MAY - National Brain Tumor Awareness Month

Did you know....
* an estimated 4,030 children were expected to be diagnosed with a brain/spinal cord tumor in 2010?
* in 2009, 25.2% of children diagnosed at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta’s Aflac Cancer Center had a brain tumor, second to leukemia?
* because chemo can have long-term side effects, survivors need close medical attention for the rest of their lives?
* survivors can have "late effects" - problems that develop post treatment or surgery, including secondary cancers, cognitive delays, seizures, growth abnormalities, visual/auditory problems, etc.?
* the overall cure rate has not had significant increases because it is difficult to obtain brain tissue for study?
* pediatric brain tumors have increased in occurrence more than other childhood cancers?
* brain tumors are the leading cause of solid tumor death in children?

You might be wondering...what can I do?
There are two wonderful organizations here in Atlanta working hard to find a cure for childhood cancer.
One is CURE Childhood Cancer - http://www.curechildhoodcancer.org/
The other is the Brain Tumor Foundation for Children - http://www.braintumorkids.org/
We have been blessed by both of these organizatons in so many ways.

In honor of National Brain Tumor Awareness Month, here's a little more info about the BTFC. Their mission is...
"To provide financial assistance, social support and information for families of children with brain and spinal cord tumors; fund research projects that improve treatment options and search for a cure; and raise public awareness of the disease and advocate on behalf of children who are affected."
Check out their website to see how you can help.

On Saturday, we went to the BTFC Family Picnic. It was great to see the friends, nurses and doctors there. Some friends are doing great, others are still struggling, some friends couldn't be there because right now their battles are too great. The staff and volunteers work tirelessly to raise funds, help families and raise awareness. A great time was had by all!
We will post pictures tomorrow.

Thank you for your continued prayers for us.
This week, Elena has four finals, two Wednesday and two Thursday and an OT appointment Thursday. We have seen Elena's stress and frustration increase the past couple of weeks. Please pray for her to not be anxious about day-to-day events and for her to tolerate any changes or frustration that comes her way.

Please pray that the craziness of this final week of school doesn't overwhelm us and that each day can be enjoyed for the gift it is.

In Him,
The Tates

"Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall, but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint." Isaiah 40:28-31