To The Leader

As we end 2017, nearly 16,000 children have been diagnosed with some form of cancer. That’s approximately 43 children every day and one child every two minutes. That is heartbreaking and unacceptable.

Cristy Burnett Smith never thought she would be one of those “cancer parents.” But she became one after her son, Corbin, was diagnosed with a rare form of pediatric brain cancer called DIPG. Before diagnosis with DIPG, Corbin loved to play baseball, ride his dirt bike and play with his brother, sister and friends. Corbin was his mother’s beautiful blue-eyed first born son. His death has left a huge void in their lives that will never be filled, but his inspiration still remains strong.

Throughout their journey, this community of Orange, Texas was a major source of support for their family. One thing that remained was hope, especially when they joined forces with The Cure Starts Now Foundation.

Thanks to our supporters, The Cure Starts Now Foundation has been able to fund over $4 million in pediatric cancer research this year to continue to give hope to families like Cristy’s. This $4 million in funding would not have been possible without the grassroots efforts of this community.

“Funding over $4 million in research means that we are 4 million times closer to finding a cure. Each dollar raised gets us closer to conquering the beast that invaded our home and so many others like us. The community supporting us in our cause helps us carry the burden we were given with a cancer diagnosis. The reality never goes away for a families who lose someone so precious; the community supporting us eases that burden each time they show up for our events or each dollar they contribute to our cause. We are forever grateful, “says Cristy, Corbin’s mother and Chapter Director for the Southeast Texas Chapter of The Cure Starts Now.

Dr. Stewart Goldman of The Cure Starts Now Medical Advisory Council makes it very clear, “Federal funding for pediatric cancer in general is a small drop in the bucket of cancer research dollars. And then taking that down to pediatric brain tumors, it becomes even more fractional.”

The research that has been funded is helping doctors find more targeted options to fight these cancers and ultimately find the homerun cure for all cancers. But we can’t stop there.

YOU can make a difference this holiday season. Continue to support Corbin and his family’s efforts by making a tax-deductible donation to help fund more vital pediatric cancer research. A gift of just $25 funds one hour of research. Please help give the gift of hope to those children and families who need it most.

Donate by calling 513-772-4888 or www.donate2csn.org or mail a check with Southeast Texas Chapter in the memo to The Cure Starts Now;10280 Chester Road; Cincinnati, OH 45215.