Anna Robison's Story:

In January 2006, when Anna was two year’s old, she was looking a little run down. She was pale and tired so we went to the Doctor thinking that she might be a little anemic. Imagine the complete horror when told that we needed to get her to Scottish Rite immediately. They did not know why, but they knew that she needed a blood transfusion right away. Her heart, liver and spleen were enlarged. Her condition was so precarious, an ambulance was called since they were afraid she might go into cardiac arrest or stroke on the way to the hospital.

We spent four nights in the ICU and received six pints of blood that weekend. Anna's blood counts were so low that the blood literally had to be received drip by drip so that her body would not go into shock.  But we went home with good news because we were told there was no malignancy even though we did not know what was wrong with our little girl.

After three long weeks of almost daily trips to the hospital for more blood transfusions and tests, it was an incredibly devastating shock to find that Anna was finally diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). It is the most common form of childhood cancer, but was not easily detected in her case because in a rare twist, her bone marrow was able to retain the leukemia without it spilling into her bloodstream. Hence the slow detection process and also the severity of her general health condition as her body adapted itself to it's changing condition.

The treatment is a long process, almost two and a half years of a daily chemotherapy regime.  Treatment comes in the form of pills, infusions, and direct injections into the spine. Throughout her treatment, Anna was a wonderful patient who bore the medicine, pain, needles and side effects without complaint.  Although hospitalized a number of times with pneumonia, her resiliency and positive attitude was inspiring and helped us all get through this trial in her life.  Today she is a healthy, active six year old who can light up a room with her sunny disposition.

There are many reasons to be thankful during our journey with cancer.  From blood donors, the medical staff and the ongoing determination of great organizations like CURE, who work every day raising funds to find a cure for cancer.   All this contributed to saving Anna’s life. To look at her today, you would not know of the trials she has been through.   Anna is one of the lucky ones who is now enjoying first grade and her story thus far has a happy ending.  Tragically this is not the case for many families living with the devastating effects of this disease.  In tribute to them, our hope is that in sharing Anna’s story, more awareness and help can be provided so that  that other families afflicted in the future will be able to share the same happy ending
 

About September & CURE'S Kids Conquer Cancer One Day at a Time:
September is recognized as National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. This September, CURE Childhood Cancer has committed to raising awareness and raising money to help find a cure for childhood cancer in our lifetime and put an end to this terrible disease through a special program CURE's Kids Conquer Cancer One Day at a Time!

Please help us in our goal of raising $30,000 in the month of September while honoring special CURE kids each day of the month who have been affected by childhood cancer.

For more information, please click here.


About CURE Childhood Cancer:
Founded in 1975, CURE Childhood Cancer is dedicated to conquering childhood cancer through research, education and support of patients and their families. Since its establishment as a grass-roots organization, CURE has focused its efforts on improving the care, quality of life, and survival rate of children with cancer.

The founders, parents and a dedicated pediatric oncologist, joined forces to support laboratory research that would translate into immediate care for children with cancer.

Since that time, CURE has raised millions of dollars to fund cutting edge research at the Aflac Cancer Center Blood Disorders Service at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and Emory University School of Medicine.

Through innovative programming, CURE also provides support for stricken families, providing them comfort and support during their time of devastating need.

Visit us online at www.curechildhoodcancer.org for more information.

Also, we wanted to give a special thanks to all of our offline donors.  We appreciate your support!

Carrie Marcinko-Welch = $50.00
Dejuan Troy for Shyrl Pollard = $25.00

*The total for all offline donations is reflected in the offline donation box.