Kate's Legacy

It is with a heavy heart that I share that Kate earned her angel wings at 6am on Sunday morning and is flying to her forever home- a princess to meet her King.

She will be deeply missed, but her legacy lives on.  The Kisses4Kate organization will continue to help payoff her family's new home and to help other families of cancer with their housing needs.  Kate's graceful battle against cancer, her deep love for her family, her unwavering faith, and her commitment to raise awareness for the Red Cross have changed the community and the world she lived in.  She has touched thousands of lives in her brief  five years on the earth.  Early in her cancer treatment Kate became a volunteer with our local Red Cross chapter to help raise awareness about blood donations for pediatric cancer patients.  She is one of the youngest volunteers they've ever had...

Many people right now are stretched financially.  In turn charitable giving often drops off, too.  But never forget that one of the most lifesaving gifts is completely FREE.  If you're ever feeling powerless against the fight for pediatric cancer, remember that the simple act of donating blood can save the life of a child, probably one in your very own city.  We may not be able to cure cancer, ease suffering, pay off medical bills, comfort grieving families, or discover a new treatment- but without the precious gift of blood none of those things will even matter.  You already possess exactly what these kids need to live and fight another day.

Many areas of the country are facing blood shortages right now.  There have been several local shortages of platelets recently and there is a critical shortage of O negative nationwide.  Most pediatric cancer patients receive dozens of blood and platelet transfusions to rebuild their bodies from the devastation of chemotherapy.  Without these transfusions, their battles would be lost.  Click here to find a blood drive near you.

Losing these courageous cancer warriors makes so many of us feel helpless.  If you want to do something for Kate- donate blood.  It was very near to her heart and gave her the precious gift of life and time with her family.

It breaks my heart to move another child into the "angels" column on the side of this page.  In the past few months, nine of the children we know have earned their wings.  Unfortunately, the national statistics hold true at our hospital, too.  They are treating around 100 children at any one time and every year around 20 of these earn their angel wings.  These cancer warriors have inspired us, touched our hearts, and become a part of us forever.  We will continue the fight in all of their memory.  Godspeed precious angels!