On a Mission to #EndChildhoodCancer!
Below is a message from Classic Travel Connection’s owner, Christen Perry, about one of her biggest passions, her “why”, and how you can join with Classic Travel Connection this month.
No matter how busy we are, there is always something deep inside of us that motivates us to make a difference in the world.
There are so many amazing causes that are deserving of our time and financial investment. I've said many times over the last 7 years, "Find something that you're passionate about that makes a difference in the lives of others. Most of us already know what that is. Then, get up and take action."
Let me tell you about my passion and my "why". Almost seven years ago, my 18 year old daughter was diagnosed with one of the most rare types of childhood cancer, Stage 4, High Risk Neuroblastoma. Kayla was not given a good prognosis. Research had little to offer in her unique situation. She spent three years fighting the monster that invaded her body over and over again. Chemo, radiation, bone marrow transplants, blood transfusions, platelet transfusions, surgeries, and so many medications with awful side effects were a part of her regimen. During the course of her treatment, we saw way too many children of all ages fight, win, and sadly lose the hardest battle. Most of us can't even imagine, and these children live it. As a 50 year old grown woman, I have been to more children's funerals than adult funerals. It's a life you don't even know exists until you live it or someone you love lives it. It is truly heartbreaking.
We realized very quickly that kids need cures. Childhood cancer receives the least of all cancers in terms of government funding. Therapies are old, and the side effects are harsh for children. In the midst of her worst days, Kayla founded Open Hands Overflowing Hearts. OHOH exists to fund pediatric cancer research. To date, since OHOH was founded, we have funded $2M for research all over the United States.
I believe with all my heart that Kayla is a miracle. Today she has survived her odds and is living with her husband in Tucson, AZ. March 20 will be her 25th Birthday.
In honor of my hero's 25th birthday, I am donating $25 to OHOH for every vacation that I book in February.
Please join me in my fight to end childhood cancer by donating here.
When you give a gift to OHOH during the month of February Classic Travel Connection will match all donations up to $1000.
To learn more about OHOH and our mission please visit Open Hands Overflowing Hearts.
Until there’s a cure,
Christen