Neuroblastoma - we had never heard of such a term before. It took us about 4 days to be able to remember or pronounce it.

It is a type of malignant cancer in kids' sympathetic nervous systems (the sympathetic nervous system is responsible for the body's involuntary acts - blushing, dilation of the pupils, getting goosebumps, and increased heart rate or blood pressure from the "fight or flight" reaction). This cancer is a solid primary tumor that is often spread into other parts of the body. The primary tumor takes over one of the adrenal glands about 65% of the time.

neuro = nerve

-blast = immature cells

-oma = tumor

Four-year old Hazen is an "older" neuroblaster - 75% of the kids are 2-years-old or younger. There are about 650 new cases of neuroblastoma in the United States each year. Neuroblastoma is one of the 12 types of children's cancer. There is no book called "Neuroblastoma for Dummies"...yet.

Cancer in Kids

is DIFFERENT than adult cancer. The causes of most children's cancers are unknown. 2-year olds don't smoke cigarettes, work with asbestos, or have unhealthy lifestyles. None of the 12 types of childhood cancers bear any resemblance to big people's cancers and therefore require completely different treatment, care, and attention.

Research funding for Children's Cancer is seriously under supported in this country. The movie, "Meet the Frockers" grossed more money than the entire US govt. allocated towards research for children's cancer in 2005. Our family wants to change this.

--"Meet the Fockers" 2005 revenue gross - $278 million

--US Govt./National Cancer Inst. Children's Cancer 2005 research budget - $263 million

More to come from us on this subject soon at which time, we will resume our position on the soapbox.