Seriously - cancer ain't green.
Chemo - that stuff is toxic, and anything the child excretes? Still
toxic. No more cloth diapers -- get it in a disposable, wear
diposable gloves (the nurses also wear disposable coats) while
changing said diaper and get it out of the house! Hazardous waste,
baby!
Hospitals in general - they give you a new toiletry kit every time you
wwalk in the door. Sure, you could organize the playroom with those
thin reddish tubs, but...ugh. One hospital stay and the stuff seems
novel. Maybe even kitschy. A room of it? No.
Gladware and aluminum trays and polystyrene - oh my! Getting a family
fed is a whole new struggle. In the hospital, well, the child's meals
might be covered, but not the parents'--so the choices are takeout or
merciful friends bringing food in. At home there's casserole patrol
from loving friends and family and congregations. And you do not
inflict additional dishwashing (and the obligation to return your
favorite pie plate) on a family struggling with cancer.
Transportation - most families do not live within easy walking
distance of a pediatric cancer center. There's a lot of driving
involved. And mentioning public transportation to the oncologist will
garner glares - THE GERMS!!
Tissues- Save parents the tears of cancer and you save acres upon
acres of virgin forest.
I could go on. And on. And on. But it's time for you to take action.
On September 25th, Lizard Eater
shaving off her beautiful long lustrous hair to raise funds for
childhood cancer research. Get the details and hand over your money
at http://www.stbaldricks.org/participants/littlewarrior
(And bonus green points -- think of all the shampoo LizardEater won't
be adding to our water supply!)
