CLEARLAKE, Calif. – “Childhood Cancer Awareness Month” was proclaimed in the city of Clearlake on Thursday as the Clearlake City Council paid tribute to the families, friends, professionals and communities who lend their strength to children fighting pediatric cancer.
“May their courage and commitment continue to move us toward new cures, healthier outcomes and a brighter future for America's youth,” Mayor Denise Loustalot stated in reading the proclamation into the record.
Loustalot was emotional in making the presentation to City Clerk Melissa Swanson, her husband Thomas Swanson and their daughter Ellie.
Ellie is a childhood cancer survivor; so is her brother. Ellie turned 7 years old on Wednesday.
According to the proclamation, cancer is the leading cause of death by disease for children younger than the age of 15. Every school day, 86 children are diagnosed with the often life-threatening disease.
Advances in research and treatment are recognized for increasing a five-year survival rate in childhood cancer from less than 50 percent to 80 percent throughout the past several decades.
“But despite the gains that have been made, help still does not come soon enough for many of our sons and daughters, and too many families suffer pain and devastating loss,” Loustalot stated.
In February, Ellie was diagnosed with ganglioneuroblastoma, a rare form of cancer. A tumor in the girl's left lung and against her spine was discovered after an exam for what her family thought was either a serious cold or pneumonia, as Lake County News reported earlier this year.
The Swanson family's fight to get their daughter treatment was joined by people around the community, who made online donations and contributed through fundraiser events to help with medical costs and transportation to the Bay Area.
Ellie underwent a successful surgery in June to remove the tumor. Throughout the many procedures and time spent in the hospital, Ellie's courage – was well as her positive outlook and big smile – didn't waver, and she became an inspiration for those following her story.
Ellie's battle with cancer has touched an entire community, according to her mother, who has said, “This has not just been Ellie's fight. This has not just been our family's fight. This amazing community and our Facebook friends and family have been a part of our fight from day one. We have two a amazing childhood cancer survivors, Ellie and Tommy. We are blessed.”
Melissa Swanson said she had just one thing to say when she and her family accepted the proclamation before the city council: “I just want to say thank you. Thank you to everyone.”
Email Denise Rockenstein at
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