As September unfurls its golden leaves, it brings with it a poignant reminder of bravery and hope—Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. This month, we stand united in the fight against childhood cancer, and in doing so, we reintroduce our Bravery support a cause candle. Every flicker of this candle burns with purpose, as 100% of profits will be donated to the MACC Fund (Midwest Athletes Against Childhood Cancer), helping combat childhood cancer.
The Bravery candle was born out of love and courage, inspired by dear friends Ben and Claire, and their remarkable 2-year-old son, Emmett. Emmett, with his unwavering spirit, is a bright light even in the face of leukemia. His journey has been one of bravery, filled with the inevitable twists and turns that cancer brings. As Ben, Emmett's father, shares, "Cancer is a journey that is not linear. It has lots of twists and turns that make for challenging times."
Earlier this year, Emmett faced a series of daunting battles, with blood infections that kept him hospitalized for 30 long days. Yet, since his discharge in April, he has been flourishing, embracing a treatment plan focused on keeping cancer at bay. Emmett’s resilience is reflected in his newfound normalcy, enjoying summer's simple joys with his family by his side.
Emmett's treatment, though less intense now, demands daily courage. It involves medication through a g-tube and weekly physical therapy to strengthen his balance and coordination. Despite the challenges, Ben reflects on the transition: "Although the treatment is less intense… his bravery still remains the same. It looks and feels a little different, but now we can shift our focus from being brave in the hospital to being brave in daily life."
Emmett and his family exemplify bravery—not just in facing cancer, but in living each day with strength and grace. Their journey is shared by many, and through our Bravery candle, we hope to ignite a sense of solidarity and support for all those affected by this relentless disease.
In a profound testament to the power of bravery, a former colleague of Ben's, after overcoming cancer once, faced a second diagnosis. When he learned about our Bravery campaign, he chose to purchase a candle for each of his children. It became a symbol of hope, an emblem in their journey together, as they approached this new chapter with unity and courage.
As we light our Bravery candles this month, let us remember Emmett, his family, and all those who embody courage in the fight against childhood cancer. May each flame remind us of the strength that lies within, and may it inspire us to support, uplift, and stand alongside those who need it most. Together, our collective bravery can illuminate even the darkest paths.
💛 Christiana
