BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KERO) — September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, and 23ABC spoke with two Bakersfield survivors about how their diagnoses and treatment impacted them.
Things are difficult enough for children battling with cancer, and going back to school can become yet another hurdle, as many survivors miss out on years of friendships and crucial educational experiences, but it’s that first win at life that also makes them resilient.
Growing up, Julian Castaneda could only dream of going out to play golf or even just go to the movies. Beyond the chemo and constant needles, Castaneda says it’s the little thinks he yearned for while stuck in a hospital bed during his childhood.
“Losing my hair, losing my confidence, losing my ability to go to school… and, you know, it was devastating,” said Castaneda.
He was diagnosed with leukemia at the age of 10 and fought it for three years. Two years into his first remission, the cancer came back and he had to undergo a bone marrow transplant.
Although rare, cancer is the number one cause of death by disease among children in the United States. Across the U.S. more than 16,000 children and teenagers are diagnosed with cancer every year.
Castaneda feels he survived in order to give back to his community. He’s been cancer-free for five years now, and credits his strong support system for finishing strong, but says he knows that is not the case for everyone.
“We want to let patients know that there are other organizations and people out there who are there for you want want to support you,” said Castaneda.
One of the organizations there for children with cancer is Castaneda’s own. While still in high school, Castaneda started a club called Bags of Love, which gives care packages to children with cancer.
What started as a club is now a full-on nonprofit, taking on a life of its own, and even giving out $25,000 dollars in scholarships, something Castaneda says would not be possible without the support of local businesses.
One recipient of a Bags of Love scholarship is Kenya Gonzalez. She was just four years old when she was diagnosed with leukemia. She fought it until she was seven and has been cancer-free since.
Gonzalez is currently studying psychology at California State University, Bakersfield, and says this month is about making sure other patients know they are supported, and highlighting the struggles those kids face during and after their diagnoses.
“I think that is going to be the hardest battle I ever encounter in my life,” says Gonzalez. “I’m like, if I did that, I could do anything honestly.”
This September, as part of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, Castaneda is encouraging businesses to “Go Gold,” the color that represents the fight against childhood cancer, or put up signs to show their support. He also encourages anyone who wants to help to reach out to the Bags of Love Foundation or other cancer organizations, like the American Cancer Society.
