Yesterday I learned in the news about a 12 year old girl named Avery who passed away after a two year battle with brain cancer. Hearing this breaks my heart and also gets me fired up because of the lack of funding that goes to childhood cancer research.

I am grateful for strides that have been made in various areas of cancer research yet childhood and rare cancers are very much underfunded.

I have a dear friend, @morgplatt_ , who has been a brain cancer warrior for 13 years now, since she was 7. Morgan is a fierce advocate for funding research for childhood cancer. She taught me that only 4% of federal funding goes to researching childhood cancers.

I’ve known too many families who have lost their precious children too soon. Hearing about Avery made me want to not only put my cleats out in her memory today but also raise awareness about the lack of funding for childhood cancer.

In honor of Morgan, and in memory of Avery, and all the other children gone too soon, let’s choose to give and support organizations like @averyslittlearmy , @chadtoughdefeatdipg , or @alexslemonade who are doing their part to make a difference in childhood cancer research.

And to let Avery’s family know they are seen, heard and loved in this time of loss, if you have cleats, put them out in your doorstep for Avery today and post it with #cleatsoutforavery so the family can see. Also, consider making a donation to the foundation they made to honor their little girl, @averyslittlearmy .

And whether you do one, both, or neither of these, please pray over this family, and all who have had to say good-bye to their children too soon. Let’s pray for their hearts and for strides to be made so others families won’t have to do the same.

Thank you💕🙏💕

With care and hope,
Shawn