ABOUT US
OUR MISSION Inspiring kids with cancer to believe that miracles do come true!
LAPD - Lifedriven Foundation & Team Watson FUNdraiser
Charity Basketball Game JUNE 09, 2019
LACES HIGH SCHOOL 5931 W 18th ST, Los Angeles, CA 90035
OUR STORY
I know firsthand about the need for a smile. My name is Chris Angelo Word, I was diagnosed with Colon Cancer on March 31, 2005, where eighteen inches of my colon was removed. It was during my cancer treatment at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center where I saw kids suffering from cancer, that I had the vision to start Lifedriven Foundation, to encourage children who are fighting for their lives.
So, after months of radiation, chemotherapy, surgery, and then more chemotherapy, I became one of the fortunate ones, a cancer survivor. I started the Lifedriven Foundation, in September 2006. It is a 501 (c) (3), non-profit organization, that’s committed to supporting cancer research, and the promotion of access to resources and information related to cancer prevention, awareness, and screenings by inspiring children who are transitioning from cancer patient to just being a kid again.
This is not just my story. This is America’s story. Cancer affects each and every one of us because we all either know someone who has cancer or have a friend who knows someone who is battling cancer. Chronic diseases like cancer affect children all across the country. But, early diagnosis, adequate treatment, and a smile will save lives.
MAKING A DIFFERENCE
Although cancer in children is rare, it is the leading cause of death by disease past infancy among children in the United States. In 2017, it is estimated that 15,270 children and adolescents ages 0 to 19 years will be diagnosed with cancer and 1,790 will die of the disease in the United States. Among children ages 0 to 14 years, it is estimated that 10,270 will be diagnosed with cancer and 1,190 will die of the disease in 2017.
The most common types of cancer diagnosed in children ages 0 to 14 years in the United States are leukemias, followed by brain and other central nervous system tumors, lymphomas, soft tissue sarcomas (of which half are rhabdomyosarcoma), neuroblastoma, and kidney tumors. The most common types of cancer diagnosed in 15- to 19-year-olds are lymphomas, followed by brain and other central nervous system tumors, leukemias, gonadal (testicular and ovarian) germ cell tumors, thyroid cancer, and melanoma.
As of January 1, 2014 (the most recent date for which data exists), approximately 419,000 survivors of childhood and adolescent cancer (diagnosed at ages 0 to 19 years) were alive in the United States. The number of survivors will continue to increase, given that the incidence of childhood cancer has been rising slightly in recent decades and that survival rates overall are improving. - National Cancer Institute
MISSION STATEMENT
Our mission is to provide solutions to social problems that help to enhance the lives and circumstances of children in disadvantaged communities. We provide access to information and support for children and adolescents with Cancer and their families, educate the general public regarding Cancer and other healthcare diseases, promote disease prevention through screenings, as well as, support research towards the Cure of Cancer.
Thank you Infinity Of Beverly Hills for the your generous donation by helping us continue our mission inspiring children with cancer.
