Reflections on Childhood Cancer

A mom reflects…

I remember early last September noticing many of my friends on Facebook changing their profile pictures to commemorate Childhood Cancer Awareness month. At the time I thought it was a nice thought, but didn’t give it much more consideration. Little did I know that within a few short weeks, with little warning, my family was to be thrown into the world of childhood cancer. In early October my then almost 11 year old daughter was diagnosed with a form of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma. While this news was devastating at the time, and the past year has not always been easy, I believe that I am a stronger and better person for it. I have learned more about hope, courage, and caring in this year, than in all my 41 previous years.

Today Emma is doing very well, her disease is in remission, and she is scheduled to be through with her chemotherapy treatments at the end of September. This September I will be proudly  honoring Emma and all of the brave children and families who have battled or are currently battling this disease.

Jeannine Fagan

Bethel, CT