Life is unfair, unjust, downright merciless.  I learned Monday that an old friend lost her young son, Liam, to Neuroblastoma, a deadly form of pediatric cancer. He was just six years old.

 Diagnosed when he was two, Liam’s family learned quickly that Neuroblastoma is a cancer only about 30 percent of children survive. They were shocked to hear the reason for such terrible odds was directly related to how little money was being spent on research by both the government and the pharmaceutical industry. Pediatric cancer is the leading cause of death by disease for children under the age of 18.

 Liam and his family fought as hard as any I’ve ever known to try and beat his disease. And they started a program, Cookies for Cancer, to help raise research funds and awareness to help others with all forms of pediatric cancer.  If you read this blog, I hope it will move you to support this organization and all the families it touches. 

 I know of no words, no salve for my friend’s pain. I have experienced the loss of close family members after long illnesses. I know the depth of that pain. But I can’t imagine what it would be like to lose my son or my daughter. No parent should ever have to bear such a load.

 One of my friend’s many supporters posted this fitting Shakespeare verse on Facebook:

Now cracks a noble heart. Good-night, sweet prince;

And flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.

–Hamlet, V, ii

Now go hug your kids, give your significant other a long kiss , call your mom and dad up just to say you love them. Rejoice in the life you have while there is life to rejoice. And give your time and resources to help the world around you.