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JACKSONVILLE, Florida – Every day, about 43 families in the United States will hear the words; "Your child has cancer." As we raise public awareness of childhood cancer in the month of September, we remember little Aaliyah Mitchell.
She died on January 28, 2015 after battling Ewing's sarcoma for two years. By giving others her mother, Heather Williams continues to honor her memory.
"When Aaliyah was sick, one of the things that had helped her throughout her fight was the Life Child program and the fact that when she was there for her hospital stay, she could play with different toys. and distract her treatment, "said Williams.
"Every year, for Aaliyah's birthday, we are doing a toy drive for the Wolfson Children's Hospital, which is for kids who are currently battling cancer."
More than 15,000 children and young adults are diagnosed with cancer each year.
"The reason we do what we do for Aaliyah's memory is to help families who are experiencing this ordeal," said Williams. "I remember Aaliyah's diagnosis and I remember feeling so lost and overwhelmed.I do not want to scare them.I just want them to know that cancer in the child is happening and I want them to be aware of symptoms and signs. "
Possible signs and symptoms include unusual swelling, unexplained pallor and loss of energy, sudden changes in eyes or vision, and unexplained weight loss. This is according to the American Cancer Society.
"I just neglected it because you assume it's not your child," Williams said.
Research and funding are needed. Cancer in children can not be treated as cancers in adults. Current treatments are toxic and can affect the child's development and many survivors suffer from long-term organ damage and mental health. The exact causes of cancer in children are unknown.
If you would like to donate toys to Wolfson Children's Hospital on behalf of Aaliyah, you can drop them at Montclair Elementary School in Orange Park, Florida.
© 2018 WTLV
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