Pediatric cancer is not something that our family knew much about until I was diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma when I was six years old. My name is Cam and I am happy to report that I am three years no evidence of disease from battling cancer. I am 11 years old and in sixth grade. I am fortunate that I really can’t recall too many details of being sick anymore but my mom will tell you that she can vividly recall every detail. I underwent several surgeries and 9 months of chemotherapy. I was very fortunate that my cancer did not follow the norm of growing within the bones of my body. Instead, a lump grew on my leg that I eventually named “Sparky.” I missed first grade but was very fortunate that my teacher would come to my house when I felt well to homeschool me so I could stay in the same grade level as my friends. I missed playing baseball and wrestling and having fun with my friends. My mom would not let many people come to visit me because my counts would drop from the harsh chemo that was being administered to me and would make me more prone to getting sick.

            I was so happy when my parents told me about this amazing organization called the Pediatric Cancer Foundation of Lehigh Valley (PCFLV). Right after I finished one of my hospital stays, they were hosting an event at Dorney Park. It was here that I met Miss Michelle, Miss Kris and Miss Tracey for the first time. I had a great time going on all the rides and meeting Tootsie the Clown. We also attended several other events hosted by PCFLV including Suites and Treats when we got to trick or treat within the suites of the Iron Pigs stadium, a Phantoms game, a party with the Easter Bunny, Disney on Ice and Camp Smile, just to name a few. I was so happy to be able to do something fun with my family when I felt well enough and could forget about cancer and being sick. PCFLV also helped my family by giving my parents gas cards and gift cards for food and other things that our family may have needed. This was such a help to our family because my dad did not work at the time so he could take care of me.

            I often wondered how PCFLV had enough money to take care of so many sick kids and their families. My parents explained to me that many businesses, organizations, and generous people in the community donate to PCFLV so that they could help families like ours. I wanted to be able to help PCFLV raise money so my sibling and I will often paint artwork for the Hearts of Gold Gala, and I have collected loose change that I found in my house to donate to them. This past summer, I did a lemonade stand to raise money for PCFLV. Every little bit counts toward helping fight pediatric cancer! This amazing organization does so much to help brighten the longs days of being sick and I am forever grateful for all they did to help my family!

Written by Cam

Please consider helping children with cancer and others in our community by scheduling a blood donation at Miller-Keystone Blood Center: https://donor.giveapint.org/donor/schedules/zip