Lillian Michelle Callahan was diagnosed with Glioblastoma at the age of 9 years old. This is a malignant tumor that affects the brain or spine. This type of tumor grows and spreads rapidly, often creating significant pressure. Glioblastoma invades the nearby brain tissue, but generally does not spread to distant organs. GBM is a devastating brain cancer that can result in death in 6 months or less, if left untreated. It forms from cells called astrocytes that support nerve cells. The most common symptoms are headache, nausea, vomiting, memory loss and irritability. It is estimated that more than 1,000 individuals in the United States will die from glioblastoma every year. The 5- year survival rate is only 6,8%.

     On September 10th, 2019, Lillian was in gym class when she suddenly experienced a seizure. She was immediately taken to the emergency room to be seen by a doctor. During that visit, doctors found a lesion that took up a quarter of her brain. Prior to her seizure, she never experienced any headaches or vision problems nor had she ever had a seizure. There were no signs of any health issues. That day, we were given the devastating news that our daughter had cancer. The emotional distress of hearing the word cancer was brutal. No parent is ever prepared to comprehend the magnitude of what this disease can do. Knowing there was nothing we could do to take this away from our daughter left us completely broken. The hardest part was knowing our child was given a death sentence and we could not tell her that. No matter how hard she fought and how positive we remained, we knew that death was inevitable.

     Lillian had 2 brain biopsies, needle anxiety, proton radiation, chemotherapy, port placement installation surgery and a craniotomy. She also had to endure bi monthly experimental treatments and was given steroids. The changes steroids made to our daughter's body was devastating. She suffered numerous seizures which were horrific to watch. She had multiple hospital stays as well. Watching her go through all the pain due to treatments and surgeries is something no parent should ever have to witness. These children do not deserve to have to fight to stay alive. Sadly, there are no other options when it comes to treatments. You do whatever you have to in hope that you will get another day with your child.

     Each year, an estimated 400,000 children and adolescents age 0-19 years of age develop cancer. Roughly 10,470 children in the United States under the age of 15 will be diagnosed with cancer in 2022. The overall incidence of childhood cancer is on the increase, averaging 0.8% incline per year since 1975. Overall cancer incidence rose an average of 1% per year from 1997 to 2018. About 1,050 children under the age of 15 are expected to die from cancer in 2022. After accidents, cancer is the leading cause of death by disease in children 15 years old or younger. Childhood cancer is not one disease. There are more than 12 major types of pediatric cancers and 100 subtypes. Childhood cancer survivors are at a 15-fold increased risk of developing congestive heart failure and are at a 7-fold higher risk of premature death due to cardiac causes.

     Lillian’s battle ended on May 8th, 2022. She fought hard for 2 years and 8 months. She was the bravest warrior I have ever known. As a father, she taught me so much about staying strong during difficult times, no matter the outcome. Cancer changed our lives forever and our heartbreak will never truly end. We miss her every day and know she would want us to advocate for her and be her voice. This is why we are so passionate about doing all we can to see the 4% federal funding rise to 8%. Our daughter did not have a chance but there are many other children who would if more federal funding was available. My daughter is not going to be a number. Her death will make a difference. Lillian’s sacrifice will bring awareness and medical advancement and we will not stop until it does.

     The federal government is allocating a baffling 4% for federal funding for childhood cancer research. That amount of funding is hardly enough to make any kind of change for these children. By signing this petition, you will help facilitate lobbying and the advance of a healthcare policy that will designate a higher percentage of resources for childhood cancer research. With extra funding this will give researchers the opportunity to do more testing and studies to potentially find a vaccine so that these children will not have to endure such horrific treatments. Even better, a cure for childhood cancer could possibly be found. We need 12 million signatures in order to advance in this process. Please stand with us and sign and share this petition. Let’s do all we can and give these children a fighting chance.

ROSWELL, GEORGIA