Did you know that cancer is the #1 cause of death by disease in children. 1 child out if 5 who is diagnosed with cancer dies. 3 out of 5 children suffer from long term side effects of their treatment. Every school day 46 young people, or two classrooms of students, are diagnosed with cancer in the U.S. More than 12,500 children are diagnosed each year and over 40,000 children and adolescents are currently being treated for childhood cancer.
I didn't know this either until a superstar walked into our lives. Our hero Tanner Lusk was diagnosed with Ewings Sarcoma of her skull on May 19, 2003. She had a full tumor resection and removal of the left front section of her skull. She had surgery and completed 14 rounds of chemotherapy and 4 weeks of daily radiation at UCLA, Mattel Childrens Hospital in California. After little luck in CA the Lusks met some friends here in Omaha and decide to move there family here for treatments. Who knew that signing up our oldest daughter for softball would change our lives forever. After about 4 softball games we all fell in love with Tanner and her family I mean how could you not. Here was Tanner going through cancer treatments and hitting the ball out of the ballpark and never looking back. Tanner could play softball better then the kids who were healthy! You only had to spend about a few minutes with Tanner and you could see that she was a very kind hearted kid. I like to call her an old soul she would always be giving her friends sound advice. Not like any 8 year old that I knew. Not only that but she was always willing to give a good gift to any of her friends. Tanner was always up for a fun anytime, anyplace! Everyone who meet Tanner knew that their lives would never be the same after meeting Tanner. She was the most amazing person I have ever met!
After getting to know Tanner she always took some special thing with her to her appointments. I made her a pillowcase before one of her hospital stays and she took it with her everywhere she went. Tanner lost her fight with cancer in September 2007. After that I knew that I had to do something to help other families. This is a horrible disease that no kids should have to go through. We have to help raise money to find a cure. I am selling these pillowcases amd 100% of the money will go the CureSearch. Email me if you want to buy a pillowcase. Thank you for helping us make a difference for all of the kids that are still fighting childhood cancer, in memory of our friend Tanner Lusk!