DIY For A Cure
For the past year and a half, I have been immersed in the world of pediatric cancer. My son, Donald, was diagnosed in February 2020 with high risk, stage IV neuroblastoma. My husband and I were completely numb and devastated at the news and could not imagine that we would still be battling today. After multiple rounds of chemo, radiation, and surgery, we thought we were in the clear only for my son to relapse twice - January 2021 and more recently in July 2021.
I believe what the enemy has meant for evil, God will turn it for good, and I truly believe he has called me to coordinate DIY For a Cure.
What is DIY For a Cure?
DIY For a Cure is a movement to bring awareness to pediatric cancer through DIY. I have asked the maker and DIY community on Instagram to help me not only bring awareness to this terrible disease, but to raise funds to support further cancer research for the children.
The thing we quickly come to realize as a family battling cancer, is that these treatments are harsh, the kids go through so much, and if they survive, they have life altering side effects they have to deal with. Currently, 4% of federal funding is dedicated toward childhood cancer research, and that is absolutely not enough! Because of this, I’m asking for help to raise funds and awareness to aid in better research and treatment for our children.
How Can You Help?
I’ve had a lot of interest to participate from my amazing friends in the DIY community on Instagram. My heart is so full, and I’m just so grateful. Here are a few ways you can help!
Simply talk about pediatric cancer to your audience and share that September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month (ps: the official color is gold!)
Share statistics about pediatric cancer (I’ll be making infographics about this on my Instagram soon!!)
Use the hashtag DIYForACure and dedicate a project of your choice to the cause September 12-18, 2021! Be sure to use the hashtag and speak about pediatric cancer in your stories 🤗 If you have prior engagements and cannot participate during the designated week, please feel free to participate at any point in September.
Donate or encourage your audience to donate. Click here do donate.
Don’t forget about the kids after the campaign. I hope this movement resonates with you, and you can find ways to continue to help. Helping can be as simple as sending cards to local pediatric patients (who cannot go out because of dangerously low immunity and blood counts), or periodically donating to cancer research. Another option can be to find local foundations who help patients and their parents directly (I can personally attest to the financial hardships!).
Most of all, thank you SO MUCH for being a part of this journey! Thank you for praying for my son. Thank you for your messages and words of encouragement. It means more to me than I can ever express.
With Love,
Kell