It’s Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, and I’m Tired of Being Ignored: A Message From a Mother Deep In It

Maxwell's Journey
Written By Dina Besic

From a Cancer Mom Who Never Thought She’d Be One:

Before Max was diagnosed, I didn’t really understand what Childhood Cancer Awareness Month meant. It came and went like every other awareness month. I didn’t know the gold ribbon. I didn’t know the 8% statistic. I didn’t know what parents were going through. I didn’t know what kids were going through.

But now I do. And I can’t unsee it. Ever.

What You’re Not Told About Childhood Cancer:

When you hear childhood cancer, you probably picture a hospital room, and then — hopefully — a happy ending.

But here’s what you don’t see:

  • The bone pain that keeps them up at night

  • The chemo-induced fevers that land you back in the ER every other week

  • The way toddlers forget how to walk due to the side effects

  • The daily medication routines — 10+ syringes, crushed pills, and constant monitoring

  • The immune suppression is so severe that you avoid public places, birthdays, and holidays

  • The trauma families carry long after “treatment is over”

This isn’t a movie montage. This is years of treatment. This is life now — for thousands of families.

And still… only 8% of federal funding goes to childhood cancer research. Let me say that again — Only 8%! The rest? Goes to adult cancers. Our kids deserve more than 8%!

That 8% means:

  • Fewer clinical trials are designed for kids

  • Old chemo protocols — made for adult bodies, not growing children

  • Limited treatment options, especially for rare or aggressive cancers

  • Long-term side effects that rob kids of their futures, even if they survive

Children like my sweet 4-year-old son Max are handed adult meds, adult dosing, adult side effects — because for too long, childhood cancer has been underfunded and underestimated.

So Here’s How You Can Help:

I’m not writing this for sympathy. I’m writing this because staying silent doesn’t help the children and families who are living this every day.

If you want to help this month — here’s how:

🗣️ Speak Up

  • Post the 8% stat. Talk about it. Educate your circle.

  • Share the truth — not just the ribbon.

🎗️ Advocate

  • Organizations like St. Baldrick’s Foundation are doing critical work to fund childhood cancer research and better treatments for kids.

  • Call your representatives. Ask what they’re doing for childhood cancer research funding.

  • Support organizations fighting for legislative change (like The Truth 365).

💛 Support Families in Treatment

  • Donate to grassroots orgs like Maxwell’s Toy Box that help families directly.

  • Send meals, gas cards, or just a text saying, “I’m here.”

📸 Change What You Post

🕊️ Looking Ahead:

One day, I hope Maxwell’s Toy Box will have enough funding not only to support families but to help change the system.

We dream of building an advocacy division. One that can contribute to research funding, policy change, and a future where treatments are made for kids.

Until then, we’ll keep showing up for families — and keep fighting every.single.day.

Final Words:

This month is heavy. It’s not a ribbon for me — it’s a reminder of what Max endures every single day.

As a mom, I carry that weight. But I also carry this truth: We can absolutely change this.

Let’s be the generation that refuses to be ignored. Let’s keep demanding better for the children fighting today — and the ones who will be diagnosed tomorrow.

Because our children deserve better. Not “someday.” Now.

Sending so much love and prayer.
Dina
Mom, Founder & Childhood Cancer Advocate 💛

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September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month!