A Small Boy and a Big Word

As a greatly valued supporter and donor, you deserve to share in the story below, which came to us in a letter from Denise Murray:

Greetings to everyone at CANSA,

Please could you pass on my special ‘Thank You’ to the researchers you sponsor, and those CANSA friends called Research Partners, who support their dedicated work.

The reason for my thanks is in the story of a small boy and a big word.

The small boy was my first grandchild – Vincent. In his gentleness and ‘old soul’ wisdom, he quickly became the light of my life.

The big word is Rhabdomyosarcoma – a rare type of childhood cancer. Vincent was seven years old when we heard the deadly words of his diagnosis, which turned our hearts cold.

Nothing prepares any family for something like this. And for two grueling years we all fought alongside Vincent, trying everything to save his life.

But the big word won in the end.

When the light of my life was extinguished, I was left in a very dark place, with many questions.

But recently hearing that your organisation sponsors research into reducing the risk of cancer, the flame of a new light glimmered for me.

I dwell on the thought of, ‘What if research into Rhabdomyosarcoma had been advanced enough to save or even extend Vincent’s life?’ And I think of other stricken families who are, or will be facing the horror of their child being diagnosed with cancer.

Even if Childhood Rhabdomyosarcoma isn’t yet the particular cancer research that you and your partners are sponsoring at present, I have faith.

Faith that one day in the future, someone in a laboratory is going to uncover the secrets of the cause, and possible means of lowering the risk of Rhabdomyosarcoma, which will save other children.

My compliments to you, and your generous Research Partners.

Yours sincerely Denise Murray

We can’t put a greater emphasis, than Denise Murray does, on the importance of research, or the importance of your support, and the hope that’s in your hands to give, by making your online donation.

And that’s why we’re hoping that you’ll join our Research Partner team this year, by making your membership donation.

When your gift of R350 (or more) arrives, we’ll send you a Certificate of Membership. For your donation of R500 (or more), we’ll also enclose a childhood cancer awareness ribbon as a token of thanks for your Research Partner contribution.

But if you can possibly send R1 000 (or more), you can also have your name inscribed on our Roll of Honour . . . a lasting testament to your commitment to cancer research.