Austin

Two of the many LIVESTRONG Day events held here in Austin, TX showcased how lessons can be learned from everyone you meet – even the youngest among us.

Let’s start with Hill Country Middle School’s nearly 900 6th – 8th grade students, who gathered yesterday in the school’s gymnasium to pay tribute to loved ones who have survived, are currently fighting, or have lost their battle with cancer. Although held late in the school year and only an hour prior to the end of the school day, the students’ eyes and ears were fixated on the stories told regarding personal triumphs over cancer, as well as remembrances of those who never let cancer get the best of them. It was quite a sight to see all of those students decked in yellow emblazoned with LIVESTRONG, not to mention a huge surprise to learn that those shirts were the basis of a fundraising project that raised $4,500 for the Lance Armstrong Foundation. It was a stirring reminder that you’re never too young to stand up, join the fight, and help make an impact in the war on cancer.

And then there was the LIVESTRONG Survivorship Center Concert at Shady Grove. Although the event was held under the heat of the late-day Texas sun, the high temps and humidity didn’t stifle anyone’s enthusiasm. Organized by the ‘Specially for Children Pediatric Hematology/Oncology team from Children’s Hospital Sub-Specialists of Central Texas, some very brave children, their families, and care-givers enjoyed a chance to enjoy a little live music. The kids reveled in the music of the Biscuit Brothers (note: if you have small kids, or if you’re just young at heart and care to hear some humorous versions of your favorite children’s songs, check these guys out) while the adults took in the tunes of Meridian West. Being surrounded by so many young survivors – many only a few years into life – offered an especially poignant lesson: If you don’t know what it means to quit, than quitting isn’t really an option. All the motivation you ever need to join this cause can be found in the eyes of a child whose tiny frame houses an immense inner strength.

Thanks to Mindy Guthrie, Dixie McGrath, the Hill Country Middle School Student Council, and all of the students and faculty at HCMS for their incredible generosity and zeal – y’all are truly representative of the LIVESTRONG Army!

Huge appreciation, as well, to Christina Allegretti of the LIVESTRONG Survivorship Center and all of the oncologists, surgeons, nurses, social workers, childlife specialists, and staff at Children’s Hospital. Your dedication and compassion is an inspiration to us all.