Although cancer in children is rare, it is the leading cause of death by disease past infancy among children.  It is estimated that 15,780 children and adolescents ages 0 to 19 years will be diagnosed with cancer.  Leukemia is the most common childhood cancers.  It accounts for 1 out of 3 cancers in children. While the cure rate slowly rises, the effect on families is life changing.  Once diagnosed the entire families life is dramatically affected. In addition to the enormous amount of emotional pain endured by families, the financial challenges faced by families us extraordinary. The economic burden can have long-term effects on the financial security of the family, the quality of life and the future well being of the family. When parents are told "your child has leukemia", parents only concern is to save the life of their child.  Then comes the harsh reality of finances, that few would ever be prepared for.  The family finances can be affected in the following ways:

• Over 75% of families with a child being treated will have at least one parent cut back on work or stop working.
• Increased child care cost for care of siblings when parent must be with their ill child.
• Travel costs from going back and forth to the hospital for treatments.
• Meals during travel of clinic visits.
• Lodging during treatments away from home.
• Cost of comfort items and foods to help child deal with the side effects of the treatment.
• Cost of prescriptions and insurance deductibles.

This process of curing a child who has been diagnosed with leukemia is not a short process.  It generally takes over 3 years to finish treatments and 5 years before a child is considered cured.  While being treated most of the costs above still effect the families.  While going through this life altering event with a child who is currently battling leukemia, we have become very aware of the stressors families are facing.  Our organization is determined to help these families when they need help the most. 

We would not be able to do this without all the help from our supporters.