…..well, that’s what I’m suppose to say, right? I saw many other pages about childhood cancer posting something to bring in the new year yesterday and kept thinking I should too but what to say?

Many pages, that are similar to ours, wrote elegant thank-yous to everyone who has helped them. I could do that. We certainly owe a LOT of thanks to many people. I get teary eyed just thinking about all the generous, wonderful things people have done for us. Every card, package and warm comment is like a hug that says, “You’re not alone.”

Other pages post pictures with encouraging captions about hope for the future. I could do that. We have a LOT of hope and belief that 2014 will bring us closer to being done here and going home. I get teary eyed just thinking about it.

………

There’s something else I get teary eyed about and I just can’t shake it. In 2014 another 1,500 children will be diagnosed with cancer in Canada. About 375 won’t make it. About 98% of the survivors will endure lifelong, life threatening side effects, drastically affecting quality of life and often taking it too soon. It was the same story last year and it will be the same next year….. unless something changes ……..and in this I have hope!

Much happened in 2013 to give me that hope! We saw awareness happening across the world like never before. I know we will see more this year! We saw advancements in research using new treatments making headlines like there hasn’t been in decades!

So, yes, I have hope! I have dreams! I believe they can come true.

I took this picture of Bronwyn on Christmas morning opening her gift from her cousin, B.* At first I was disappointed I didn’t get a clearer shot instead of this sideways glance but, actually, it fits my mood. Yes, I have hopes and dreams but I am forever aware of the world of devastation childhood cancer will bring to many families this year.

I will continue to do whatever I can to change that world of devastation. I hope you will join me.

*The picture is a quote from Doctor Who, “I am, and always will be , the optimist, the hoper of far-flung hopes, the dreamer of improbable dreams.”

ps: I created this facebook page for Gold Craft: https://www.facebook.com/knittingforgold
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