Syracuse (WSYR-TV) -- September is Childhood Cancer Awareness month. Every year 13,000 kids in the U.S. are diagnosed with the disease.
Six-year-old Abigail Moore, of Camillus, is entering her final phase of intense chemotherapy as she battles leukemia at The Center for Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders at Upstate Golisano Children's Hospital.
Seven months ago, Abby’s mom Shauna Moore found little bruises all over her daughter’s body.
“In the back of my head, I sort of knew there was something a little bit more serious because I knew that was a symptom of leukemia,” said Moore.
Her mother’s intuition was right. Just after hours of being checked out at the pediatrician's office, Abby was rushed to the Emergency Room, diagnosed with standard risk
acute lymphoblastic leukemia and given her first dose of chemo that same day.
"One second you’re crying," said Moore. "Your mind is just racing, alright we got to fight, yet you’re devastated. All these emotions going through your head and you’re angry.”
Abby’s leukemia has a 90 percent survival rate. Right now, Abby is now in remission, but the chemo treatments continue.
Abby often helps, drawing her blood and holding her medicine tubes and through the pain she always seems to brighten the mood. On Tuesday, she talked about her Halloween costume, her family and Justin Bieber.
"The stuff that comes out of her mouth, it really makes us laugh, which is really what has gotten us through," said Moore.
Moore is helping other families through it too. She’s part of a support group of cancer moms who work to raise awareness and funds for a cure. One in every 300 kids will be diagnosed with cancer.
"Hopefully people can band together, find treatment and find a cure so our children don’t have to go through this anymore,” she said.
Abby's family sees examples of her strength every day. After she lost her hair, her mom worried her first grader may be bullied in school. One day, a classmate pointed out that she had cancer.
"She goes it’s about time someone noticed I have cancer around here,” Moore said. “She’s got a quick sense of humor.”
The one blessing out of this entire process is it has made her so much stronger and it’s given her such a great personality. I see the fighter in her and I can’t wait to see who she becomes one day, because I have a feeling she’s going to be something great,” continued Moore.
On the web --
Childhood Cancer Awareness monthCancer Mom Support Group
