
* The cure rate for the most common form or pediatric cancer, ALL, is as high as 90%. But, most other childhood cancers do not have that success rate. For example, brain tumors have a 50/50 cure rate. Some, like DIPG, are known to be fatal and have no known cure or treatment.

Informative and Important Links to learn about Donna and to contribute to childhood research funding:

* Mary Tyler Mom's entire journey.
* Donna's Good Things, the charity created by Mary Tyler Mom
* Donna's Good Things is raising money for a head shaving event in Chicago. The St. Baldrick's team page is where you can go to donate directly.

Breast cancer research and treatment, among other adult cancers, have had incredible surges in funding in recent years which is so very lovely in itself. Imagine if childhood cancers could have that sort of support. I believe they can. Please join me in making that belief a reality.