Orange Week and Other Info

I have a few things I wanted to share with you. 1st of all February 1st-6th is Leukemia Awareness Week on facebook. It would really mean a lot if you changed your profile picture to Orange and ask others to do the same. It may seem like it couldn't accomplish much, but it can. Awareness is extremely important.

I also wanted to pass on this article to you that I just finished reading (it's at the bottom of the blog post). I do not know what caused Amelia's cancer, but I have always leaned towards thinking it had to do with all the chemicals that surround us daily. Please take 5 minutes to read this article. The more information we can gather, the more powerful we become.
Rise in Childhood Cancers Parallels Toxic Chemical Proliferation http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/jan2011/2011-01-26-01.html

When we started this battle and we were told it was going to be a 2 1/2 year process we were devastated. We were however told that after the 1st 6 months Amelia's chemo would get easier and in a way it has, but we are all worn out. We still fight cancer on a daily basis and it has taken it's toll on all of us, but especially Millie. We live on the edge of what if she relapses and I am haunted by the possibility of the side effects she could still endure from her chemotherapy. Side effects like, getting another form of cancer, not being able to have children, mild brain damage from poisons being injected straight into her spine, liver damage (if you have had cancer you do not qualify for a transplant), leg pain, migraines, night terrors, there are too many to list. I pray that these concerns will not become her reality, but it is a fear, a fear WE FACE EVERY TIME SHE PUTS A NEW DRUG INTO HER LITTLE BODY (which is DAILY).

Please be an advocate against childhood cancer. You are our family and friends, you are her family and friends. Please speak out! I am trying my hardest to help others become aware of facts like only 8% of donation to the Leukemia Lymphoma Society go towards childhood Leukemia research and if you don't even know that then I have done something wrong. I know that ALL research is needed for every different kind of cancer, but Amelia is a child and it's what I have to be passionate about. 8% is not enough. Leukemia is the #1 children cancer.

I would love to ask you to please volunteer for something every now and then. There are so many options! Maybe it's Hopekids or Make A Wish, you could help with the walk CureSearch will be hosting in Salt Lake (it's not yet listed on they website, but I will have the info soon. Email me if you're interested), if you can't do that then please "LIKE" People Against Childhood Cancer (PAC2), or "LIKE" Cookies For Cancer and maybe order some for Valentines (the woman who started this lost her son Liam last week at 6 years old. He has been fighting since he was 2), change your facebook picture to orange, "Like" Crochet for Cancer and possible purchase a headband (Amelia has 3 and loves them).

Of course I don't expect you to do EVERYTHING, but some support would be more then appreciated. There are tiny little things you can do and THANK YOU SO MUCH to those of you that have already helped in anyway, including "liking" the pages I suggested. If you don't have the time to volunteer or you can't donate, that's fine and understandable, but there are other ways to help.

Do you know that GOLD is the color of childhood cancer?

Do you know that Leukemia is ORANGE?

Did you know that September is Nation Childhood Cancer Awareness Month? Read the Proclamation from our President here: http://bradyandamanda.blogspot.com/2010/09/proclamation.html

Have you donated blood? Click on the link to read where to go http://bradyandamanda.blogspot.com/2010/12/free-for-you-worth-everything-to-them.html

Have you registered on the Bone Marrow Registry? Click on the link to read how http://bradyandamanda.blogspot.com/2010/12/free-for-you-worth-everything-to-them.html

Of course I know everyone is busy but it only takes about 15 mins to sign up on the registry and it takes about 45 mins to donate blood. These things really do save lives.

Another easy thing to do is sign up to be an advocate on http://www.curesearch.org/. It will direct you to the contact info for our representatives. When you are an advocate with CureSearch they send out an e-mail when bills come up where they need us to put the pressure on locally. Last January one of the cancer moms got to sit face to face with Senator Bob Bennett and Congressman Bishop to tell them about Utah kids with cancer and ask them to help.

I am asking all of you to please be more aware and to spread the awareness. Thank you so much for everything you do for us. We never could have survived this past year without your support, love, and prayers. Now we have about 1 more year to go. We also realize we are not the only ones going through a trail. Please let us know if there is anything you need. We love you all and would be nowhere without support from family and friends.

Love,
Brady and Amanda

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