Below is a message written by Daniel's mom Melanie. We hope it sheds light on the experience our family has had with childhood cancer.

"Daniel was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia on December 15, 2010 at the age of 2.

On December 14th while changing Daniel before his nap, I noticed some small red dots on his stomach and back. I am a bit of a worrier so after I put him down for his nap I looked up the rash on the computer and leukemia kept coming up. I felt like I was crazy for even thinking that he might have cancer,  but I knew I wouldn't be able to relax until I took him to the Dr. The next day I took him to his pediatrician and his blood tests came back abnormal. We were sent to the pediatric hematology and oncology clinic where our worst fears were confirmed. We spent the next week in the hospital where he underwent a bone marrow aspirate, lumber puncture, surgery to implant a port in his chest, x-rays, chemo and blood and platelet transfusions.

Daniel's leukemia went into remission fairly quickly, but unfortunately the fight against this disease is not over yet. If all goes well, Daniel's treatment will last about 3 years and 2 months. We are lucky that he has handled the treatments well so far, because we know that many children don't. We also know that many children lose their fight against many different types of cancer and that Daniel wouldn't be here today if it weren't for the research that has been done over the years. However more needs to be done and it can't be without the proper funding. Please consider making a donation in the fight against childhood cancer to ensure that all children will have the future that they want and deserve."- Melanie Kauffman 

Many of you continually ask about Daniel- and also have asked how you can help. We would like to bring awareness and raise funds to help the many other families who are also facing childhood cancer. 

We are so thankful that Daniel is an active 3rd grader enjoying sports and starting Cub Scouts and is still our superhero. ️️️