With Thanksgiving Day still warm in our hearts, and the holidays fast approaching, all of us at the American Childhood Cancer Organization Inland Northwest are reminded of so many things to be thankful for.
We have been fortunate to partner with some of the most amazing and incredibly giving people ~ from corporations, foundations, and individual supporters who ensure that we continue to meet the needs of families of children with cancer, to independent business owners who open their doors and benefit families in unique and fulfilling ways, to volunteers who help mail out our party invitations and perform many tasks that are crucial to our success, to our dedicated board of directors, and to each and every family of a child with cancer that joins together with us to provide hope and healing not only for themselves but for others that will follow in their footsteps.
“To know the road ahead, ask those coming back.” This speaks volumes for all areas of life but it is especially relevant when facing frightening and challenging times. No one knows the uncertainty of a childhood cancer diagnosis better than a family that has lived through it. No one knows how to navigate the unexpected and changing landscape of treatment better than a family that has done it. And no one knows how to live as fully as possible in the face of heartache and sorrow than a family that has learned to grow in spite of adversity. We meet families every day that never, ever, take even one breath for granted.
As will all things, change is inevitable and we at ACCOIN also never take things for granted. We are making some changes for the coming year and are excited for new ways to ensure that "kids don't fight cancer alone!" More to come soon.
Mary Anne Ruddis
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