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Teens

Rally Kid Chandler fought cancer to become a nurse. Now she’ll fight COVID-19 on the front lines.

Rally Kid Chandler fought cancer to become a nurse. Now she’ll fight COVID-19 on the front lines.

by | May 5, 2020

In the wake of COVID-19, International Nurses Day feels more important than ever. Around the world, these healthcare providers are risking their lives to give patients the lifesaving treatments they need. We are forever grateful for their sacrifices and unwavering dedication during these dark times. Over the years at Rally, we’ve witnessed time and time again the integral role that nurses play in the care and well-being of our Rally Kids. During a global pandemic, the importance of nurses is amplified—but the truth is, they always were (and will be) an invaluable part of our healthcare system. Rally Kid Chandler understood this and felt it deeply during her long and brutal battle with cancer. She was so passionate about nursing, in fact, that she opted to pursue a career as a pediatric oncology nurse. Today, Chandler not only beat cancer but has graduated from nursing school and will...

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A Letter from Rally Kid Peyton to Families Battling Cancer

A Letter from Rally Kid Peyton to Families Battling Cancer

by | Feb 25, 2020

  Dear families experiencing childhood cancer and pediatric palliative care doctors, I am a Rally Kid and a first-year student at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. In my Biology 101 class, we just finished learning about cancer. Sitting in class as one who was diagnosed with cancer when I was teenager (ALL and AML as a sophomore in high school), it was hard to sit still in my seat and listen to my professor explain the traumatic effects of uncontrolled cell division without thinking two things: Cancer is so much more than the biology behind the disease. Wow, I am really blessed to be on the other side of the battle when so many patients and families today are not. And whenever I think about how blessed I have been (yes, blessed) with my particular experience, I am always reminded of how great my care team really was to me. Palliative care was a HUGE part of my...

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The Truth About Palliative Care—It’s Better Than You Might Think

The Truth About Palliative Care—It’s Better Than You Might Think

by | Feb 11, 2020

For many pediatric cancer patients and their families, palliative care is a beacon of comfort during the extreme discomfort of symptoms, side effects and the stress that goes along with their diagnosis. Because of this, we wanted to showcase the importance of pediatric palliative care and how it can make a difference in the lives of children fighting cancer. Last year, we talked to pediatric hematologist-oncologist Katharine Brock, MD, MS, who specializes in palliative medicine at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA). As one of 43 doctors specializing in pediatric hematology-oncology at CHOA, Dr. Brock has made it her mission to improve the care experience for both patients and their families. One of our Rally Kids and her mom, Cheryl, found Dr. Brock particularly comforting during their time in palliative care. “Dr. Brock was extremely helpful in managing my pain. I was in so much...

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Climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro For Kids Fighting Cancer

Climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro For Kids Fighting Cancer

by | Jan 17, 2020

I sometimes find myself wondering what it must feel like to be a kid who gets the devastating news that he or she has cancer. Throughout the 10 years that I have supported pediatric cancer awareness I have heard so many stories of disbelief, grief and anger that I have come to feel more sadness with each one. Part of the pain I feel is due to the unfathomable nature of the information, as well as the age, frailty and naivety of the kids that have to hear it. With that being said, it's the next piece of the story that always truly amazes me - the part where each child says "I am going to beat this" followed by the families that say "what can I do to help?" The resilience of children leaves me in awe and their courage, many times, leaves tears in my eyes. It is these qualities that have set me on a course that will change my life, and hopefully the lives of kids fighting childhood . On...

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A Letter to Grace in Heaven

A Letter to Grace in Heaven

by | Apr 13, 2018

By Dean Crowe, Rally Founder and CEO Dear Grace, Several weeks ago I asked your mom how you were doing. She said, “Physically she's a 2. Spiritually she is a 10.” It is fitting that you went to Heaven on Palm Sunday. I was actually on a flight that day when suddenly I woke up from a nap, looked out my window, and saw the brightest white I have ever seen. I looked as far as I could see to the left and to the right and straight ahead. All I could see was a blinding white. Not a hint of another color. The thought popped into my head, “Grace could be flying to Heaven right now.” When I landed, I would find out that is exactly what was happening. I am so thankful that I got to know you and spend time with you. Working with you on the speech you gave at the 2017 Delta Double Play Benefit Bash was inspiring. You worked so hard on the delivery and you nailed it. I have a few favorite memories...

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Grace, You Deserved So Much More Than This

Grace, You Deserved So Much More Than This

by | Apr 7, 2018

By McClain Hermes I am totally and completely heartbroken. My body shakes and aches with grief. On March 25th at 1:18 PM, a part of my soul flew away to Heaven. Grace Bunke, my 14-year-old best friend, little sister and soul sister, died. I knew this day was coming but there is nothing you can do to prepare yourself for the death of somebody you love. I am so mad. I am so sad. I am heartbroken and devastated. Cancer has done it again. Grace fought for every breath until she took her last one. Her strength, courage and bravery inspired me every day. Her laughter and her smile brought joy to my days. Her sweet voice and her guiding arm led me along our many adventures. Grace, you were the light of my life. I loved you more than anything. I miss you so much already and it feels like this pain will never end. But my tears are full of mixed emotions. I am so sad and heartbroken, but I am so...

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Teens

Rally Kid Chandler fought cancer to become a nurse. Now she’ll fight COVID-19 on the front lines.

Rally Kid Chandler fought cancer to become a nurse. Now she’ll fight COVID-19 on the front lines.

by | May 5, 2020

In the wake of COVID-19, International Nurses Day feels more important than ever. Around the world, these healthcare providers are risking their lives to give patients the lifesaving treatments they need. We are forever grateful for their sacrifices and unwavering dedication during these dark times. Over the years at Rally, we’ve witnessed time and time again the integral role that nurses play in the care and well-being of our Rally Kids. During a global pandemic, the importance of nurses is...

read more
A Letter from Rally Kid Peyton to Families Battling Cancer

A Letter from Rally Kid Peyton to Families Battling Cancer

by | Feb 25, 2020

  Dear families experiencing childhood cancer and pediatric palliative care doctors, I am a Rally Kid and a first-year student at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. In my Biology 101 class, we just finished learning about cancer. Sitting in class as one who was diagnosed with cancer when I was teenager (ALL and AML as a sophomore in high school), it was hard to sit still in my seat and listen to my professor explain the traumatic effects of uncontrolled cell division without...

read more
The Truth About Palliative Care—It’s Better Than You Might Think

The Truth About Palliative Care—It’s Better Than You Might Think

by | Feb 11, 2020

For many pediatric cancer patients and their families, palliative care is a beacon of comfort during the extreme discomfort of symptoms, side effects and the stress that goes along with their diagnosis. Because of this, we wanted to showcase the importance of pediatric palliative care and how it can make a difference in the lives of children fighting cancer. Last year, we talked to pediatric hematologist-oncologist Katharine Brock, MD, MS, who specializes in palliative medicine at Children’s...

read more
Climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro For Kids Fighting Cancer

Climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro For Kids Fighting Cancer

by | Jan 17, 2020

I sometimes find myself wondering what it must feel like to be a kid who gets the devastating news that he or she has cancer. Throughout the 10 years that I have supported pediatric cancer awareness I have heard so many stories of disbelief, grief and anger that I have come to feel more sadness with each one. Part of the pain I feel is due to the unfathomable nature of the information, as well as the age, frailty and naivety of the kids that have to hear it. With that being said, it's the next...

read more
A Letter to Grace in Heaven

A Letter to Grace in Heaven

by | Apr 13, 2018

By Dean Crowe, Rally Founder and CEO Dear Grace, Several weeks ago I asked your mom how you were doing. She said, “Physically she's a 2. Spiritually she is a 10.” It is fitting that you went to Heaven on Palm Sunday. I was actually on a flight that day when suddenly I woke up from a nap, looked out my window, and saw the brightest white I have ever seen. I looked as far as I could see to the left and to the right and straight ahead. All I could see was a blinding white. Not a hint of another...

read more
Grace, You Deserved So Much More Than This

Grace, You Deserved So Much More Than This

by | Apr 7, 2018

By McClain Hermes I am totally and completely heartbroken. My body shakes and aches with grief. On March 25th at 1:18 PM, a part of my soul flew away to Heaven. Grace Bunke, my 14-year-old best friend, little sister and soul sister, died. I knew this day was coming but there is nothing you can do to prepare yourself for the death of somebody you love. I am so mad. I am so sad. I am heartbroken and devastated. Cancer has done it again. Grace fought for every breath until she took her last one....

read more

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