Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

September marks Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. One of those things I'd heard countless times and honestly didn't think much of until last April.

Over the last 18 months, Connor and I have been constantly peppered with questions like "what do you need?" or "how can we help?" We know these questions are well-intentioned, but truthfully, we barely even know what we need! (Aside from a time machine or a magic wand, of course. We'd take those things ASAP.)

What we do need, meaning every family facing childhood cancer, is more research. A donation, big or small, can make the greatest difference and can ensure families going forward have better treatment options and success rates.

For those who are wanting to help this month, please consider the following:

• Run of Hope Seattle - Benefitting pediatric cancer research at Seattle Children's Hospital, our "home" away from home. I'll be walking as part of Stampede for Charlotte and would love your physical or financial support. (Much appreciation to our pal, Alison, for creating this team and leading the charge!)

Lauren Malone - Run of Hope Seattle

The Run of Hope benefits pediatric cancer research at Seattle Children's, a place that has served as a 2nd home over the last year and a half. My daughter, Charlotte, continues her fight against osteosarcoma. Needle pokes, blood draws, anesthesia, 70+ nights in the hospital… the list of what she has experienced goes on. It can be hard to know how to support a family experiencing childhood cancer. Meals, help around the house, and a listening ear are certainly helpful. At the end of the day, however, groundbreaking research is paramount. 100% of the funds raised through the Run of Hope go directly to pediatric cancer research, while only 8% of all federal cancer research goes toward pediatric cancers. Please join me in person on Sept. 20th to honor all of those in this fight against childhood cancer or consider making a donation to help make sure no family has to join this club. #TeamCharlotte

Run of Hope Seattle

• Pie Hard - Benefitting the Wrenegade Fund with MIB Agents, Inc., an osteosarcoma research non-profit. Wren may be better known to you as Charlotte's sarcoma sister and she loves giving people a good ol' pie to the face! I am so impressed by this family and their drive to create meaningful change for families impacted by osteosarcoma.

Pie Hard

Make a donation today to support Pie Hard fundraiser!

Is it true that there are a number of organizations & places you could donate to? Other ways to spend your money? Of course. But is it also true that you love Charlotte and want to tell childhood cancer to go straight to hell? I may be presumptious, but I'm guessing the answer is "of course."

Thanks for your consideration, your love, your support, your friendship, and your desire to flip childhood cancer the bird!