Gold Rush: Mom on Mission to Spread Awareness of Childhood Cancer
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Gold Rush: Mom on Mission to Spread Awareness of Childhood Cancer

Gold Rush: Mom on Mission to Spread Awareness of Childhood Cancer

Gold Rush 5K

Sept. 1, 2018

Iron Oak Post, Downtown Melbourne

Proceeds benefit No Kid Should Know Cancer

Learn more: facebook.com/nokidshouldknowcancer/

Gold Rush

Mom on Mission to Spread Awareness of Childhood Cancer

Before July 22, 2015, I was just a mom who didn’t think about things like childhood cancer, chemo, or the extreme lack of funding surrounding the No. 1 disease killer of children in the U.S. After weeks of my 8-year-old son, Travis, complaining of “not feeling right” and suffering from extreme fatigue and labored breathing, we received the most devastating news — my baby had leukemia.

We were sent to Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children where our family would spend the next 10 days while Travis endured multiple transfusions, surgery, countless needles, and chemotherapy. I couldn’t believe this was my life.

For months, I walked around numb, scared, worried, and sad. I secluded myself to cry and talk to God. There were times I couldn’t imagine getting through to the other side, but here we are. Travis is in remission but still in treatment until Sept. 28.

About six weeks after Travis’ diagnosis, I found myself in his bedroom, crying, because it was September, Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. I was hearing plenty about Pinktober (October is Breast Cancer awareness month), but what about going gold for the kids? The gold ribbon symbolizes children being more precious than gold.

At first I was angry, why no attention to the children fighting for their lives? Then I changed my focus. If people weren’t acknowledging childhood cancer, I would put it in their face so they couldn’t help but notice! I vowed that I would do something to recognize the kids fighting cancer and that I would turn everything I could gold in their honor.

After countless emails and phone calls in 2016, the Orlando Eye agreed to light up gold for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. That was just the start of my obsession. I realized early on that I wanted to host a 5K in Brevard County to raise awareness and give back to other families in similar situations.

Throughout Travis’ treatment, we were around amazing people who helped us through the tough days. I wanted to be that for other families. Childhood cancer is a journey that I would not wish on anyone. We have to find the message in the mess and lift others when they need it most.

Last year, after Travis’ treatment slowed down, we decided to create our foundation. In June 2017, No Kid Should Know Cancer was born. Our mission is to spread awareness about the No. 1 disease killer of children in the U.S. by hosting events that raise money for families who have a child battling cancer. We provide gift baskets filled with gift certificates for groceries, gas, and fun family outings. We believe the cure begins with awareness and that one day, September will be as gold as October is pink.

With just three months of planning, we pulled off Brevard County’s first and only 5K for childhood cancer awareness on Sept. 23, 2017 — the Gold Rush 5K. It was successful and the second annual event will be on Sept. 1 in Downtown Melbourne. We hope you will join us.  Sign up today.  Last day to secure a race t-shirt is August 19th. Online registration Ends August 30th.

 

Laurie Rogers-Milam is a dedicated mother of two who gave up her career as a teacher when her son, Travis, was diagnosed with leukemia at the age of 8. She works tirelessly to spread awareness about childhood cancer through the family's foundation No Kid Should Know Cancer, helping support other families battling this disease.



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