HOPE FOR ERIN: PEDIATRIC CANCER AWARENESS
Monday, June 5, 2017 at 09:14AM
Girl Reinvented in CharityRaggs, dishraggs, girl reinvented brand

Social media has changed the way we raise money and raise awareness. It brings passionate, like-minded people together to rally behind causes and enact change. From wherever we are, with just a few clicks, we can sign a petition or send money halfway across the world. Heart-wrenching stories fill our news feed, from human-created catastrophes, natural disasters, sex trafficking, human rights atrocities, childhood cancer, abused dogs – the list is endless. We can't support every type of cancer research. We can't save every dog. We can't feed every child. We respond to the causes that strike a nerve and tug at our hearts. We must speak up when it matters.

This matters. "Hope for Erin" is personal. Erin is my sister-in-law and the most courageous and selfless person I know. Erin has been battling brain cancer (optic nerve meningioma) since she was 8. She lost vision in her left eye and spent the next two decades in and out of hospitals. Earlier this year, she was plagued with yet another more aggressive tumor. The cancer is unresponsive to chemo this time, and she is now completely blind. Erin is learning how to live as a blind person while undergoing high-dose stereotactic radiation and immunotherapy to HOPEfully stop the growth of her tumor. Her story is one of perseverance, HOPE, and strength. And for everyone who loves her, profound sadness.

FACTS:

Childhood cancer is the number one cause of death by disease. In fact, it is responsible for more deaths than all other diseases combined. Childhood cancer research is vastly underfunded, receiving only 4% of U.S. federal funding.


As you can imagine, Erin and her husband, Pete, are financially broken. I created and launched the HOPE for Erin CharityRagg Dish Towel: As for Me, I will Always Have Hope Psalm: 71:14 in January 2017 to relieve some of their financial burdens. While the economic toll is exasperating, I could care less what they do with the money raised. As far as I'm concerned, if she decided to say 'screw you' to her bills and buy a stunning dress so she could see her beautiful reflection in the mirror one last time – that's my vote!

I added HOPE for Erin Yellow Ribbon (pediatric cancer) CharityRagg to her collection. Erin has dedicated her life to helping children as a dedicated teacher, a selfless volunteer, and a passionate legislative lobbyist for pediatric cancer research.

We can't help everyone, but everyone can help someone. Let Erin's story remind us to hug our loved ones tighter, be kinder to each other, never take a second for granted, and always have HOPE. Breathe with your eyes – for Erin.

I can't take Erin's pain away, but I hope I can give her a reason to smile. Erin is so grateful to everyone who has read her story and supported her journey. You are not alone, Erin. Your story of strength is a vehicle for awareness.

 

EACH CHARITYRAGG IS $15 AND COMES WITH MATCHING GIFT BAG. $5 FROM THE SALE OF EACH CHARITYRAGG BENEFITS HOPE FOR ERIN. YOU CAN ORDER CHARITYRAGGS HERE 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Article originally appeared on GIRLREINVENTED.COM (http://girlreinvented.com/).
See website for complete article licensing information.