Childhood cancer: Two words that should never be in the same sentence together. But, reality is 43 children are diagnosed with cancer every day. Every day, the parents of 43 children have to hear the words "your child has cancer." Every day the world of 43 families is turned upside-down because of those words. Every single day 43 more children will begin a fight for their lives.
As a mom of 3, this is something that tugs at my heart. I pray to God I never have to hear the words "your child has cancer." I know God has a plan and purpose for every situation and allows things to happen for reasons bigger than you and me; ("'For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,' Says the LORD. 'For as the heavens are higher than the Earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts higher than your thoughts.'" Isaiah 55:8-9 NKJV) however that doesn't mean we should be ignorant or insensitive to the reality of childhood cancer and the families effected by it. Would you take a moment to lift up in prayer the families and children who live with this reality daily?
September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. So, it may not be much, but I am doing what I can to bring awareness to the reality and severity of childhood cancer while at the same time celebrating childhood and the joy and blessings it brings!
I don't have all the details worked out yet, but I am going to be offering "The Joy of Childhood" mini sessions in the month of September and will be donating 50% of the proceeds to KICKcancER, a Childhood Cancer Foundation that I truly believe in and support their mission. You can see what they are all about here.
Your child wants to show up to their mini-session in their super hero costume? Okay! Your daughter wants to dress herself? Right on! Your son wants to include his favorite toy or pet? Yes please! Stuffed animals, toys, dolls, books, bubbles, sidewalk chalk, balloons, paint, hula hoop, jump rope, ice cream...all elements of childhood are welcome and encouraged. I want to document your child & their joy for you to hold on to and preserve even once their childhood is gone.
These mini-sessions are meant to celebrate your child, the joy their childhood brings them, and the joy your children bring you.
Let none of those things be taken for granted.
Ashley T.