Childhood Cancer Awareness Day proclaimed at the Capitol

Frankfort, Ky (WTVQ):  Governor Andy Beshear signing a proclamation, marking today as ‘Childhood Cancer Awareness Day.’ Ebony Lowmen, is the mom of a three year old son, who was diagnosed with a rare cancer at the age of two.

“It’s a family, a family that we all wish that we didn’t have to belong to. But it’s a family that helps you support and get through one of the most difficult and unimaginable things you could ever face in your life,” she said.

Her son, “was diagnosed with atypical Territoire Parotid tumor, ATRT. ATRT is an aggressive and rare brain cancer, stage 4. It affects 58 people nationwide.”

Beshear says Kentucky is one of the first states in the country to put childhood cancer research funding in their budget, and this year, “is a record $7.5 million a year, a record funding of $15 million state funding going towards research,” Beshear said.

Childhood cancer is the number one cause of death by disease for children. Lowmens had to endure treatment not offered in the state of Kentucky.

“Imagine living almost nine months in the hospital, being told over and over that you don’t qualify for many programs that would help your family during an unimaginable crisis,” Lowmen said.

But, Lowmen says she’s hopeful about this new budget.

“Anything can help further research in treatment is always a reason to feel hopeful,” said Lowmen.

Beshear says a way that you can help is by donating blood.