Emmett Barrett was diagnosed on July 29th, 2021, with B-CELL Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia at just 2 years old. B-CELL ALL is a type of acute lymphoblastic leukemia. It is a cancer that affects white blood cells known as B-cell lymphoblasts. Children with this type of cancer have too many immature B-cell lymphoblasts in their bloodstream and bone marrow that do not work correctly. With this type of cancer, the cells replicate and divide more rapidly and release immature white blood cells. These are called leukemia cells.

The most common symptoms of B-CELL ALL are weight loss, fever, reduced appetite, pale skin and fatigue. This cancer can also cause anemia as well as infections. For children with B-CELL ALL the 5-year survival rate is 85%.

Emmett had not been feeling well for a few weeks. When he began experiencing fever as well as feeling ill, we immediately took him to see a doctor. They quickly diagnosed him with strep throat and sent us home. Things did not improve so we took our son back to see another doctor. We were finally able to get someone to listen to us and do blood work. Once the results came back, we were given the news that no parent is ready to hear. Our son had cancer and it was like a punch in the gut to hear those words. Within 48 hours we were sent to St. Jude hospital for 2 months away from our family. We were terrified and had no idea how much cancer was about to change our lives forever.

Treatments began and as a parent it was especially hard watching our son in pain. Knowing what was being pumped into our child's body was meant for an adult, was terrifying. There were no other options, but no matter the course of action, we would and will do anything to save our sons life. Steroids also cause side effects. Emmett often becomes irritable and cranky. It can often cause a child to become very sensitive or emotional. But this is justvanother choice we do not have. Despite his treatments, lumbar punctures, the constant poking and prodding and the numerous other things he has to endure, Emmett remains a true warrior. If we ever are struggling, he is who we get our strength from.

Childhood cancer is not just one disease. There are numerous types that can be found in different areas throughout the body. Cancer is diagnosed each year in approximately 400,000 children and adolescents ages 19 and under worldwide. That is over 1,000 new children affected every day. In the United States, cancer is the leading cause of death by disease past infancy for children. That means approximately 1,800 children die each year from this ugly disease. Childhood cancer rates have been rising slightly for the past few decades. Even children who are cured, may suffer long-term side effects as a result of the cancer treatments they received. Too many children are fighting for their lives and something needs to change. This is one reason it is so essential that we see the 4% federal funding for childhood cancer research rise to 8%.

Isolation has often been one of the toughest things for our son as well as our family to face. We cannot risk our son getting sick. Due to this, we were unable to go out in public much unless it was absolutely necessary. It can often become very overwhelming and feel extremely lonely. Sadly, cancer does not care how it affects anyone. It comes in without warning, such a vengeance and is determined to stay. These children fighting every day to beat this horrific disease should not have to live the way they are forced to. It is not fair and we desperately need more funding for research. Without it nothing will change and more children will be fighting to live. This is why we are so passionate about spreading awareness about childhood cancer. We need more people to listen and truly understand how horrendous childhood cancer is.

The federal government is allocating a baffling 4% for federal funding for childhood cancer research. This is not nearly enough funding to help these children and the researchers trying to find a vaccine or ultimately a cure. By signing this petition, you will be helping to facilitate lobbying and the advance of a healthcare policy that will designate a higher percentage of resources for childhood cancer research. This is necessary to make a difference and potentially end childhood cancer. We are in need of 12 million signatures to advance to the next step. Please sign and share this petition and stand with us to end childhood cancer.

LOCUST GROVE, OKLAHOMA