Last year around Mother's Day, I noticed a lot of billboards for an event for keeping children cancer-free, called the Butterfly Walk. I thought it would be something I'd like to take the girls to, once they're "old" enough. This year, my StrollerFit franchise owner organized a team of mom's who wanted to participate. It was a windy, chilly day, but one I'll never forget. The survivors (some as young as 15 months old) were invited on stage to receive medals of bravery--it was a very touching, emotional moment. As I remembered being frustrated that morning because Lauren wouldn't cooperate while getting dressed, I felt very selfish realizing her little tantrum is something I'm fortunate enough to endure...some parents lose their children before this age or have children who are too weak to do anything at all.

Facts about Childhood Cancer:
-Cancer kills more children than any other disease in the United States, more than Cystic Fibrosis, Muscular Dystrophy, Asthma and AIDS, combined!!
-One in every 300 Americans is diagnosed with cancer before age 20.
-Since you woke up this morning 35 parents have been told that their child has cancer.
-By the time you go to sleep, 11 children will die from cancer or related complications.

Your help can make a difference:
-70% of children diagnosed with cancer will survive. (Only 25%- just 30 years ago)
-Funding for pediatric cancer clinical trials have gone down every year since 2003.
-The American Cancer Society contributes <5% of its grant money to pediatric cancers.
-Private funding is essential to continued efforts in advancing pediatric cancer research.
-Charitable giving has increased in 39 of the last 40 years, even during a recession.