For it is in Giving that we Receive

When a child is diagnosed with cancer, the entire focus of a family and even of a community shifts, as it must for a time, to the child in treatment.  The aim of childhood cancer advocates around the country is to raise awareness so that these children will receive as much attention and love as possible.  Through the efforts of Kyle's Kamp and organizations like it, the hope is that these patients will feel special and important, and that all of this attention and focus will move us ever closer to our ultimate goal:  a cure.

Of course, these children deserve such attention, as they face unimaginable stress and challenges, so childhood cancer charities do what we can to lessen their burdens.  I have seen amazing work done by countless charities to keep the innocence and fun in a childhood that cancer relentlessly attempts to steal.  And every single one of us who works in this community is better for it.  This work is the proof of the prayer of St. Francis of Assisi:

O Divine Master,

grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled, as to console;

to be understood, as to understand;

to be loved, as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive

All of the people who I have met working toward a cure for childhood cancer have experienced the fact of this ancient prayer.  That it is in giving to this cause that we receive.  That it is in loving these children that we feel love.  That it is in consoling a grieving parent that we feel consoled.  It is an experience I want my children to know.  It is an experience I think that all children should know - healthy children and children with cancer.

READ THE REST HERE