Childhood Cancer

Each year more than 17,000 children aged 0-19 in the U.S. will be diagnosed with cancer/400,000 worldwide. Cancer is the #1 cause of death by disease in children in the U.S. There are many types, which can be found in different places throughout the body.

The causes of childhood cancer are not completely understood. While adult cancers are often linked to lifestyle or environmental factors, cancer in children is different in several ways. In a young person, cancer is less likely to be caused by the patient’s environment or lifestyle. Instead, cancer-causing genetic changes (called mutations) are most commonly thought to occur by chance. However, in about 8% of cases children are born with genetic changes that increase their risk of getting cancer.

In the last 40 years, the overall survival rate for childhood cancer has increased from 10% to over 85% today, but for many more rare childhood cancers, the survival rate remains much lower. Cancer treatments save lives, but can cause health issues later in life. 

South Shore Action for Hope strives to raise funds to support clinical trials to develop better, safer treatments for these children.

With the billions of dollars the government spends annually on cancer research, only 4% is directed towards treating childhood cancer. SSAFH strives to raise more for research and to support clinical trials to develop better, safer treatments for these children.

https://curesearch.org/childhood-cancer-statistics

https://www.stjude.org/treatment/pediatric-oncology/childhood-cancer-facts.html

Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease which affects the pancreas and causes it to produce little to no insulin. Insulin is needed to regulate your blood sugar level. Too much insulin can cause your blood sugar to drop low, which can result in shakiness, dizziness, lightheadedness and loss of consciousness. Too little insulin can cause high blood sugar, which if left untreated can cause damage to your nerves, blood vessels and organs.

T1D requires 24/7 monitoring and care, including checking blood sugar, administering insulin and treating low blood sugar.

1.6 million Americans are living with T1D, including about 200,000 youth (less than 20 years old) and 1.4 million adults (20 years old and older).

SSAFH seeks to raise money to donate directly to research to further current treatment methods and to FIND A CURE!

SSAFH will also provide education to raise awareness around the signs and symptoms of T1D and provide comfort and support for families dealing with T1D.

Other childhood illness and diseases

It is our goal at South Shore Action for Hope to provide support and comfort for families battling various childhood illnesses diseases. Please be on the look out for more to come from us in the future and contact us if you would like to join our team to help us expand our support reach.