Although only about three percent of funds raised for the National Cancer Institute go directly to pediatric cancer research, Fernandez said such funding has steadily declined since 2003, leaving childhood cancer “vastly and consistently under-funded.”
Sandra Andrade described the fears and hopes of parents whose children have cancer, the rollercoaster of treatment and diagnosis, remission and relapse: “So we put our faith in our children’s strength, the doctors and nurses, our prayers, the prayers of others and God.... We are so grateful that we live here in Santa Paula,” where since Sophia’s diagnosis Andrade said the community “has embraced and supported us with a massive turnout at a blood drive in Sophia’s honor, fundraisers by Familia Diaz, Tisa’s Hair Salon, and Mountain View Golf Course,” along with “many prayers and the outpouring of love by the residents of this fine city.”
Andrade noted, “Sophia is not the only Santa Paula Warrior” battling childhood cancer; football player Keshaun Mata and Isaiah Maynard are two who have been battling childhood cancer. Tony “Tiger” Servin-Soltero, a 4th grade McKevett School student, received his angel’s wings in April 2012.
“As parents we go out and make a lot of noise” to bring awareness to childhood cancer, an effort Andrade said others can make by donating cash, art supplies, gift cards and toys to hospitals treating childhood cancer patients and donating blood or platelets because the need is always great. People can also support organizations and programs that benefit those with childhood cancer - from Make-A-Wish Foundation and The Teddy Bear Foundation to the Talbert Family Foundation.
