Sept 15 10
I’m so proud of my girl.
Ali came home tonight to vote (I love that she loves politics). Chris had a tennis match, so I took Ali to dinner. Next to our restaurant is a place that has walk-in massages. Ali said that it looked as if a pink monster threw up on the store – they had pink ribbons and balloons EVERYWHERE along with Susan G. Komen signs.
Ali recognizes the hard work and dedication that Susan G. Komen has invested to get the pink ribbon everywhere, and has equal parts admiration and envy of the awareness now given to breast cancer. But as expected in our situation, she wants to see more GOLD. She wants to spread childhood cancer awareness. September is “National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month” after all.
On our way into the restaurant, Ali cringed at the pink explosion next door. I could literally see it by her body language. On our way out, Ali said that she wanted to go to the store and say something to them. My girl is quite shy, but man, is she opinionated and passionate - and I admire that. She kept going back and forth – should she say something or not.
She chose to go in. Alone! I stayed in the car and waited anxiously. Finally, she came out and I asked her if she actually said anything or if she decided against it – either of which would have been fine.
She did it! This was the conversation she had:
Ali: “Hi, I noticed all of your pink ribbons and balloons for Breast Cancer Awareness Month next month, right?”
Store Lady filled with excitement as if trying to sell Ali: “Yes! Today we’re having a Massage for the Cure benefiting breast cancer!”
Ali: “I just wanted to let you know that this month, September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. I know this because my brother passed away 3 years ago from childhood cancer when he was 14.”
Store Lady shrinking into her seat: “oh…”
Ali: “Yeah, and GOLD is the color for Childhood Cancer Awareness, so I just wanted to let you know in case you wanted to put some gold balloons and ribbons around your store…”
Store Lady: “ok…”
Ali: “Thanks for supporting them, though.”
I’m so proud of her! I was so proud that she made her point and she made it respectfully. She thanked them for supporting breast cancer awareness, while at the same time teaching them about childhood cancers! This is the only way people will learn! We have to spread the word! We must have courage to spread the word.
Lest there be any misunderstanding, ALL cancers are terrible and tragic. We should work diligently and tirelessly to rid our world of ALL of them! Having said that, though, I know that both my Mother and Mother-in-Law — both breast cancer survivors – would tell you that, if given the chance, they would take on the battle against breast cancer in a heartbeat over watching their grandson suffer and die from the brutality of childhood cancer.
Ali, you honor your brother very well and I am extremely proud of you.
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On Thursday, I will be travelling to Washington, DC for the inaugural ”Childhood Cancer Summit” of the Congressional Pediatric Cancer Caucus. While I’m not sure what can be accomplished in 90 minutes, I am going down there with an open mind and I hope it is very productive. I’ll report back to you on Friday.
Live Like Andrew — stand up for “the little guy”
B+
Proud to be,
“Ali’s & Andrew’s Dad”
www.BePositive.org