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As a 3-year-old child, Sammi was diagnosed with a brain tumor, requiring brain surgery, two years of chemotherapy, and many months in the hospital. Now, at age 16, Sammi has gone from being the inspiration for bike riders in the Pan Mass Challenge (a ride for Dana Farber) to riding in the race herself. This petite, 4’10” high school junior demonstrates some pretty outsized strength. My name is Sammi Janower. I am 16 years old and currently a rising Junior at the Noble and Greenough School. When I was 3, I was diagnosed with a pediatric brain tumor. I spent much of my childhood feeling nauseous and tired as the result of my treatments, some of which have had undesirable long term side effects. For my TEDx talk, I would want to focus on the idea that everything happens for a reason. Although I went through a terrible experience, I am now able to help others in the same situation and try to use the story of my cancer journey to inspire others. I have spent years helping to raise money for research into less toxic and more effective treatments for brain tumors. In addition, I have trained for two years to ride the Pan Mass Challenge on a tandem with my dad. As a result of our efforts over the past decade, this formerly orphan disease is much closer to a cure, helping many children and their families find hope for a better future.
I believe that I am making a positive impact in the world by advocating for an orphaned disease and for the support of cancer research. Speaking at the Pan Mass Challenge Heavy Hitter’s dinner in May, I helped raise awareness for such a great organization and raise more money for the cause. Similarly, by working with our family’s foundation, A Kids Brain Tumor Cure, I have helped to raise money in order to find non-toxic cures for pediatric brain tumors, some of which are being by patients today.
I want to share my story now because I believe that the sooner we raise awareness, the sooner we can find a cure. Additionally, in this point in my life, I am a 16 year old girl, just starting Junior year of high school, a place where my parents never thought I would get to. For me, to be able to stand here and tell my story, is amazing. I am far enough away from the experience to reflect upon its impact on my life but still young enough and close enough to the experience to be able to feel the long-lasting effects that cancer has had on my life and my future. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx


Childhood cancer is a devastating diagnosis—and an unbearable one if it’s your child. Can you imagine what it would feel like for cancer to strike both your kids? Alyssa shares her family’s journey from healthy children to cancer patients. She’s grateful for the team at Arkansas Children’s – and for donors like you who help create a healthier tomorrow for Abigail and Kendryck.
Make a gift today at https://support.archildrens.org/donate
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Raining in my Heart tells the heart-warming story of three extraordinary children at the forefront of cancer research. The decisions they make, and the risks they take with their own lives, will benefit countless children and adults affected by cancer in the future.
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Just exactly how do we get the average person like you and the politicians and the corporations and the pharmaceutical companies who control the research funding to take creative ownership of the childhood cancer epidemic in this country? Because make no mistake about it… it is an epidemic!
Tom Mitchell is the founder and director of Stillbrave Childhood Cancer Foundation. Affectionately known as “Tattoo Tom” by the children and families whom he serves. He is also a nationally recognized activist and advocate for children with cancer and their families.
Following the death of his daughter Shayla in 2009 from Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Tom dedicated his entire life to providing non-medical support to children with cancer and their families. He’s also committed to raising awareness of the need for more research funding and safer, less toxic treatments for children with cancer.
Dubbing himself and those who work for Stillbrave as “Renegades” Tattoo Tom is always anxious to share what he’s learned, grown to understand, but refused to accept. He is very outspoken. His obvious passion, continued activism, and his innate need to be a voice for those who do not have one has led him to being at the forefront of a grassroots movement.
In September of 2015 Tom competed in and finished the Tahoe 200 mile ultramarathon. He is an extreme runner and has been featured in an award-winning documentary and news stories of his exploits have won several Emmy awards. To date he has raised over $350,000 for Stillbrave just through his ultrarunning endeavors
On any given day you are likely to find Tom on a personal visit either at the chemotherapy clinic or bedside within the confines of a hospital room where his ability to console the inconsolable is an invaluable asset. Humor, compassion and first-hand knowledge of this kind are almost impossible to quantify and cannot be delivered in a gift card, or a care package.
The following day you may find Tattoo Tom at the White House, speaking at a rally or on the streets of Washington D.C. carrying a picket sign, loudly and unapologetically vocal about what matters most, the eradication of childhood cancer.
@stillbrave
This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx


A cure is always the goal. But the journey to remission, the treatment itself is unthinkably hard for families touched by childhood cancer. We need better cures, safer cures - and we can't get there soon enough for kids like Vara. Join the search for cures: http://www.blockoutcancer.org.
Learn more about the nationally ranked cancer program at C.S. Mott Children's Hospital:
http://www.mottchildren.org/cancer