Trials and truck pulls and music, oh my!

With Thanksgiving approaching this week, there is a lot to be thankful for. Statistics improving, big names in music coming together to raise money for research and new trials are just a few reasons we’re counting our blessings this week.

Here’s this week’s links…

Kids – Why We Fight

Aarin Bhatt

After undergoing a life-saving new antibody treatment for his neuroblastoma, 6 year old Aarin Bhatt has a new lease on life. But other children who are caught up in a deadly “postcode lottery” haven’t been so lucky. Failure of their insurances to pay for the treatment is forcing parents to take out second mortgages on their homes and scramble to raise funds for their children’s medical expenses. Thankfully, the Neuroblastoma Alliance, a small charity in Brent, was able to step in and pay the £65,000 Aarin needed to receive treatment in Germany. Doctor’s were able to remove the tumor that had wrapped itself around Aarin’s vital organs – a tumor that would have been inoperable before antibody therapy.bbc.co.uk.

Non-Profits / Events / News

Dennison Commercials ‘Pulls Together’ for Oscar

Most of you have heard us talk about Oscar Knox before, the spunky little Bellfast native who has captured the hearts of his home town and the nation alike. Oscar’s community has done a wonderful job of backing his family and helping raise money for his medical costs. The most recent company to chip in was Dennison Commercials Ltd, Northern Ireland’s Volvo Truck & Bus Dealer, where Oscar’s Grandfather has been employed for the last 40 years. Almost 50 employees showed up for a half mile truck pull, hauling over 15 tons! All proceeds from the event are being donated to the Neuroblastoma Alliance Oscar Knox Appeal. hgvuk.com.

Childhood Cancer Survival Rates Nearly Triple in UK

Since the 1960’s, childhood cancer survival rates have almost tripled in the UK, rising from a mere 3 in 10 to an 8 in 10 chance of survival. While these numbers are inspiring, we’d still like to see them increase! Amarvir Chatha is one of the children fortunate enough to have beaten the statistics; he is now 8 years old and an acute lymphoblastic leukaemia survivor. He was awarded the Little Star award earlier this year to recognize his bravery. OxfordMail.co.uk.

Logan Begins Immunotherapy Trial

Logan North, 5, is beginning a new immunotherapy trial in the UK today. After missing out on a similar trial in the US, his parents are thrilled that he will be able to take part in this round of treatment. Since the trial is experimental, they’re not sure what to expect, but hopes are high that the drugs will help fight Logan’s neuroblastoma. Take a minute and say a prayer for Logan today as he starts his trial! lep.co.uk.

Three Days of Giving

Three Days Grace is kicking off a three-day concert series to benefit three different charities. December 11th, the first show in Peterborough, Ontario will benefit the James Fund, the largest charity to fund families with children suffering from neuroblastoma in Canada. Three Days Grace bassist, Brad Walst, has a special place in his heart for neuroblastoma, since his son James was diagnosed with it several years ago. While his son’s cancer has since stabilized, Walst continues to support neuroblastoma research. loudwire.com.

You can sign up to receive these weekly articles in your email. Sign up below…