Let's help some sick children

My sister-in-law has been keeping me abreast of a family in Indiana enduring what none of us ever want to get near - childhood cancer. The Johnson family has three daughters. They were already coping with a child with disabilities. Their oldest daughter is in a wheelchair and has been having problems recently, too. Their youngest daughter, who is 3 was diagnosed with Stage 4 neuroblastoma. The apparently healthy child showed no symptoms of being sick until she started having pain while walking and then was unable to walk. Within a few days of taking her to the doctor, they had the diagnosis. That was just about two weeks or so ago.

The toddler is undergoing chemotheraphy and is losing her hair now. She seems to be a little trooper, my sis-in-law tells me. The pediatric cancer unit where the child is staying doesn't have many toys in the playroom so sis-in-law is working with the mom to get donations of new and gently used toys/books/games/puzzles/play-doh, etc. The unit gives out a new blanket to each child admitted so they are also working to find ways to get those donated as well. Things like play-doh, stickers, paints, etc. are desired because they are small and can given to individual children to keep in their rooms. Some children have to be in isolation because they can't take a chance on catching anything - especially the children taking chemotherapy.

The appeal from sis-in-law was made: If you know of an organization or group that would be interested in helping children in the cancer unit this way, please contact AOM and give me your contact information and I will pass it along to sis-in-law.

You can make donations directly to the hospital, but please mark that these are designated for the pediatric patients on the third and fourth floors of the hospital in honor of Sarah Johnson.
St. Vincent's Children's Hospital
2001 W. 86th St.
Floor 3, Pediatric Cancer Unit
Indianapolis, IN 46260

Why am I so concerned with this child that I've never met, you may wonder. I've touched on it before in my blogs, but I'm a childhood cancer survivor, too. I remember what it was like to be stuck in the hospital for days on end. I remember what it was like to get so much joy from the paper dolls or craft kits that I got to play with. The playroom was such a joy and a highlight to my day. I might have to go in a wagon because I didn't have the energy to walk or I might be dragging an IV pole with me, but I was 6, I didn't care. I was going to get to play.

Please consider going to the dollar store or WalMart and just buying a few dollars worth of Play-doh or stickers and put them in the mail. If you don't want to do that, make a donation to your local hospital - Cook Children's or Children's Medical Center will make sure the sick kids there get something, too. Or you can give something else - your time - to one of the hospitals or even the Ronald McDonald house, which provides free or very low-cost housing to families who have to travel for their children's medical treatment.

If you love me, this would be a tremendous way to honor me. It is hitting a little close to home right now. I'm blessed with three beautiful and healthy children. I can't imagine what this mom must be going through - or worst yet - I can imagine and I don't want to.