September is Childhood Cancer Month

It seems like every day or every week or every month these days has some official or quasi-official designation to it. From "National Hot Dog Day," "Library Worker Appreciation Week," and "Childhood Cancer Month," it can start to seem arbitrary and frankly, a little bit silly.

However, sometimes it's a good idea to step back from the ledge of cynicism and realize that there are real people who benefit from some of these awareness campaigns.

In July, 2009, my five-year-old cousin Jacob Kowalik was diagnosed with Myelodysplastic Syndrome, also known as pre-leukemia. Thanks to pure serendipity, Jacob was able to get a stem cell transplant from a complete stranger that helped save his life a few months later.

The two were matched through the National Marrow Donor Program's "Be the Match". Like almost every other charitable program in this country, Be the Match is constantly trying to raise money through donations, fundraisers, and Be the Match Walk+Runs.

Unfortunately, Jacob's tiny body has rejected the marrow transplant, and he has been battling Graft vs. Host Disease (GVHD) ever since. He's had cataract surgery, spent time in a burn unit because of his fragile skin, and spent more time in the hospital than out.

There is no known cure for GVHD, and doctors aren't sure if it will take another year or another ten years for the condition to resolve itself.

Despite his almost constant medical issues, Jacob is an outgoing, fun-loving nine-year-old who is full of love and has gotten to meet some wonderful people throughout his difficult journey.

Jonathan Toews, captain of the Chicago Blackhawks hockey team, has visited Lurie Children's Hospital (Jacob's home away from home) several times, and knows Jacob by name. When Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville brought the Stanley Cup to Lurie after winning it in 2010, Jacob and his brother Zach got to touch it.

Jacob and his family have also received tons of support from the Patch community up in their home town of Downers Grove, Il. Two years ago, Jacob was profiled in Downers Grove Patch, and a few months ago Patch covered the prelude to a charity fundraiser which featured a large team running on his behalf at Soldier Field.

September is Childhood Cancer Month. For Jacob, every day is Childhood Cancer Day. Please keep Jacob and all the other children around the world battling all sorts of cancers in your thoughts and prayers throughout the month and the rest of this year.