When life throws us the big “C” word, it can begin to feel unfair; this is especially true for children. Nearly 300,000 children worldwide are diagnosed with pediatric cancer every year. And sadly, only 4% of the National Cancer Institute budget is allotted to the pediatric cancer sector. With more than 100,000 children dying from this awful disease, it is time for changes to be made.
A Hero Arises
The saying that “not all heroes wear capes” is a true sentiment—especially in the case of the little boy, Jonny Wade, who helped cultivate the foundation, Kids Shouldn’t Have Cancer. Jonny’s life started out normal; he was active in sports, very social and testing at the fourth-grade level as a first grader. One week before Christmas, Jonny arrived home from school with a headache. After several doctor’s visits and scans, Jonny was diagnosed with having a malignant brain tumor.
Due to complications throughout treatment, Jonny had to endure several surgeries, including partial tumor removal, eye surgeries, port and feeding tube insertions. He faced both physical and emotional battles that spanned across an entire year.
Even though Jonny had struggles, he kept his spirits up. The sentiment he kept repeating in the hospital was, “I don’t want any other kid to have cancer.” He researched the topic and kept asking the important questions. When he discovered that only 4% of the cancer budget is given to pediatric cancer, he made a request to his fellow congressman to have that changed.
Jonny lost his battle with pediatric cancer on Christmas the following year. Having touched so many lives, Jonny’s funeral held more than two million people in attendance and was live-streamed for viewers across the globe. During the State of Union Address, President Obama designated the Wade family as a Hero Family.
Jonny’s legacy built Kids Shouldn’t Have Cancer Foundation. With the help of Jonny’s mother, Kimberly, this foundation has raised more than $1 million towards Pediatric Cancer research through the course of three years. This past April, Kimberly introduced the Pediatric Cancer Research Act to Congress (HR2234). This is a $370 million fund, and it would help keep Jonny’s wish alive by changing the 4%. To help pass this important bill, please email or call your fellow state representative.
In addition to her tireless work with getting bill HR2234 passed, Kimberly helps spearhead the annual fundraiser, including an annual gala held in St. Louis in September 2019 as well as the Annual Gold Party held in September 2019 in Frisco. The Annual Gold Party will hold raffles, live music and a speech from Jonny’s 12-year-old twin brother. For more information on where you can help, email Contact@KSHCF.com.