September is Pediatric Cancer Awareness month. 

During my time at Auburn University, I had an opportunity to work with Camp Smile-A-Mile, a camp for kids whose lives were personally affected by cancer. Doctors and nurses came to camp so that even kids in active treatment could attend. Our campers were heroes who had been through rounds of chemotherapy, radiation, countless days in the hospital, and some of them were less than 7 years old. It was at Camp Smile-A-Mile that I began to hate cancer.

This week, various friends and family in the Tampa Bay Area are reminded of the same hatred. Cailin Canella, a swimmer at the Academy of the Holy Names, lost a year-long battle with osteosarcoma. She was a joy to be around, and this loss is sure to affect many. I'm hopeful that you'll all join us in showing support for Cailin and all of the other kids who are burdened with cancer. Please consider using one of the following links that we assure you support GREAT organizations fighting the good fight.