Hope on Wheels: Battling Pediatric Cancer

We were inspired to learn more about fighting pediatric cancer after the Hyundai Hope on Wheels event.

We met three incredible moms and three even more amazing kids—and learned plenty about the challenge of pediatric cancer— at the recent Hyundai Hope on Wheels Pediatric Cancer Awareness event.

1 every 36 minutes. That’s the rate at which children receive a cancer diagnosis.  In visual terms, picture one elementary school classroom of kids each and every day.

Pediatric cancers are not the cancers we all hear so much about, just in kids. They’re different from adult cancers, often triggered as organs grow and develop. Blastomas are the best-known example.

And unlike adult cancers, many of which have known risk factors that can be avoided, like sun exposure, smoking, or obesity, pediatric cancers by and large can’t be prevented.

The 80% overall cure rate of pediatric cancers may seem relatively good when compared to various types of adult cancers, but that translates to 3,000 children dying annually. Then there’s the issue of “meaningful survivorship,” the idea that not dying is not the same thing as living a full life. It’s particularly relevant when you’re talking about children. Some treatments cause toxicity issues later on, resulting in infertility or early menopause.

“Many aspects of pediatric cancer care can affect being able to fully engage in school, work, friendships, and romantic relationships, as well as parenting,” said panelist Jennifer Levine, MD, MSW, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at Columbia University Medical Center Division of Pediatric Oncology. “These can range from physical limitations like amputation to cognitive limitations from radiation to the brain.”

But the event wasn't an outlet for bad news. The afternoon was brightened by three kids, and their moms, who after a hard fight, are now cancer-free and resuming the everyday life of other kids their age.

Nicole Burnette’s youngest daughter, 11-year-old Ashley, was diagnosed at age 7, and is now a Hope On Wheels National Youth Ambassador.