It may seem odd, but there are moments when I lose sight of the fact that my son, Lucas, is battling cancer.
I recall that he relies on a wheelchair or a gait trainer to move around, as he cannot walk or stand on his own. I remember the ways he communicates—using grunts, gestures, and a mechanical device, since verbal speech isn’t possible for him. I know he has a gastrostomy tube for his medications and nutrition, as eating could lead to severe complications. Additionally, he struggles to drink liquids due to the effects of his condition.
I always pack fans, cooling towels, and sun hats for summer outings, and during winter, I ensure we have hand warmers and down blankets—Lucas has trouble regulating his body temperature.
What I sometimes forget is the stark reality of childhood cancer. It’s the second leading cause of death in children, surpassed only by accidents. I often remind myself of the daily medications Lucas needs for seizures, as well as treatments to help with his lung function and breathing at night. These are routines I follow without fail.
Yet, I sometimes overlook the fact that his radiation oncologist warned us about the 50% chance of his brain tumor returning. I forget that every two minutes, a child is diagnosed with cancer, and that 12% of those kids won’t survive. I also tend to forget that 60% of childhood cancer survivors may face long-term health issues later in life.
It’s easy to forget that childhood cancers don’t respond to the same treatments as adult cancers, and that a mere 4% of federal cancer research funding is allocated toward pediatric cancer studies.
More often than not, I forget how fortunate we are to have classic moments together—like holding Lucas, singing his favorite songs, and reading him bedtime stories—while so many parents are faced with unimaginable losses.
I don’t forget these facts because they’re unimportant or don’t affect us; I forget because acknowledging them can be overwhelmingly painful. I strive to live each day without carrying the weight of anger or sadness.
Every September, I’m reminded of these truths during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. It’s vital to share this message and raise awareness. If you can, consider supporting pediatric cancer foundations such as St. Baldrick’s or Alex’s Lemonade Stand, which are doing incredible work for kids like Lucas.
Most importantly, cherish your children, hold them close, and be grateful. You never know when you might find yourself in the shoes of a parent with a child facing cancer.
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Summary:
In this heartfelt piece, Jenna Matthews shares her emotional journey as a mother of a child with cancer. She reflects on the daily challenges her son Lucas faces, including communication barriers and medical routines, while also emphasizing the importance of cherishing every moment. Although she occasionally forgets the harsh realities of childhood cancer, she advocates for awareness and support for pediatric cancer foundations.