Neuroblastoma
If you're not familiar with this type of childhood cancer, although common, many people have never heard of it until their own child or the child of someone they know is diagnosed.
My son, who is now eight years old, was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma at four weeks old, luckily the tumor spontaneously regressed and by age one he was free and clear. I will not blog about my son, as I would like to keep my true personal life and virtual life separate. However, I've always been passionate about Neuroblastoma and raising awareness of this type of childhood cancer is my current means of giving back, so I will mention him for this reason only. In the past, our family has participated in local community charity relays, raising funds for cancer research. Participating in these types of events do indeed take time and commitment, two things which I cannot provide currently.
In creating random posts about Neuroblastoma, I hope to raise awareness and educate with links and resources. Initially, at the start of this blog, I wanted to highlight and support individual brave little fighters' battles or honor them. However, I made the realization that due to my comical yet risque name (Toaster Cum Ass), some people could possibly be offended. I was correct in my assumption. It is sad that three little words could cause people to turn away or not answer inquiries about donating to their cause (true story, but que sera sera). That's what my wholesome Facebook account is for OR, silly me, I'll just create another Twitter account - a wholesome one, or a charity supported based account that tweets just that stuff...hmmm...genius. I'm a genius. Ok, I'm brilliant. I digress.
Links to Resources pertaining to Neuroblastoma:
Oncologist-approved Neuroblastoma information from the American Society of Clinical Oncology
Children's Cancer Research Fund - Neuroblastoma
Nationwide Children's Hospital
Children's Neuroblastoma Cancer Foundation
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
Domestic Violence
In reference to DV, simply, I am a survivor of this. I'll update this blurb and give more detail about this later since writing about this will take courage from deep within. Although I may not have experienced the "beaten to a bloody pulp" type of DV, it was a twelve year long stretch of life living a certain way that I've only recently extricated from. I'm not looking for pity or sympathy, I want to raise awareness and provide support to others, male or female who may have experienced or is currently experiencing life in this manner, because I know how it feels and understand the restraints of living in a relationship like this. If this is you, hear me now, I want to motivate you, keep you afloat for when you're finally ready to let go of your plank of despair in the lonely sea of DV, and swim your heart out to shore. There will be many waiting for you, trust me. I know.
Links to Resources pertaining to Domestic Violence:
National Coalition Against Domestic Violence
National Network to End Domestic Violence
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