Over the last few decades, the prevalent links between neuroscience and the immune system have grown into an interdisciplinary area of study known as psychoneuroimmunology which explores the influence of the mind on the body’s immune system. read more →
by Les Friedman, Mikey’s Dad
When your child is diagnosed with cancer, you have to be his/her advocate. As a parent, your insight and intimate knowledge of your child are what make you the best possible advocate for him/her. Your role is to be your child’s voice.
There’s a certain number of children on the floor when your child’s in the hospital. Every child has needs and it’s not always easy to get what your child needs when your child needs it. I learned quickly that being a “squeaky wheel” is what got results. I asked, I nagged, I pushed – I did whatever it took to get what Mikey needed when he needed it. read more →
by Les Friedman, Mikey’s Dad
When Mikey was diagnosed with cancer, our world as we knew it stopped. Life became doctor appointments, the side effects of chemo, and the ever-looming possibility of an unexpected hospital admission. Meanwhile, regular life also marched on and what we considered normal became something else entirely. read more →
by Les Friedman, Mikey’s Dad
Mikey penned the bulk of his writing when he was 16 and 17. Two days after his 15th birthday, Mikey was diagnosed with cancer and began treatment shortly thereafter, so by the time he started writing, he was very well acquainted with the cancer treatment process. read more →
Mikey’s words (at 16 years of age), his spirit and his attitude inspire us every day as we carry out the work that he began during his brief lifetime. In his own words, he eloquently and profoundly captured what would ultimately reflect his legacy:
“The choices we make dictate the lives we lead” (author unknown). We might wish and hope that the world will prosper and grow to be a better place, but if our choices fail to reflect this ambition, our intentions will be rendered irrelevant. Every choice we make is a seed. A consequence sprouts from each of these seeds. Ultimately, the consequence stands as the only indicator that a choice was ever made. As thunder trails lightening, consequence is the great betrayer of choice. For this reason, our intentions can only manifest themselves through the consequences of the choices we make. Mikey Friedman read more →
On Friday, August 18, 2017, the RACE for Children Act became law, ensuring that novel and exciting new cancer drugs will now be developed not only for adults, but also for children with cancer!
One of the most significant challenges for pediatric cancer research has been the lack of access to novel and exciting new drugs. Cancer research has made tremendous strides over the years resulting in new cancer treatments for adults, but these seldom translate into new treatments for kids. Because of this, pediatric cancer patients received out-dated and often old treatments.
Each September, families, caregivers, charities and research groups around the world “Go Gold” to put a spotlight on the types of cancer that largely affect children and to raise awareness for childhood cancer research, treatment, patient support and survivorship issues.
The Gold Ribbon is the international awareness symbol of Childhood Cancer. The color gold represents how precious children are and the resiliency of childhood cancer heroes.
At Mikey’s Way Foundation, we’re going gold to rally for all children who have fought or are fighting cancer. You can join the movement, too! read more →
