Glam 4 Gold
September is Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month. Why does this matter? Aside from the obvious, for those of you that do not already know, my cousin, Torie Mae Costa, passed from stage 4 Rhabdomyosarcoma at the young age of 20. She was diagnosed when she was 16. This coming Christmas will mark two years since Torie gained her angel wings. I am not usually one to bring it up or talk about it, but as someone that has experienced the pain that cancer brings to a family as it rips it apart, stealing a precious child, I feel the need to speak out about it.
I am NOT asking you to buy anything or to donate any of your money to some random organization. I am asking you to open your eyes to how detrimental the disease is, and begging you to make smart decisions when it comes to your involvement toward the cause. If nothing else, I hope that you at least leave this site feeling more appreciative of those around you, and with a learned knowledge of what the month of September stands for.
Did you know that only 4% of all proceeds raised for cancer research is allotted for the research to find a cure for pediatric cancer? 4%!!!! You guys, are you disgusted by that as much as I am?! Those children are the future of our companies, our families, our country, our world, and according to Relay for Life, and other cancer research fundraising organizations, they are only worth 4%. Let that sink in for a minute.
If you feel compelled to donate or get involved, make sure you are affiliated with a reputable organization that puts kids battling cancer first. Some organizations that I recommend are CureSearch, St. Jude’s, Ronald McDonald House, and The Torie Costa Foundation. These organizations provide for individual families, provide for hospitals, and for the cause to find a cure. By visiting each organization’s website, you can find out about their mission’s, their motivations, and the numerous events that they provide for you to participate in.
There are also several fashion and beauty brands that support the cause for a cure. The two most well-known (and my favorite) brands that prioritize pediatric cancer research are Headbands of Hope, and Love Your Melon. While Torie was in college, she worked as an affiliate for Headbands of Hope. As someone fighting cancer herself, she tried to give back as best as she could to prevent her reality from becoming the future of other children. For every headband purchased, Headbands of Hope donates one to a child battling cancer. Additionally, during specific campaigning weeks, they donate 10% of their profits to customer nominated pediatric cancer organizations. Love Your Melon works similarly, as they work toward their goal of providing each child battling cancer a Love Your Melon beanie. They also donate 50% (50%!!!!) of their profits to cancer research initiatives and “the immediate support for families of children battling cancer.” Not to mention, both Headbands of Hope’s headbands and Love Your Melon’s beanies are super cute. Get yours today to help work toward a cure for pediatric cancer!
Torie was not only family, but the first best friend I ever had. She taught me how to share, how to be completely selfless, and to never leave the house without earrings. If making the Zoey-Leigh.com readers more aware of the horrible sickness that cancer is, is the only thing I accomplish, at least I have done something small to be proud of. I hope to somehow, in some small way prevent the loss of other best friends. Please check out the organizations and brands that I have mentioned to learn more about what you can do. Together, we can find a cure.
Glam 4 Gold
xoxo,
Zoey Leigh