“Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail”

-Ralph Waldo Emerson

This is one of Naomi's favorite quotes, as it captures where medicine and research must venture to achieve a cure for childhood cancer.

At the age of seven Naomi Bartley was diagnosed with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), and after countless rounds of chemotherapy, followed by total body radiation, she received a life-saving transplant of healthy bone marrow from her nine-year-old brother, Nathan, to replace the cancerous marrow.

She considers herself to be incredibly lucky to be alive today, yet despite this medical miracle her battle is not over. As a result of the intensive cancer treatment, she experiences additional health issues such as chronic cardiac problems, sterility issues, and she has cataracts in both eyes. In addition to these problems, Naomi was diagnosed with a secondary cancer two years ago at the age of 24 as a result of the total body radiation that she received at the age of seven.

It isn’t surprising that when giving high doses of chemotherapy and radiation to growing bodies and minds there are drastic repercussions that come with surviving childhood cancer. It is a price that the littlest victims of cancer should not have to face. Despite the long term side effects of current childhood cancer therapies, it is shocking to know that only one new drug in the last decade has received marketing approval by the FDA for childhood cancer. It is time to advocate for less toxic therapies or “targeted therapeutics” for the littlest victims of cancer.

It is with the generosity and efforts of people like you, that hopes and dreams become a reality. It is Naomi's hope that you will help lead the path for less toxic childhood cancer therapies.   See Naomi’s mission to support targeted therapies at www.hope4acure.net