Hats Off For Cancer

We all know someone who’s life has been changed by a cancer diagnosis.  Whether a family member, close friend, co-worker or perhaps even yourself, any type of cancer is sure to turn lives upside down.

A cancer diagnosis for a child is almost unbearable to wrap one’s mind around.  Yet, many of cancer’s victims are indeed our beloved little ones.  I know first hand how such a diagnosis turns lives upside down.

Several years ago my niece, at the age of 2 was diagnosed with Leukemia.  I remember well the frantic phone call from my sister as my niece was immediately hospitalized at a children’s hospital an hour from their home.   What followed was months of painful treatments, several hospital stays,  countless doctor appointments, hair loss, and a family who’s lives had taken a dramatic turn.  The dishes in the sink, the unswept kitchen floor and the half folded laundry no longer seemed important.  All focus was now on the treatment of this little girl.

During the 2 years of this ordeal, our family was impressed and forever grateful to all those who helped and gave support whether from near or far.  From the volunteers at Denver Children’s hospital who read stories to a child too sick to leave the bed to the hospital staff who so lovingly took care of her, to friends and neighbors who for 6 months arranged dinner to be brought to the family each Wednesday, the most harrowing day of treatment.  Each and every act of love and support was a blessing and did not go unnoticed.

When Hillary began to lose her hair, although a well-known and expected side effect of chemotherapy, it was nonetheless heartbreaking to watch.  Hats had never become so important.  Especially during the winter months.  Those donated to Hillary were comforting on so many levels.

Fast forward 15 years, gratefully that little girl is now 17,  healthy and planning for the rest of her life.  Some families aren’t so lucky.

Last fall when I first heard about the Hats Off For Cancer foundation,  my neice’s experience came flashing back and the hardship seemed like just yesterday.  So I jumped at the chance to help give back just a little bit .  We here at the Sacramento Convention and Visitors Bureau began collecting new hats for children throughout the month of September.  With the help of Wells Fargo Bank and many Sacramento residents, we were able to collect over 100 new children’s hats that were donated to and gratefully accepted by UC Davis Children’s Hospital.

Thank you to Hats Off For Cancer for fascilitating this wonderful endeavor to help cancer’s youngest victims.

Alyssa Green, SCVB and http://www.sacramentokids.net