Each day, as patients come in and out of Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Centers coping with hospital stays, chemotherapy, hair loss, pain and a multitude of fears, they are often greeted by a smiling face asking them if they want a distraction. A moment to sit still and write what they’re feeling. The smiling face is that of Anita Kruse, or Christian Spear, or one of the other many volunteers of Purple Songs Can Fly. Kruse founded the program at Texas Children’s nearly 10 years ago and has since helped produce nearly 1,000 songs written and sung by patients and their siblings. Each song holds a special meaning to the families whose children have participated. For some, it’s a window into the fears, for others, it’s a chance for hope, for many, it’s a way to express the feelings that are so hard to communicate.
As the national Childhood Cancer Awareness Month reminds those across the country of what these children endure, A Journey to Hope, a musical produced by Purple Songs Can Fly, brings to light what it’s like to be a cancer patient at Texas Children’s. The musical was performed as a thank you for the staff and families of the cancer center.
One in every 285 children in the U.S. will be diagnosed with cancer. A heartbreaking statistic that is all too real for the staff at Texas Children’s Hospital Cancer and Hematology Centers. Each year, more than 600 of those children are diagnosed here. During Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, the fence around Texas Children’s playground between Abercrombie and West Tower is adorned in gold ribbons, one for each child diagnosed here over the last 365 days.
The month continues with several events for patients, families and staff:
- Friday, September 11, Be the Match Patient Walk – BMT Unit
- Saturday, September 12, Be the Match Walk/Run – Sugar Land
- Saturday, September 12, Making A Mark – The Auxiliary Bridge, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
- Saturday, September 12, Hope for Histio Family Day – Meyer Building
- Wednesday, September 16 to Saturday, September 19, City Hall lights up gold for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month – Houston City Hall
- Saturday, September 19, Sickle Cell Education and Research Day – Meyer Building