On Thursday, Sept. 1, Enterprise Mayor Kenneth Boswell signed a proclamation declaring September to be Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in the city.
Boswell was joined by Brendon Franco Foundation founders Bonnie and Armand Franco to ask everyone to “Go Gold!” for September to raise awareness for the cause of childhood cancer research.
Gold is the color that reflects support for childhood cancer victims and research to help them, according to a press release from the city.
The release said Boswell signed the proclamation, saying the observance throughout the local community and the state gives all Alabamians the opportunity to remember the young lives taken too soon, to honor the young cancer survivors and to celebrate progress made in treatment and recovery.
The Franco family knows the heartache of losing a child to cancer. Their son, Brendon, died at the age of 12 of lung and liver cancer.
They started the foundation in his name in order to help parents like them become a “voice for the children” who cannot fight cancer alone.
Bonnie Franco said Brendon realized before his death that pediatric cancer victims receive less than four percent of all cancer funding for research, and he had already spearheaded the foundation concept hoping to raise funds so that other children would not suffer as he had.
“Ninety-six percent goes toward funding for adult cancer research,” Bonnie Franco said. “Even adults have a dismal cure rate when they are diagnosed with a Stage 3 or 4 cancer. Imagine how hopeless it is for a child and their family.”
Bonnie Franco said children cannot use adult cancer therapies because of their growth hormones and immature immune systems.
According to the American Cancer Society, an estimated 10,380 children under the age of 15 will be diagnosed with cancer by the end of this year, and an estimated 1,250 children will die from childhood cancers.
The Francos were joined at the proclamation signing ceremony by several other parents whose lives had been touched by childhood cancer.
Don and Jennifer Richards lost their 20-year-old son, Travis, to cancer less than a year ago. Jennifer Richards and Travis’ little sister, Caroline, carried pictures of their loved one.
Brandon Causey, 14, also told his cancer survival story to the group. He was born with the disease and has been cancer free now for 13 years.
Marie McCormick was also recognized as a 10-year survivor. Her dad, Heath McCormick, said his family is blessed by her presence in their lives.
Nicki Causey held a photo of her son, Dalton, as she told the story of his cancer and survival. Dalton is also a 10-year survivor.
In honor of the victims and in celebration of the survivors of childhood cancer, Bonnie Franco asked that everyone place gold ribbons on their businesses, homes and mailboxes, use yellow light bulbs on their front porches, or decorate in some way with gold during this month.
The Brendon Franco Foundation will also be observing the month with several activities, including the 5th Annual Celebration of Life in the Park” at Johnny Henderson Park from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 17.
Live bands, inflatables, a bake sale, food vendors, lots of kids’ games and other activities will be taking place.
A 5-kilometer “Walk/Run for a Cure” will begin at 8 a.m. Registration starts at 7 a.m. Register at www.BFF.Care. All proceeds go to the Children’s Hospital of Alabama, Developmental Therapeutics Oncology Department.
Bonnie Franco hopes everyone will show their support this month, and every month, for childhood cancer awareness by praying for children battling cancer and their families, by making others aware of the childhood cancer statistics and the research challenges, and by using gold or yellow ribbons, light bulbs, etc.
“It would bring so much joy to my family and other families that have had a child with cancer, has a child battling cancer now and those that have lost their children to cancer to see your support and the support from our communities, friends and neighbors,” Mrs. Franco said.
Boswell thanked the parents and supporters of the Childhood Cancer Awareness campaign and the Brendon Franco Foundation, saying their dedication to the cause can make a difference in many lives.
“This is not an easy thing to talk about,” he said. “It’s extremely difficult to think of a precious child sick or dying.”
Boswell said more families have been touched by the disease than people may generally believe, even his own family.
“We thank you and support you in what you are doing,” Boswell told the group. “We are a community who cares.”
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