On September 21 at Union Station in Washington DC, 46 mothers from around the country gathered to shave their heads in solidarity with their children who have fought or are currently fighting cancer. These 46 women call themselves the “46 Mommas.”
Why the 46 Mommas? This group represents the startling reality that each weekday 46 families are told that their child has cancer. The Mommas come from all over the country in an effort to bring awareness to the cause and to benefit St. Baldrick’s, a volunteer-driven charity dedicated to funding childhood cancer research.
I had the pleasure of interviewing one of the 46 Mommas herself who happens to be a hometown mom as well. Rita Bradley lives in Ft. Mill, South Carolina with her family, including her son Calvin, who was diagnosed with Stage III Wilms Tumor and is now 14 months out of treatment. She was so kind to give me an interview post event.
How did you first hear about 46Mommas?
I first heard about 46 Mommas through a friend of mine who’s daughter has the same type of cancer. We are both subscribers to the same email group and she was already signed up with 46 Mommas. I looked at their website and immediately felt compelled to be involved and to do it.
How does it feel to be a part of the “big picture” and bringing awareness to such an amazing cause since it’s so dear to your heart?
I can’t even tell you how awesome it feels to be able to participate in this event and to meet so many other wonderful moms of cancer kids. I got the chance to sit with Senator Crapo from Idaho as well as a Health Legislative Aid for Washington Senator Maria Cantwell. I would never have had this opportunity without 46 Mommas. I wouldn’t have probably even considered going and helping address important legislation! But strength comes in numbers…and that’s what we are—stronger together!
What would you say your message is in all of this?
That there’s nothing that should stand in your way of doing what you can to help your kids. When your child has cancer, you feel totally helpless. It’s all out of your hands…you’re laying the life of your child in the doctor’s hands and saying “fix ‘em”. You just stand back and ride the wave knowing that it could be good or it could be horrid. But this event—this head shave and lobbying to members of congress—that’s something I CAN do. That’s something that is within my control. And I believe it will make me a better person! I enjoyed advocating for the Creating Hope Act…I know have a direct connection to something that’s being passed around the House and Senate. That connectivity has helped me come full circle with Calvin’s illness.
Any advice you would give to other parents/families battling cancer?
Always have hope…never let negativity take you over. You can’t change the outcome—but you can make a choice to stay positive. Hug your kids often—spoil them when you can and stick together. Communicate, communicate, communicate. Always be honest with your child who’s going through treatment so they know what is going to happen to them—good or bad—every needle prick, every CT scan, every procedure—tell them before hand. They are looking to you for strength—and if you show any dishonesty or “trickery”, they will have a much harder time. Balance the rest of your family by staying on as close to a normal schedule as possible. Involve the siblings wherever you can and make sure they don’t get left behind. LISTEN to the siblings when they want to help—let their ideas help you find a way to involve them. Kids are amazing!
You may find that the support network you have may be different than you thought it would be. Family may fade away while strangers step up and help. Be humble by what you receive during this journey, and know that there are others who have gone through exactly what you have gone through and who know and understand all the ups and downs. Group support is fantastic! Don’t be afraid to reach out to other cancer families as they usually are willing to lend that ear and sometimes just knowing that you’re not the only one struggling with what you’re struggling with is a huge help. Divorce rates are sky-high for families who have cancer kids—do what you can to keep the lines of communication open. This will test your marriage in ways you never thought possible…but don’t give up on each other. Don’t hesitate to accept counseling—you may need it more than you realize!
How has St. Baldrick’s impacted your family?
Well, I lost my hair—so that’s an impact! Personally—I think it’s brought us closer together. My kids have seen their mom do something that society thinks is outrageous and to do it for a good cause. My daughter can’t wait to tell the kids at her school that her momma is bald. (PS—I did warn her that she might get laughed at and she said, “Yeah, mom. But I’m gonna tell them you gave your hair to kids with cancer who don’t have hair.” That’s my girl!)
If you had one wish in all this what would it be?
That kids would never get cancer! No family should ever have to go through this.
Thank you Rita for giving me some of your time and for participating in such an awesome cause. The Charlotte Moms wish you and your family the best!
If you are interested in finding out more about 46 Mommas, check out their website here: http://46mommas.com/
Jennifer is The Charlotte Moms' Editor-in Chief and a child of Christ. She has lived in the Charlotte area for 5 years with her roller coaster blogging husband and her two beautiful daughters. She is a self-proclaimed Jill-of-all-trades and is passionate about organizing events and her home. She loves Social Media and blogging and also writes for MommyBKnowsBest.com and freelances for other brands and companies as well. Jenn owns her silly personality, shows her love for God, and wants to help parents out through her experiences and what she has learned from others. Happy Reading!!
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