I got to learn the term neuroblastoma through Max’s blog 4 years ago and found out from the blog there are many children suffering from neuroblastoma. You can find out about these childrens’ stories in his blog under “Warriors and Angels”. It is a horrifying disease, when the disease rears back after remission, it just unleashes its unrelenting power till it destroys the kid.
When Max passed away, I was much affected by the news. As I had followed his news for more than a year, there was this special affinity to him even though we were strangers. He was so cute and had such a sunny disposition. After he passed away, his good friend Sam also lost the battle to neuroblastoma. I just cannot imagine how the parents of both kids felt, one moment they thought they have conquered the disease and the next moment, the disease just sneaked back and consumed their child. And the rapid fire of the power is nothing one can imagine.
And today I just saw in Charmaine’s blog that she also passed away because of neuroblastoma. She has fought so bravely and hard these 2 years 8 months, shuttling between NY and Singapore and in and out of hospital countless times….fiesty is really the word to describe her. I am amazed at her strength and resilience all these while, in fact her whole family, mum and brother also; fighting together with her and never giving up hope….I really feel for the mother; single parent, doing all this by herself and making decisions not knowing whether it helps or hurts and having to see her own kid suffer and tumors devilishly growing out from different parts of the body. Though I am not a mother myself and can only feel a glimpse of what she goes through, I really cannot take it. It’s too much..
And there are many more kids out there who are suffering from this disease. I just pray that some doctors, scientists, researchers whoever will find a way to find a cure and bring relief to these children.
I have encountered a series of deaths recently and I am reminded again every day, every breath we take is a miracle and a grace from God. “How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone.” James 4:14
