Every day, there are almost 800 new cases of childhood cancer around the world. This adds up to an estimated 300,000 new cases of cancer that affect children under the age of 20 each year worldwide. And yet, childhood cancer is vastly and consistently underfunded with less than 4% of the federal government's total funding for cancer research dedicated to childhood cancers each year.

Today, the money you donate has the potential to make a huge difference in the lives of kids with cancer (and their families). Your donation will fund research into safer, more effective treatments and cures. Give today!

**Gianna's story, age 10**

In February 2021, Gianna was diagnosed with Telangiectactic Osteosarcoma (TO), a rare form of bone cancer. She completed one round of MAP chemo (cisplatin, doxorubicin, and high-dose methotrexate) until her femur broke when the tumor on her left knee continued to grow. She had LSS (limb-salvage surgery) with a metal implant replacing her knee and part of her femur. Gianna then completed five rounds of ifosfamide and etoposide chemo. She started having hip pain that seemed to be muscle related from overuse or overcompensation while rehabbing her left leg.

When she was supposed to start her last round of chemo, they found the cancer had spread. It spread down her leg, in a spot in her spine and spots they had been monitoring in her lungs grew. Her doctors gave the devastating news that her cancer is terminal.

But Gianna isn’t done fighting. Since the majority of the cancer was in her left leg, she had a hip disarticulation amputation, meaning they removed her entire leg. She also completed 5 days of high-powered radiation on her spine, since that area was deemed inoperable. She started an oral chemo pill that she takes daily. Gianna has had a lot of awful pain from the amputation, but it is now more manageable with her medication schedule.

We are hopeful but we know it’s still an uphill battle. Despite all the scientific advancements in our world, the chemo used to treat Gianna’s cancer is decades old and often not effective, despite extreme side effects. We can and have to do better for our children.