We would like to introduce you to Sammy’s Superheroes, a 501c3 non-profit organization in Columbus, Nebraska. We are anxious to share our mission of raising awareness and funding life-saving research for childhood cancer. On July 30th, 2012, 4-year-old, Sammy Nahorny, was diagnosed with cancer. Neuroblastoma is a solid tumor that begins on immature nerve cells, and it is very difficult to treat. Many cases of neuroblastoma begin in the abdomen, and commonly affect the adrenal glands. These glands make important hormones that control heart rate, blood pressure, blood sugar, and regulates how the body reacts to stress. The doctors had found a large tumor resting above Sammy’s left kidney. On August 1st, they were able to remove this tumor, along with his left adrenal gland. At that time it was also discovered that the cancer had spread to his lymph nodes, bones and bone marrow. The diagnosis was confirmed as Stage 4, high-risk, Neuroblastoma. In August of 2012, some of the Nahorny's closest friends developed the concept of Sammy’s Superheroes. They made t-shirts and asked local schools to support Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in September, by having “blue out” football games, where players, coaches, students and fans bought and wore blue Sammy’s Superheroes t-shirts, with all funds to be donated to childhood cancer research. In the process of researching agencies to donate to, we were shocked and horrified by the information we learned. For example, while childhood cancer is the number one cause of death by disease in children, pediatric AIDS receives four times the amount of funding! There were several statistics that shocked us and solidified our resolve to make a difference, not only for Sammy, but for ALL the children fighting this horrible disease. Here are a few to consider:
• Childhood cancer is the leading cause of death by disease in the US and it kills more children per year than cystic fibrosis, muscular dystrophy, asthma and AIDS combined.
• There are 15 children diagnosed with cancer for every one child diagnosed with pediatric AIDS. invests approximately $595,000 for research per victim of pediatric AIDS and only $20,000 for each victim of childhood cancer.
• In the past 20 years, only one new cancer drug has been approved for pediatric use. Children continue to receive toxic drugs intended for adults.
• 3 out of every 5 children diagnosed with cancer suffer long term and often life-threatening side effects, such as heart damage, chemo induced secondary cancer, lung damage, infertility, hearing loss, growth defects and many more.
• Cancer symptoms in children include fever, swollen glands, anemia, bruises and infection They are often misdiagnosed and treated as other childhood illnesses.
• The National Cancer Institute’s (NCI) federal budget was $4.6 billion. Of that, breast cancer received 12%, prostate cancer received 7%, and all 12 major groups of pediatric cancers combined received less than 3%.
• 80% of children have metastasized cancer at the time of their diagnosis. At diagnosis, only 20% of adults with cancer show evidence that the disease has spread or metastasized.
• 14,000 children will be diagnosed this year with cancer. That is the size of 2 average classrooms every single day, year after year.
• Pharmaceutical companies fund over 50% of adult cancer research, but virtually nothing for kids.
• September is Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month, which nationally goes largely unrecognized. So, we decided to make it official. Why can’t Sammy’s Superheroes be the Susan G. Komen of the childhood cancer world? All non-profits have to start somewhere, so why not start in Columbus, Nebraska? Our mission is to bring awareness to childhood cancer and to fund life-saving research to promote a cure for this devastating disease. Please consider becoming a part of Sammy's Superheroes. We imagine a future where childhood cancer is easily treated and cured, with no life-threatening side effects. Together we are making a difference.
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.”
–Margaret Mead
