Childhood Cancer

The Gold Ribbon is for childhood cancer.
I made this ornament for Hallie, my friend Julie's daughter. Hallie had hepatoblastoma (a rare childhood liver cancer). Hallie is doing just great now! And this was an honor to stitch for her. Her favorite colors are black and gold so this was just perfect for her.


I stitched this on black 28 count fabric with #4 Kreinik braid. I finished it on the back with black fabric embossed with gold flowers. It is quite stunning in person if I do say so myself.
But I almost lost my mind stitching it. The black fabric combined with stitching with that creeping metallic thread made for some interesting language at my house. I couldn't keep the needle threaded no matter what trick I pulled out of my hat.
In the end though, it is truly one of my prettiest ornaments I have made. So losing my mind was worth it.
Now for some education:
What are the differences between cancers in adults and children?
The types of cancers that develop in children are different from the types that develop in adults. Although there are exceptions, childhood cancers tend to respond better to chemotherapy. Children also tolerate chemotherapy better than adults. But, because chemotherapy can have some long-term side effects, children who survive their cancer need careful attention for the rest of their lives.
Most children with cancer in the United States are treated at a center that is a member of the Children's Oncology Group (COG). All of these centers are associated with a university or children's hospital. As we have learned more about treating childhood cancer, it has become even more important that treatment be given by experienced experts. To find a listing of COG institutions by state, go to their Web site at http://www.curesearch.org/resources/cog.aspx.
What is childhood cancer?
About 10,730 children under the age of 15 in the United States will be diagnosed with cancer in 2008. Because of significant advances in treatment, 80% of these children will survive 5 years or more. This is a major increase from before the
1970's, when the 5-year survival rate was less than 50%.
Despite its rarity and the major advances in treatment and supportive care, cancer is still the leading cause of death from disease in children younger than 15 years old. About 1,490 children will die from cancer in 2008. Cancer deaths are second only to accidents in most age groups.
The types of cancers that occur in children vary greatly from those seen in adults. Leukemias, brain and other nervous system tumors, lymphomas (lymph tissue cancers), bone cancers, soft tissue sarcomas, kidney cancers, eye cancers, and adrenal gland cancers are the most common cancers of children. In contrast, skin, prostate, breast, lung, and colorectal cancers are the most common in adults. The stage of growth and development is another important difference between adults and children. The immaturity of children's organ systems often has important effects on treatment.
Let's all say Hooray! for Hallie and her family! And let's all say a quiet prayer for those families who are dealing with childhood cancers! May those children go on to lead wonderful lives with a cure for cancer!