Field day is arguably the most exciting school day all year for a child in elementary school, but for Garrett Burnham, a second grader, it marked the first day of a 20 month battle with cancer. Garrett died at age nine in 2005 of Rhabdomyosarcoma. Generally this form of cancer, when detected early, has a 70% five year survival rate, but for Garrett the location of the tumor, around the carotid artery in his neck, limited his treatment options.
Garrett, a polite and smart child, did not let his situation deter him from dreaming. Seeing the need for an organization to fill in the gaps where the medical community and other organizations failed, the roots of what would become Garrett's Kidstrong were born. Within nine months of Garrett's death, the organization that bears his name was launched, and since that time over 600 children have been part of their program.
The mission behind Garrett's Kidstrong is simple: give kids opportunities to have fun even in the most clinical settings. Monthly activities are planned for children, and most provide opportunities for their families and siblings as well. Children unable to leave their hospital room receive activity kits.
Colleen Burnham, Garrett's mother and founder of Garrett's Kidstrong, looks back on the last five years and finds it difficult to single out one special moment, and then recalled the first Father's Day Program and one young man. He was rolled into the activity room with his IV attached looking frail and tired, but his delight at getting the chance to get out of his hospital room was evident to everyone. He told Colleen that he was so happy to be there, because he had been troubled by the fact that he had not been able to get his dad a gift. He spent time with the other kids that afternoon making magnets and laughing at silly jokes. Three days later he passed away, and while Colleen cannot tell this story without tearing up, she smiles knowing how much that afternoon meant to him and so happy his dad has those magnets today.
Colleen, like her son, continues to have dreams for Garrett's Kidstrong and hopes that one day they can open a facility near Dell Children's Hospital in Austin, Texas providing families with a safe place for siblings to play and stay during hospital visits. Currently if a child requires a treatment a family without the resources to provide care for their other children must bring them along. Colleen points out that this is not ideal for anyone involved. Children receiving treatments are put at risk and the siblings, in general, are just too anxious to be in those kinds of surroundings for a long period of time. (Not to mention the added stress on the parents.)
If you would like to help Garrett's Kidstrong make this dream become a reality you can make a donation at this link. If you are interested in volunteering you can find information here. Finally, if you are a family who would like to be part of Garrett's Kidstrong, you can find more information on their website.
Comments
Great Article
Thank you for this beautifully written article. The subject is unimaginable to consider, a parents living nightmare. The reality is that families are suffering everyday with the diagnosis and struggles with the treatment that come with cancer. One of the unrecognized stresses is that treatment often does not factor in young patients need to still be and act like a child. Siblings are often not allowed to be involved with the “wellness” aspect of treatment. Having fun and living during months of treatment is often put on the backburner for the entire family. How extremely giving of Colleen Burnham to reach out and help families make happy times during what is the most frightfully stressful time for a family. Even if only for small things. Because the slightest smiles really do count!
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