LETTER TO CONGRESS
Harry Reid June 2, 2009
Senate Majority Leader
United States Senate
528 Hart Senate Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
I could never have imagined myself in this position. If it could happen to our family, it could happen to you too.
Sadly, on December 17, 2007, our intelligent, intuitive, athletic, beautiful daughter was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Kristin was just seventeen. She had begun her junior year of high school with all the enthusiasm a smart and active child could possibly possess. While in the throws of building homecoming floats, running cross country races, and life, Kristin stated, “I feel like I am coming down with something.” Little did we know just how wicked that something was.
This diagnosis would certainly have been a death sentence for children a few, not too distant, decades ago. That could have possibly been some of you who are reading this letter. Look around. Imagine your congress twenty years into the future. Are there empty chairs, voids, and echoes?
When we fail to recognize the magnitude and importance of funding childhood cancer research, we pay a dreadfully high price. Simply put, lives are lost. Their void is apparent as the sun failing to rise to their families. The collective promises their precious lives could have contributed to our great country will forever be unknown.
Undeniably, much progress has been made. But… children with cancer need us to do more. We all know what “more” means. Each and everyone of us does. When scientists, and doctors, parents and politicians, all work closely together; with a driven desire in the pursuit of curing the child, answers are discovered. There is a faster transition from research to bedside. Collaborative efforts free bottle necking of information. Lessons learned can be applied to treating other cancers.
“More” cannot be done without research funds. It is as simple as that. With the explosion of information and technology, we are standing on the threshold of a pivotal junction. Let us not lose the footing gained by our dedicated scientists and doctors. Please care enough to give more generously so that children may be blessed with the promise of growing old.
Sincerely and Passionately,
Leslie and Darren Katich
p.s. We are happy to report, that as of this date, Kristin does have the promise of growing old thanks to the science of modern medicine.
Senate Majority Leader
United States Senate
528 Hart Senate Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
I could never have imagined myself in this position. If it could happen to our family, it could happen to you too.
Sadly, on December 17, 2007, our intelligent, intuitive, athletic, beautiful daughter was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Kristin was just seventeen. She had begun her junior year of high school with all the enthusiasm a smart and active child could possibly possess. While in the throws of building homecoming floats, running cross country races, and life, Kristin stated, “I feel like I am coming down with something.” Little did we know just how wicked that something was.
This diagnosis would certainly have been a death sentence for children a few, not too distant, decades ago. That could have possibly been some of you who are reading this letter. Look around. Imagine your congress twenty years into the future. Are there empty chairs, voids, and echoes?
When we fail to recognize the magnitude and importance of funding childhood cancer research, we pay a dreadfully high price. Simply put, lives are lost. Their void is apparent as the sun failing to rise to their families. The collective promises their precious lives could have contributed to our great country will forever be unknown.
Undeniably, much progress has been made. But… children with cancer need us to do more. We all know what “more” means. Each and everyone of us does. When scientists, and doctors, parents and politicians, all work closely together; with a driven desire in the pursuit of curing the child, answers are discovered. There is a faster transition from research to bedside. Collaborative efforts free bottle necking of information. Lessons learned can be applied to treating other cancers.
“More” cannot be done without research funds. It is as simple as that. With the explosion of information and technology, we are standing on the threshold of a pivotal junction. Let us not lose the footing gained by our dedicated scientists and doctors. Please care enough to give more generously so that children may be blessed with the promise of growing old.
Sincerely and Passionately,
Leslie and Darren Katich
p.s. We are happy to report, that as of this date, Kristin does have the promise of growing old thanks to the science of modern medicine.
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