“Your child has cancer.” It’s not something any family wants to hear, but it’s a sad reality many families face. According to Children’s Cancer Cause, cancer is the number one cause of death by disease among children and adolescents in the United States.

At just 18 months old, Merritt was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare type of soft tissue cancer. Like many people battling cancer, she often depended on blood and platelet donors to be able to withstand harsh treatments and multiple surgeries. That meant blood transfusions – and blood donors – saved her life.

“It's so crazy to see that blood bag hanging up there, and realize that because of somebody else, your child is getting the best care possible.”

 – Kayla (Merritt’s Mom)

In honor of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month this September, we caught up with Merritt’s family to learn more about her journey and their experience with childhood cancer.

Merritt, childhood cancer survivor and blood donation recipient.

What helps you stay positive or hopeful during tough times?

The biggest thing that helped us stay positive and hopeful was being able to see Merritt and other kids just be kids, even though they were putting up the biggest fights of their lives.

Just being in the oncology clinic and watching all the different kids doing things from coloring, to playing games, to interacting with each other with smiles on their faces while receiving chemo was one thing that helped us to stay hopeful and positive. 

Another thing was our huge support system of family and friends throughout Merritt's treatment that we knew we could always count on no matter what. 

If you could give advice to someone whose child was newly diagnosed, what would it be?

The best advice that we could give to the family of a child that was diagnosed with cancer is, you are never alone. Whether it is a doctor, a nurse, a social worker, or a family member there is always someone that will be there to listen and is there for you. 

Childhood cancer may seem rare, but with an average of 47 children a day being diagnosed with cancer, it is not nearly as rare as we like to think it is. We see that statistic as 47 families a day that are not only helping their child fight, but also there to advocate, raise awareness, help support others, and help others in their fight as well. 

Facing childhood cancer can and will take a toll on you mentally and emotionally, but there are always people there to help you in any way that you need. You just have to be willing to open up to them. You do not have to do this alone.

What type of support can family and friends provide?

Family and friends play a BIG support role in the lives of a family facing childhood cancer. There were countless meals that were provided for us. It is crazy to think how much not having to worry about a meal means to a family while managing all of the mental and emotional stress. 

Another way was giving us time to get out and enjoy our previous normal even for just a little bit. Whether it was someone offering to stay with the kids so that we could just go to dinner alone or to be able to take in a baseball or football game, just this little bit of time to return to our previous normal helped us a lot mentally.

The support of phone calls and messages from family and friends were always very encouraging to us. Life for everyone is busy, but to know that someone took the time out of their day to check in on you during your situation is a huge blessing that always meant a lot to us.  

How did Merritt do with treatment and recovery?

The way Merritt faced her treatments is best described as a mixed blessing. [Since she] was only 18 months old...for Merritt, this was the normal for her life before she could even count or say her colors. It was an advantage for her to not understand the reason for the needles and medicine on a regular basis, but it was also a drawback…because all that was going through her mind was that she had already had enough for one week.

As for her recovery after her treatments, she was a true warrior. Merritt would always get sick after her chemo, especially her 8-hour chemo days. Even though she would keep her sickness bag in her hand, she always had a smile on her face and wanted to play and just be a kid.

Merritt at one of the blood drives her family hosts every year.

What is her favorite thing to do now that she is cancer free?

Now that Merritt is cancer free, she enjoys being able to be a normal kid and live life to the fullest. You never know what she will be doing to enjoy herself. Merritt enjoys riding her bike, reading, playing with her chickens, going to baseball games, going to concerts, and going to zoos.    

Fun Bonus Question: What does Merritt want to be when she grows up?

When Merritt grows up, she wants to be an animal doctor. She has always had a love for animals. If there is an animal anywhere nearby, that is where you will find Merritt.  

It takes a whole community to help raise awareness and support the needs of children with cancer, including blood donors. Donate at a OneBlood Donor Center or Big Red Bus now through September 30^th and receive a Cancer Awareness T-shirt plus a Free $20 eGift Card. Be a hero to our little heroes – join Merritt and OneBlood by donating today!