From adversity to advocacy: One local family overcoming childhood cancer

SPOKANE, WA— “You just don’t know. That’s why you can’t take any moment for granted,” Sarah Graczyk, mom to 9-year-old cancer survivor Jade.

Before the age of ten, Jade was diagnosed with a form of kidney cancer. Sarah recalls the overwhelming whirlwind of doctors and nurses in the days that followed.

“Just people in and out of your room wanting something from your child, and you can’t protect them from that,” she explained.

Then Denise, a representative from the Childhood Cancer Coalition, walked in. “She didn’t want anything from Jade; she just wanted to be there for her,” Sarah said.

The Childhood Cancer Coalition connects with families impacted by childhood cancer in the Inland Northwest.

“Some things that people don’t realize about childhood cancer is that it’s not rare. We have 170 kids locally,” said Leslie Woodfill, executive director of the coalition.

One of the organization’s major goals is to increase emergency funds for families struggling with medical bills. They help cover expenses ranging from utility bills to car payments.

Additionally, the coalition advocates for increased funding and research for childhood cancer. “Where 200 drugs were developed for adult cancer, there are only about nine that can be used for childhood cancer, and many of those are actually adult drugs,” Leslie noted.

Now cancer-free after enduring 16 months of chemotherapy and radiation, Jade retains her spirited personality. “Through treatments, she just continued to be Jade. That’s one miracle from this whole thing: she kept her spark and sassiness,” said Sarah.

Inspired by her daughter’s journey, Sarah has dedicated her career to the Childhood Cancer Coalition. She is organizing the Light the Way Gala this weekend. While tickets are sold out, supporters can still contribute by donating through the coalition’s website.

For more information on supporting families affected by childhood cancer, visit the Childhood Cancer Coalition website here.