Slow weekends are the worst
Quick update on the big race next weekend. The deadline to register is Friday and we hope you can join us for the triathlon (sprint) or the 5K by registering here. If you don't wish to participate, but are nearby and willing to help out - please don't hesitate to email tyathlon@gmail.com ASAP. We need several volunteers for the early bird shift (starting 5:30AM) and a few others to help out at the 5K starting 9AM. I hope to see you there!
I've said this before. The worst days are those spent at home with nothing to do. We normally live such an incredibly busy lifestyle. We have plans every weekend! However, with the TYathlon coming up in a week, we took it easy so Lou could train in the morning and I wanted to catch up on things around the house while spending some quiet time with Gavin. What was I thinking?
I did laundry and I cried when putting away some new school clothes in Gavin's closet. The top row is lined with sets of two. Two gray blazers, two black jackets, two white dress shirts, two blue ties, two Long Beach hoodies, two bathrobes with skull and crossbones. All of these items left from when I was buying in twos for Ty and Gavin. I took down the old artwork from our bulletin board to make room for Gavin's new school year, but of course left all of Ty's iconic pieces. When Lou called this one a "bleeding heart" I teared up over the significance.
Yesterday we took Gavin out to lunch and hiking at Kent Falls to pass the time. It was a beautiful day and I couldn't shake the memories of my last time in Kent because I was with Ty. I remembered everything about that day and shared it with Lou right down to where we had ice cream, and the various items Ty had me buy for him. The last time we took Gavin on a hike was also a sad memory because it was just days after Ty passed away. We needed to get out of our sad, quiet house so we took him to the Appalachian trail nearby.
Lou and I had an even more depressing day today, and I am convinced it's because we stayed in. We even took turns taking naps which is something we never, ever, ever do. I always long to have a quiet weekend at home with nothing to do ... but now I realize we just aren't ready for this. Especially not now when everything about the changing season: the air becoming crisp, the leaves turning, the beautiful breeze, reminds me of our last weeks at home with Ty. Today I walked around our backyard with Gavin reciting "we're going on a bear hunt" - something Ty absolutely loved.
After Gavin got tired and went inside with Lou I slowly walked around looking for ladybugs, and I sat in our date place. The very last time Ty came outside with me, we sat on this bench, I rocked him, and he told me about the "red leaves." Today I sat there and I cried to him, "do you see the red leaves we planted here for you? I hope you like them. Do you like the new trees we planted for you? The blue flowers?" All I could picture was his incredible green eyes. How small his pupils were in the sun, and how incredibly green they would become whenever he was outside. It was almost unnatural! I can still recall every single sparkle in his eye and I was so happy about that.
The following was written by Erin Santos, and published to Huffington Post Parents on September 10. As I read these words, every single one rings true in my heart. Please know that I am 100% aware of how important it is to raise awareness. And, I 100% believe, with all my heart, in the efficacy of awareness. But at the same time I understand Erin's frustration and longing for action. Real, tangible action. So I am prompted to include this link about various ways that anyone can help the cause in support of the case she makes. I am her and she is me.
September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, and as I sat eating dinner with my family the other night, I told my husband, Stuart, that I should write something for this month of awareness. I blurted out, "Awareness. What a bullsh*t word. That word is the problem." And just like that, this blog post was born.
I'm sure the word "awareness" comes from back in the day, when no one spoke of cancer. The "C" word, as it was called. People died quietly. Very rarely was a child with cancer even seen. Probably because there were no real treatments for them, so they died so quickly. Even 20 years ago, they were barely saving one child who was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, we were told at our consultation with Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Hell, we were told that our daughter, Isabella, wouldn't have survived her brain relapse if it had occurred just three years earlier. Isabella would have been dead 9 months after her initial diagnosis. There wouldn't even have been enough time for me to get her story out to you. So, awareness month was a good thing back then... hey, meet this little 3-year-old with cancer... Nope, wait.. She's already gone.
But now, times are changing. These kids are fighting harder and longer. Their stories are getting out there because the chemo drugs are not curing kids, but they are extending their lives. People ARE aware of them. Awareness of pediatric cancer is out there. But now we are getting stalled because the movement is not moving.
Here is what a typical pediatric cancer month looks like: You "like" a couple of Facebook posts about childhood cancer or maybe even "share" one. You think about signing up for a childhood cancer 5k, but your life is busy, so you don't get around to it. You take your kids to soccer practice and do homework and have drinks with girlfriends and go to work and church and read People magazine to catch up on your favorite celebrities and see how short Lindsay Lohan's shorts were in NYC the other day... "Oh, no she didn't," you say. And then, you are running errands in late September and start noticing the city turning pink and think, I need to schedule that mammogram.
Then it is October 1.
Did you know that the 2012 cost of government elections was more than 6.2 billion dollars? Did you know that in 2012, the cost to RE-ELECT the SAME president was estimated to be 2.6 billion dollars? That is something you should be aware of. Because in 2012, we spent less that 10 percent of that 2 billion dollars funding childhood cancer research, or less that 5 percentof the 6 billion-dollar-cost of 2012 government elections. And just 4 percent of the total cancer funding goes to pediatric cancer. Also scary to think about, 60 percent of all funding for drug development for adult cancers comes from pharmaceutical companies. What is the percentage of funding for drug development from pharmaceutical companies for childhood cancer research? Almost zero. Why? Because children's cancer drugs aren't profitable. Ouch.
There is some awareness for ya!
So, back to my issue with this "awareness" word. The movement I want to start is this... Let's maybe change what your September looks like. Print a picture of my daughter. Tape it to the back of the doors in your house. That's right, the front door and the back door. Every time you walk out the door, take a look at her.
She died in my bed on a Thursday morning around 9:30 while her little brother was at camp at the YMCA. She was 7 years old. She died about 80 years early. She also died because she ran out of treatment options. She died because her cancer has very little funding and her drugs aren't profitable.
Look at her picture when you walk out the door for your awareness. "Awareness." Check. But then, when you get in your car to take the kids to school, go to work, go to the gym... think about something you can do that is ACTION. Forget awareness. September is Childhood Cancer "ACTION" Month. Do something that day that is action to save a child's life. Sign up for race, make a donation, research what is really going on, ask your friends to help, talk about it, have a lemonade stand, write your congressmen, help a family who has a child with cancer. Can't think of something to do for 30 days? Email me, I'll help you with your list.
Cancer is an epidemic in this country and I'm confused as to why people aren't freaking out more than they are. Probably because they don't have it... yet. Or maybe because we are all so "aware" of cancer, but aren't taking action against it. Maybe we are all waiting for the future of cancer. In the new Matt Damon movie, Elysium, set in an imagined future, a quick scan on your body just "SNAP," gets rid of it. The truth is, that is not even a remote possibility in your lifetime.
Every day I'm aware. I'm aware that she's no longer with me. I'm aware that my 3-year-old daughter, Sophia, is inside coloring a picture for her right now. I'm aware that Isabella should be in the third grade this year. I'm aware that my husband lives in fear that he will never be able to love his children as much as he loved her. I'm aware that my 6-year-old, Grant, has nightmares about her. I'm aware that every day for the rest of my life I'm going to feel like there is something missing. I'm aware of a lot. So, the word "awareness" works really well for me in my life. Describe my life in one word, actually, and it's probably "awareness."
So, let's not make this month about just liking a Facebook e-card about cancer or reading a family's caringbridge entry and then walking away. Let's all admit that awareness is just a legacy, bullsh*t word and lets all commit to making this month about action. Action saves lives, awareness does not.
I've said this before. The worst days are those spent at home with nothing to do. We normally live such an incredibly busy lifestyle. We have plans every weekend! However, with the TYathlon coming up in a week, we took it easy so Lou could train in the morning and I wanted to catch up on things around the house while spending some quiet time with Gavin. What was I thinking?
I did laundry and I cried when putting away some new school clothes in Gavin's closet. The top row is lined with sets of two. Two gray blazers, two black jackets, two white dress shirts, two blue ties, two Long Beach hoodies, two bathrobes with skull and crossbones. All of these items left from when I was buying in twos for Ty and Gavin. I took down the old artwork from our bulletin board to make room for Gavin's new school year, but of course left all of Ty's iconic pieces. When Lou called this one a "bleeding heart" I teared up over the significance.
Yesterday we took Gavin out to lunch and hiking at Kent Falls to pass the time. It was a beautiful day and I couldn't shake the memories of my last time in Kent because I was with Ty. I remembered everything about that day and shared it with Lou right down to where we had ice cream, and the various items Ty had me buy for him. The last time we took Gavin on a hike was also a sad memory because it was just days after Ty passed away. We needed to get out of our sad, quiet house so we took him to the Appalachian trail nearby.
Lou and I had an even more depressing day today, and I am convinced it's because we stayed in. We even took turns taking naps which is something we never, ever, ever do. I always long to have a quiet weekend at home with nothing to do ... but now I realize we just aren't ready for this. Especially not now when everything about the changing season: the air becoming crisp, the leaves turning, the beautiful breeze, reminds me of our last weeks at home with Ty. Today I walked around our backyard with Gavin reciting "we're going on a bear hunt" - something Ty absolutely loved.
After Gavin got tired and went inside with Lou I slowly walked around looking for ladybugs, and I sat in our date place. The very last time Ty came outside with me, we sat on this bench, I rocked him, and he told me about the "red leaves." Today I sat there and I cried to him, "do you see the red leaves we planted here for you? I hope you like them. Do you like the new trees we planted for you? The blue flowers?" All I could picture was his incredible green eyes. How small his pupils were in the sun, and how incredibly green they would become whenever he was outside. It was almost unnatural! I can still recall every single sparkle in his eye and I was so happy about that.
The following was written by Erin Santos, and published to Huffington Post Parents on September 10. As I read these words, every single one rings true in my heart. Please know that I am 100% aware of how important it is to raise awareness. And, I 100% believe, with all my heart, in the efficacy of awareness. But at the same time I understand Erin's frustration and longing for action. Real, tangible action. So I am prompted to include this link about various ways that anyone can help the cause in support of the case she makes. I am her and she is me.
September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, and as I sat eating dinner with my family the other night, I told my husband, Stuart, that I should write something for this month of awareness. I blurted out, "Awareness. What a bullsh*t word. That word is the problem." And just like that, this blog post was born.
I'm sure the word "awareness" comes from back in the day, when no one spoke of cancer. The "C" word, as it was called. People died quietly. Very rarely was a child with cancer even seen. Probably because there were no real treatments for them, so they died so quickly. Even 20 years ago, they were barely saving one child who was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, we were told at our consultation with Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Hell, we were told that our daughter, Isabella, wouldn't have survived her brain relapse if it had occurred just three years earlier. Isabella would have been dead 9 months after her initial diagnosis. There wouldn't even have been enough time for me to get her story out to you. So, awareness month was a good thing back then... hey, meet this little 3-year-old with cancer... Nope, wait.. She's already gone.
But now, times are changing. These kids are fighting harder and longer. Their stories are getting out there because the chemo drugs are not curing kids, but they are extending their lives. People ARE aware of them. Awareness of pediatric cancer is out there. But now we are getting stalled because the movement is not moving.
Here is what a typical pediatric cancer month looks like: You "like" a couple of Facebook posts about childhood cancer or maybe even "share" one. You think about signing up for a childhood cancer 5k, but your life is busy, so you don't get around to it. You take your kids to soccer practice and do homework and have drinks with girlfriends and go to work and church and read People magazine to catch up on your favorite celebrities and see how short Lindsay Lohan's shorts were in NYC the other day... "Oh, no she didn't," you say. And then, you are running errands in late September and start noticing the city turning pink and think, I need to schedule that mammogram.
Then it is October 1.
Did you know that the 2012 cost of government elections was more than 6.2 billion dollars? Did you know that in 2012, the cost to RE-ELECT the SAME president was estimated to be 2.6 billion dollars? That is something you should be aware of. Because in 2012, we spent less that 10 percent of that 2 billion dollars funding childhood cancer research, or less that 5 percentof the 6 billion-dollar-cost of 2012 government elections. And just 4 percent of the total cancer funding goes to pediatric cancer. Also scary to think about, 60 percent of all funding for drug development for adult cancers comes from pharmaceutical companies. What is the percentage of funding for drug development from pharmaceutical companies for childhood cancer research? Almost zero. Why? Because children's cancer drugs aren't profitable. Ouch.
There is some awareness for ya!
So, back to my issue with this "awareness" word. The movement I want to start is this... Let's maybe change what your September looks like. Print a picture of my daughter. Tape it to the back of the doors in your house. That's right, the front door and the back door. Every time you walk out the door, take a look at her.
She died in my bed on a Thursday morning around 9:30 while her little brother was at camp at the YMCA. She was 7 years old. She died about 80 years early. She also died because she ran out of treatment options. She died because her cancer has very little funding and her drugs aren't profitable.
Look at her picture when you walk out the door for your awareness. "Awareness." Check. But then, when you get in your car to take the kids to school, go to work, go to the gym... think about something you can do that is ACTION. Forget awareness. September is Childhood Cancer "ACTION" Month. Do something that day that is action to save a child's life. Sign up for race, make a donation, research what is really going on, ask your friends to help, talk about it, have a lemonade stand, write your congressmen, help a family who has a child with cancer. Can't think of something to do for 30 days? Email me, I'll help you with your list.
Cancer is an epidemic in this country and I'm confused as to why people aren't freaking out more than they are. Probably because they don't have it... yet. Or maybe because we are all so "aware" of cancer, but aren't taking action against it. Maybe we are all waiting for the future of cancer. In the new Matt Damon movie, Elysium, set in an imagined future, a quick scan on your body just "SNAP," gets rid of it. The truth is, that is not even a remote possibility in your lifetime.
Every day I'm aware. I'm aware that she's no longer with me. I'm aware that my 3-year-old daughter, Sophia, is inside coloring a picture for her right now. I'm aware that Isabella should be in the third grade this year. I'm aware that my husband lives in fear that he will never be able to love his children as much as he loved her. I'm aware that my 6-year-old, Grant, has nightmares about her. I'm aware that every day for the rest of my life I'm going to feel like there is something missing. I'm aware of a lot. So, the word "awareness" works really well for me in my life. Describe my life in one word, actually, and it's probably "awareness."
So, let's not make this month about just liking a Facebook e-card about cancer or reading a family's caringbridge entry and then walking away. Let's all admit that awareness is just a legacy, bullsh*t word and lets all commit to making this month about action. Action saves lives, awareness does not.
I am aware -- I will take action.
ReplyDeleteThis broke my heart the first time I read it. It broke again. <3 You are all my heroes!
ReplyDeleteShawna
Millbrook, NY
I agree with you. We need action, not awareness! We need to stop all the chemicals in our environment, and all the genetically modified foods that our children are eating. Unfortunately, most people don't realize that they are feeding their kids genetically modified foods at every meal. I feel that these factors are what is causing pediatric cancer. (Baby formula contains GMOs) Even though we have Horrible treatments today that are extenting lives by a few months or years, we have much More childhood cancer than in the past! We are CAUSING cancer today! Also, sugar and candy feeds cancer.
ReplyDeleteSo powerful. Thank you for sharing this. It is all so true.
ReplyDeleteI just made a purchase from your pret-TY foundation. I decided to take action instead of just being aware! I share your blogs on facebook and I am amazed at how few "likes" or shares I get, but when I share a joke or cartoon I get many! I keep on sharing anyway!
ReplyDeleteI will take as much action as I can to help in whatever way I can! God Bless you all!
Cindy - I agree with you and have cried all morning. I am so, so sorry. I wanted to let you know we saw Ty's picture up at the register at DiCicco's and of course, donated. However there was a table of women outside asking for breast cancer awareness donations. I politely told them September is childhood cancer awareness month, October is their month, and my money goes to pediatric cancer. I have to admit I was a little annoyed, however I, as a mom, would give up my life for my children at any moment. I'll always make childhood cancer my charity.
ReplyDeleteLou, Cindy, Thinking about your family during this time. Ty is never away from my thoughts, please remember to breathe if you can. God Bless you Campbell family
ReplyDeleteTook action....better than being aware.
ReplyDeleteI took action too! I put my money where my mouth is. :) Since I met TY in person and those beautiful green eyes stared at me for three secons I fell in love.
ReplyDeleteCindy, I know tonight and tomorrow and forever are tuff. WE ARE ALL THINKING OF YOU ALL. love Emily
I remember your date with Ty. It was beautiful. You explained to him that it is when a boy is on the date with the girl he likes. I was so sad that this was the last time Ty went on the date with you. I am pissed that he will never go on a real date. I am ashamed because after reading a piece by Erin Santos I could apply every word to myself. Yes I read, yes I share on Facebook, yes I love Ty, I prayed and still do for him and you, yes I wear a bracellet and Tshirts, yes I talk to people about him. I have his picture on my work computer, in my phone, on my wall. But at the same time, I am ashamed, because I do live a normal life, read about celebrities, go to gym, and sometimes I know that I really do NOTHING. Is it because I am also afraid of the word CANCER, I am scared to be too involved because I am busy and because I am trully don't want to ever ever ever really know the word CANCER. I am profoundly ashamed and sorry. September is almost gone. My friend was recently diagnosed with breast cancer, and I am trully feeling so sad for her, but she is a grown up, she can express her fears, she can talk to people, she has better drugs, she has support, she knows why she will be doing the treatments. But did Ty know? Did he understand why he is suffering and hurt? Did he understand why he can't walk, or play anymore. Why he can't watch TV anymore?
ReplyDeleteI am ashamed because I really don't do enough. I have like many people tons of ideas but not enough money or time. Does anyone relate to that? But that should't be an excuse right? But I will make a big fat promise to myself to do more, to act, not just be aware. Thank you for puttimg me to shame. Sometimes we need a good kick to wake up and ACT. Thank you Cindy for kindly sharing it with us. I am forever grateful to letting me become a slightly better person.
I miss you badly and daily baby boy :((
Wanted to share, I just saw this post on Facebook... St. Louis Cardinals:
ReplyDeleteHelp Jason Motte and the Cardinals strike out childhood cancer. Purchase a $10 ticket to the September 23 game, and $3 from each ticket will benefit childhood cancer research.
Tickets: http://atmlb.com/16hxpqD
Way to go Cardinals! Finally, a team is recognizing September for the RIGHT reason!
I care. My father in law died of cancer long before he should have left this earth. It hurts deeply to this day and it's almost been three years. It'll always hurt. My stepdad has a slow growing skin cancer. But aside from fundraising and telling anyone who will listen, I don't know what to do. I wish there were more I could do than send a check and give my condolences to all who need them, and share stories on social media. Maybe volunteering at the local children's hospital is in my future.
ReplyDelete