As a mother, as a human being…the words escape me. There is no way to properly express the empathy I feel for families who battle cancer, and for those with young children…I just can’t even speak. It makes my heart ache. It scares me. It makes me angry. And I want to end childhood cancer. All cancer. NOW. So that no child will hurt or suffer in its horrible grasp ever again. So that no family has to brave such heartbreak ever again. I am honored to have the opportunity to join the fight alongside Alex’s Lemonade Stand and Auntie Anne’s, and encourage you to consider giving whatever you can to help fund research to put an end to childhood cancer.

Today is about sharing one brave boy’s battle with childhood cancer. As a part of the Mini but Mighty Hero campaign, it’s my job to introduce you to Elijah. This sweet boy hails from Little Rock, AR and was diagnosed with neuroblastoma in 2005. To get him the very best care at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, his family made a big decision to move from their home to the busy city, and he’s been fighting cancer with the hospital’s special care for 5 years.

To Elijah and his family and the wonderful hospital staff providing his care: I pray steadfastly for a speedy journey to recovery. I pray that wisdom and creativity would flow through the doctor’s and nurses entitled with your care. I pray healing, hope, and heart to traverse the dark days when you’re tired, frustrated and down. I pray for sunshine and strength, peace and comfort. I pray for the good health of your family and that they are strong in body and mind to stand with you every second of every day in this battle. I admire your smile and I think you are beautiful. God’s light shines in you and I and humbled by your spirit. Keep up the good work! Keep fighting and know we are all standing with you, battling to cover more ground in the war against childhood cancer. You are loved.

Will you join me? Will you give back and contribute to the battle to end childhood cancer? Will you honor these mighty heroes and show them that you care?

You can contribute to the cause by clicking on the widget above or by visiting this link: https://www.tilt.com/campaigns/themightyfight. You can also choose to wear a yellow pretzel ribbon to spread the word among friends, coworkers and family that we all need to join the battle to end childhood cancer.

Lastly, as The Studio Hampton Roads prepares for our big open house at our new location, we will be taking the cause one step further by hosting a Lemonade Stand at the celebration. Please join us on September 6, 2014 from 11AM – 3PM at 2513 N. Landing Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23456 to enjoy some tasty lemonade and other treats and bring your donations for this worthy cause. If you can’t join us in person, we hope you’ll choose to join us from wherever you are by helping us reach our goal to fund a week’s worth of research by visiting our fundraising page, Life is Sweet. And if you’re really willing to dig in and help even more, sign up to host your own lemonade stand!