A Mother’s Fight Walking With a Purpose
for Research Dollars
CureSearch Milestones Walks to Conquer Kids’ Cancer are
fundraising events that unite people from all walks of life
On February 2, 2007, childhood cancer entered my
in the fi ght to reach the day when every child with cancer
home without an invitation… it made my eight-year-old
can be guaranteed a cure. The walks center on increasing
daughter sick… and, the treatment for her cancer made
awareness of childhood cancer and supporting the lifesaving
her even sicker.
research conducted by the Children’s Oncology Group.
Moreover, these events provide a supportive environment
In retrospect, we have come to realize that we could
and opportunity for fellowship and community, bringing
not have possibly handled Regan’s treatment without
together families who have lost a child to join hands with
the faith, courage, and grace that Regan displayed. In
survivors, children in treatment, and their families.
fact, we have admired so many of our friends’ children
as they have fought their cancers with these very same
Milestones Walks bring out a wide range of feelings on walk
attributes. These kids are our HEROES in every sense of
days – joy, sadness, love, and compassion. At the opening
the word.
ceremonies of each event, a moment of silence is observed
in remembrance of children lost to cancer. A highlight of the
As we got farther into treatment, we became aware that
day’s program is the Milestones Heroes Medals presentation
our children’s cancers are some of the least researched.
where each child survivor and children currently undergoing
Our children are reaching the 70% mark, but receive
treatment are presented with a “Milestone Heroes” medal.
less than 3% of the total NIH funding for research of
Entertainment such as face painters, jugglers, and musicians
all of the childhood cancers combined. Knowing that
create a fun atmosphere and greet walkers as they complete
childhood cancer is not funded more greatly because it
the walk course.
is considered “rare” is hard to hear as a parent watching
their child fi ght for his or her life. These kids are our future
These events would not be possible without CureSearch’s
and they deserve adequate research to help them live
networks of loyal and generous
every day they have earned and more.
supporters and outstanding
volunteers.
That is why I reached for the opportunities that
CureSearch can provide… and specifi cally, the
Initiated in 2006 by volunteers
MileStones Walk for our community in Des Moines. The
in Portage, Michigan and
Walk gave our community a visible component to show
Omaha, Nebraska, these
their support for our kids and their strong families helping
events highlight the
them fi ght for their lives.
developmental and
social milestones
Lisa Hulsing,
that pediatric
West Des Moines, IA,
cancer survivors
Mother of Regan, survivor,
can achieve
Ewings Sarcoma
when cured
while honoring
the memories of
those who have
lost their young lives
to this devastating
disease. Through
the leadership,
vision and
hard work of
hundreds of
dedicated families and
volunteers, Milestones
Walks have engaged
thousands of
people across
the country and
raised hundreds of
thousands of dollars
in support of
childhood cancer
research.
www.CureSearch.org
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