Editor's Note: September is National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, and we appreciate the Cadenhead family for sharing their experience so readers can learn more about this issue. 

CRESTVIEW — Cancer treatments have improved so much in 50 years that the "c" word doesn't have to signal death.   

For instance, in the 1960s, less than 10 percent of children diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia survived, according to the University of Colorado Cancer Center.

ALL — the most common childhood cancer — occurs when bone marrow makes too many immature white blood cells that prevent healthier agents from fighting infections.

Today, ALL's survival rate is more than 90 percent, according to the American Cancer Society's website.

'WE CAUGHT IT EARLY'

Bonnie and Paul Cadenhead of Crestview are thankful for such medical advancements and their son Westin’s early diagnosis.

“We caught it early, so we had a better outcome,” Bonnie said. “Twenty years ago, it would have been a death sentence for him.”

Westin, who was diagnosed with ALL at age 5, is now 7, and he is in remission, the Cadenheads said. He takes monthly chemotherapy treatments at the Nemours Children’s Clinic in Pensacola, and doctors hope for full recovery by next year.

“He should be completely done with treatments (which include taking medications and receiving spinal taps) by next August,” Bonnie said.   

KEEPING THE FAITH

Cancer is just a footnote for Westin, a first-grader at Walker Elementary School who plays baseball and basketball.

And Westin said he looks forward to playing football in the near future.

But two years ago, when the situation was new and scary, friends and family offered emotional and financial support, which included organizing fundraisers to help cover medical costs.

Although diagnosis and initial treatments can be rough for any family facing childhood cancer, Paul suggested keeping the faith.

“I would just suggest relying on (Jesus) Christ," he said. "Nobody has the strength to go through something like that alone."

Bonnie added some advice.

"It gets better with time," she said.  

DID YOU KNOW?

Childhood cancers annually account for 1 percent of all cancer diagnoses. More than 10,000 children under age 15 have been diagnosed with cancer this year. Source: The American Cancer Society.

Email News Bulletin Staff Writer Matthew Brown, follow him on Twitter or call 850-682-6524.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Couple credits medical advancements, faith for son's progress

CRESTVIEW — Karen Bell believes a household cat is just what her autistic son, George, needs. Even though the 6-year-old is allergic to cats.

Since being diagnosed with autism at age 4, George has trouble interpreting the environment, especially when there's a lot of commotion, Bell said.   

Her son never bonded with therapy dogs; in fact, most dogs seem to scare him, she said. George is more of cat person.

“I think it’s their gentle nature that he likes,” Bell said. “Dogs tend to be excited and jump around … cats are more laid back."

In addition to helping people reduce anxiety and improve social skills, Siberian cats are known to bond with at least one person in a family. Bell hopes a kitten would bond with George.

And his allergies may not be a problem. The Russian breed seems less likely to trigger allergic reactions compared to others, according to Wedmd.com. Although Siberian cats typically have shaggy fur, the breed produces a low level of the allergy-affecting protein enzyme in its saliva.

Bell is optimistic, but now cost is a concern.

She found an Orlando cat breeder who sells Siberian kittens for $900. The family has set up a Gofundme.com account to help raise money for the kitten.  

So far, the account has raised $800 of a $1,200 goal. Bell said the family could afford the travel costs to retrieve the kitten in Orlando.

She hopes it works out.

“I think it would help George improve his quality of life,” she said.

WANT TO HELP?

Visit http://www.gofundme.com/ckn5gg donate toward the purchase of a Siberian cat for 6-year-old George Bell.

Email News Bulletin Staff Writer Matthew Brown, follow him on Twitter or call 850-682-6524.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Family seeks cat, donations to help autistic son

CRESTVIEW — Madison Baxley is turning 5 years old on Sept. 30.

“It’s a big deal,” her mother, Ashley, said. “Even before she was born, she wasn’t expected to make it.”

Madison has Turner syndrome, a chromosomal disorder that affects growth and can result in a wide neck, hearing loss, visual impairment and irregularities with the heart, liver and kidneys, according to the Turner Syndrome Society of the United States website.

The disorder itself — which is present in one of 2,000 female births, according to the society's website — typically isn't life-threatening, but complications can be.

Madison was just 9 days old when she received open-heart surgery in Atlanta, Ashley said.

Madison, at 4, still struggles, but her mother is optimistic.

 “She has done pretty well so far,” Ashley said.  

 The family spreads awareness by wearing Turner syndrome T-shirts and supporting Turner Syndrome Family Fun Day, set for Sept. 27 at Old Spanish Trail Park.

The event will feature children’s bounce houses, a video game truck, face painting and live music. Wrist bands, lunch plates and snacks will be sold for donations.

 In addition, residents dealing with the disorder will be on hand to share insight, Ashley said.

Most of the event's proceeds will assist with Madison’s medical expenses. Twenty-five percent will benefit the Turner Syndrome Society of the United States, Ashley said.

In addition to weekly physical and occupational therapy sessions, Madison soon will need another open-heart surgery, along with a neck procedure, Ashley said.

Having Madison in her life has given Ashley purpose in spreading awareness for Turner syndrome, she said.

“I never knew what my calling was until I had her,” she said.

WANT TO GO?

WHAT: Turner Syndrome Family Fun Day

WHEN: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27 

WHERE: Old Spanish Trail Park, corner of Industrial Drive and Stillwell Boulevard, Crestview

COST: $5 per wristband, $5 for barbeque plate and $25 for family of four package (including two children's wrist bands and four lunch plates)

Email News Bulletin Staff Writer Matthew Brown, follow him on Twitter or call 850-682-6524.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Woman spreads Turner syndrome awareness following daughter's diagnosis