When Kris Gordon's grandson was diagnosed with stage IV neuroblastoma in June 2006, the family was devastated that the 3-year-old would face treatments and trials to halt the growing cancer.
In the three years since Patrick Chance was diagnosed with the cancer, family members have thrown themselves into raising awareness of childhood cancer and money for research.
Money that is raised through various avenues, including an annual plant sale dubbed Patrick's Paperwhites, will go to Press On: The Patrick R. Chance Fund for Neuroblastoma Research.
Last year, the community helped raise $6,200 for Press On through Patrick's Paperwhites.
Press On was started by Patrick's parents, native Augustans Erin and Stephen Chance, the year after Patrick was diagnosed with neuroblastoma. The family's faith has given them the strength to "press on."
"It took surgery, 10 cycles of toxic chemotherapy, a stem cell transplant, 12 rounds of radiation and 14 cycles of monoclonal antibody therapy to rid Patrick of this terrible disease," Mr. Chance said. "He finished 34 months of treatment in March and relapsed in June."
Patrick is participating in a phase I clinical trial because there is no effective protocol for treating relapsed neuroblastoma, which only underscores the need for funding for research, Mr. Chance said.
"It is fitting that Patrick's Paperwhites kicks off in September," he said, explaining that this month is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and that Saturday will be Childhood Cancer Awareness Day. "Cancer is the No. 1 disease killer of American children. Each year, more children die from cancer than cystic fibrosis, muscular dystrophy, asthma and AIDS combined.
"Unfortunately, pediatric cancer is severely underfunded, receiving less than 2 percent of the national funding for cancer research.
"We are continuing fundraising efforts because clinical research is in dire need of funding in order to develop new and effective treatments for our children."
Last year, nearly 500 potted amaryllis and paperwhite bulbs were ordered through Patrick's Paperwhites. The project's sponsors -- Georgia State Floral Distributors, Green Thumb West, Cold Creek Nurseries and EasytoGrowBulbs.com -- help keep expenses down so more money can go to Press On.
Orders through Patrick's Paperwhites will be taken through September and October and delivered in November.
"They will be wrapped and ribboned to make perfect holiday gifts," Mr. Chance said.
People interested in placing an order can call him at (706) 863-7405. For information on Press On, visit www.PressOnFund.org.
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