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What is Big Data and Childhood Cancer Research
After being born and living in Turkey my whole life, I came to the US for college to study biological sciences at the University of...
Childhood Cancer
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My View Looking Forward
Before cancer, I was never a morning person, but now I love waking up in my home with the entire family under one roof. Most nights, I...
Discovering the Reality of Childhood Cancer Treatment
On our diagnosis day, we were told that our four-year-old Gus had Ewing Sarcoma. What doctors didn’t know was the particular type or...
Gus’ Journey Through Cancer
Gus, my 4-year-old son, was chasing me down the stairs on our way to the basement for our early morning workout. This particular morning,...
Cleaning Out the Medicine Cabinet
17 BOTTLES A few weeks ago, I cleaned out the medicine cabinet. That doesn’t sound super exciting, I know, but I threw away 17 bottles of...
What is an Astrocytoma?
An astrocytoma is a brain tumor that begins in astrocytes—a type of glial cell that supports nerve cells in the brain. Astrocytomas can be...
Happiness & Heartbreak: Life as a Pediatric Oncology Nurse
FINDING A HOME IN NURSING For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to work in pediatric oncology and help kids with cancer. When I...
“See You On Monday”
A year ago Friday I looked at the Rally staff and said, “See you on Monday.” On Saturday, I spent the day doing research on COVID-19. By...
What is Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis (LCH)?
Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a rare disorder in which the body produces an overabundance of Langerhans cells. These cells, which...
What is Lymphoma?
Lymphoma is a cancer of the body’s lymphatic (lymph) system which is essential to the immune system. The lymphatic system is made up of a...
Childhood Cancer
What is a CT Scan?
A CT (or CAT) scan is a diagnostic medical imaging procedure that creates three-dimensional images of internal organs, soft tissues, blood vessels and bones. CT stands for Computed Tomography. It provides a more detailed image than a traditional X-ray. Most CT scans take a few seconds, while some may take more than 10 minutes. The CT scanner looks like a giant donut with a sliding bed inside, and your child needs to lie very still during the procedure. It’s important to wear comfortable,...
What is a Blood Transfusion?
A blood transfusion is a routine medical procedure to transfer blood (or a specific component of blood) from one person to another. Blood has several components, including: Red cells that carry oxygen and help remove waste products; White cellsthat help your body fight infections; Plasmais the liquid part of blood; and Plateletshelp blood clot properly. Blood transfusions can save lives. They are a treatment for certain diseases, including blood cancers. Receiving a platelet transfusion is...
What is Charity Navigator?
When you are in the market for a new refrigerator, you ask your neighbors and friends for recommendations, and maybe even consult Consumer Reports to see different ratings. When you want to donate to a charity, how do you decide if the charity will take care of your donation and use your donation to meet its mission? Charity Navigator has been called the Consumer Reports of the nonprofit world. It is the largest charity evaluator in America. Its website attracts more visitors than all other...
Meet Rally Kid Keren. Again.
Yes, you have met her before. Five years ago, Rally Kid Keren was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma, a soft tissue cancer. Her fight included chemotherapy, radiation and an amputation. Throughout treatment Keren showed her resilience and kept a positive outlook. With the unwavering support of her parents, Kelly and Jonathan, and her older brother Jacob and younger sister Lyla, Keren rang the bell in 2019. She had to continue with physical therapy and deal with multiple side effects from her...
What is OSI Connect?
OSI Connect is a free, easy-to-use, invaluable resource for those diagnosed with osteosarcoma Osteosarcoma is a difficult and frightening diagnosis, but you are not alone. You can actually connect with leading sarcoma physician experts for a free consult. Yes, free. Yes, a consult not an email. An actual conversation. Founded by parents who have walked the road you are now on, OSI Connect is a resource they wish they would have had. Diagnosis and relapse are overwhelming. It is impossible to...
What is a Free DIPG Nurse Navigator?
Rally Kid Tyson (Image Above), brain cancer (2016-2020)Tyson was just two and a half years old when he was diagnosed with DIPG You Are Not Alone In Your DIPG / DMG Battle Hearing that your child has cancer is devastating. Hearing that your child has cancer and that it is a DIPG / DMG brain tumor is unfathomable - because in the same sentence you learn there is no known cure for DIPG / DMG. Every time we hear that a kid has received this diagnosis, Rally’s heart breaks. However, for parents who...