Where to start...

I'm not entirely sure where I should begin.  I started this blog so that I can get on my soapbox when I feel like it.  Sometimes that might be "once in a blue moon"...sometimes, it might be every day.  I can't say for sure.

I do know that I started this blog at this very moment because of childhood cancer.  Today, it's the reason for my first post rant.  And, it will likely be the topic of many of the posts here.  Ethan Jostad lost his battle with cancer today at 1:58pm.  A mommy and daddy lost their little boy.  Siblings lost their beloved brother.  I can't fathom the depths of grief that family is feeling right now and have felt in the last few days while Ethan suffered.  I never met Ethan, never met his family.  But, I didn't need to physically meet them to feel the saddness I feel right now.  I'm an empath to the thousandth degree and while it sucks to feel the pain of others, I know I have the easy part.

You've all seen, I'm sure, campaign after campaign for breast cancer awareness.  Right?  {Please don't misunderstand, breast cancer is a horrible disease and I'd like to see it abolished too.}  But, how many of you have seen or participated in a campaign for childhood cancer research/awareness?  Each weekday 46 children are diagnosed with cancer.  2,300 children and teenagers will die each year from cancer.

I've got a ton more to say on this topic, as you'll see if you follow along.  For now, though, I wanted to share information on some a couple of great organizations that you can support - should you choose:

First, 46mommas, is an organization that consists of 46 mothers who shave their heads for awareness.  FORTY SIX mothers who have been told "your child has cancer".  Some of them have children who are survivors, some are still battling for their lives, some have children who are now angels.  But, they ALL have children who are HEROS.

Next, St. Baldrick's...a statement lifted right from their home page:  "The St. Baldrick's Foundation is a volunteer-driven charity committed to funding the most promising research to find cures for childhood cancers and give survivors long and healthy lives."

There are many more that I'll share at some point. 

Before I wrap up this post, I want you to make sure to read Ethan's Caring Bridge site.  Read the last few days/weeks worth of journal entries.  Read them and get MAD.  Get mad enough to do something - cry, yell, donate, get involved, share it with all your friends...whatever.  Just help me with MOVEMENT of this awareness...in whatever form that takes.  Movement, please.