P.O.S.T. – Pediatric Oncology Support Team

“Your child has cancer” are the worst words any parent can hear. A parent’s mind races with fear and in an instant their world is turned upside down. Fortunately for local families getting this kind of news there is unique support available to them.

To tell the story of POST, let us introduce you to a couple of our young patients.

At 2 years old, Jenna was an active, curious toddler with an infectious laugh and a mischievous smile. Like many girls her age Jenna enjoyed watching and playing with Minnie Mouse, Paw Patrol, and Peppa Pig. Therefore, it was beyond shocking to her single mom, Martha, when she was diagnosed with kidney cancer in 2021. Jenna had started passing out, so Martha took her to the doctor, but she never expected this. How could this vibrant little girl full of life, personality, and charm suddenly have cancer?

Jenna got a port surgically placed in her little chest and started a four-year chemotherapy plan. Martha kept a brave face in front of her only daughter but periodically had to step out of her hospital room to shed tears where Jenna could not see. She shared her fears with POST therapists who gave her advice and support. Martha lies next to her young daughter, watching her sleep and cries about all this little girl is having to go through – all that she cannot protect her from. She tries hard to keep her daughter’s life as normal as possible and dreams of the day that cancer will be just a memory. She is beyond grateful that POST has helped with rent, gas cards, and groceries so she can manage during this trying time.

Another brave young cancer survivor, Elijah, was first diagnosed in April 2014 at the age of 5 with very high risk Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. He went through 3½ years of grueling treatment with POST care team members by his side every step of the way providing support and encouragement. After cancer, Elijah’s family were finally back to living a “normal life,” which for Elijah meant going to school and playing with friends. Four years later the unthinkable happened – Elijah was back in the ER with bone pain which led to the news that his cancer was back.

The treatment this time was even tougher, and he had to undergo a bone marrow transplant – a dangerous procedure in which his body’s immune system was wiped out by chemotherapy and replaced with his brother’s healthy cells. Through it all, his family relied on POST as well as their deep faith in God. Today Elijah is cancer free. He is doing well, gaining strength, and ready to face the future.

This year Elijah is serving as the Event Ambassador for the 2023 Gold Ribbon Heroes Luncheon to raise much needed funds so POST can continue to help local children battle cancer.

Childhood Cancer Facts
• 42 American children are diagnosed with cancer every day, and the lives of 42 families are changed forever.
• The average age of a child diagnosed with cancer is six years old.
• Although 4 out of 5 children diagnosed with cancer survive, cancer is the #1 cause of death by disease in children.
• Seven children a day die of cancer.
• 3 out of 5 children suffer from long-term side effects.

Visit PostFL.org for more information and opportunities to help.

Visit Luxury Home Magazine of The Palm Beaches to learn about more charitable associations in South Florida.

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