Wichita Falls Mother Raising Awareness for Childhood Cancer
Posted:
Updated:
A Wichita Falls woman is going to take another big step in a courageous journey. Jennifer Cartwright's son has cancer and she is on a mission to bring help to other families fighting the same battle.
Jennifer Cartwright and her husband's lives changed forever on their son's second birthday. That is the day they found out Zach had cancer.
Jennifer Cartwright tells Newschannel 6, "That was the day our world changed forever. That was our day. Our Monday was June 1st of 2009. That was the day that changed everything."
Their son Zach was diagnosed with a rare form of stage four childhood cancer called RhabdomyosaComa. A cancer so rare treatment and medications were not even up to date. Immediately Zach started treatment in the metroplex, but Jennifer says all the intense radiation and chemo on Zach's tiny fragile body really took its toll.
Jennifer says, "His belly was just raw and red and scarred over for months. Now he will not grow right, he will not use the bathroom right, and it will be that way for the rest of his life."
Zach is in remission now and Jennifer feels she needs to pay it forward in a big way. She says it was other families in the same situation that gave her hope.
Now Jennifer has joined the 46 Mommas Organization and will be shaving her head in the middle of Union Station in Washington D.C. to raise awareness.
Jennifer comments, "To be one of those 46 my child didn't have a choice, he was going to lose his hair when he started treatment. I have a choice and I won't wear a cap, I won't wear a wig, I choose to be bald to make a statement and raise awareness."
And Jennifer wants to spread the word to other families to be educated. Jennifer says, "Do not assume you now the facts. Do not assume you know what is going to happen cause one day it could be your child. Watch for signs and if you think something is wrong take your child in."
Jennifer tells Newschannel 6 as of June 2011 her son Zach has been in remission for one year.
To help Jennifer celebrate raising awareness and funds for childhood cancer you can click here to donate on the 46 mommas website.
Wednesday, May 23 2012 5:28 PM EDT2012-05-23 21:28:57 GMT
Beautiful Weather Continues!Under clear skies and light winds, temperatures will bottom out near 50 degrees around sunrise Sunday morning. Then, with lots of sunshine, we'll warm to around 70 degrees by
Mostly clear tonight with lows in the 70s. South winds remaining at 15-25. Sunny and hot/breezy for Thursday. High near 100. South winds at 15-25.
Tuesday, May 22 2012 11:45 PM EDT2012-05-23 03:45:17 GMT
Hispanic Community leaders and parents met at Sam Houston Elementary Tuesday evening. Leaders presented a list of bilingual recommendations they want the Wichita Falls Independent School District to implement
Hispanic Community leaders and parents met at Sam Houston Elementary Tuesday evening. Leaders presented a list of bilingual recommendations they want the Wichita Falls Independent School District to implement.
Tuesday, May 22 2012 11:20 PM EDT2012-05-23 03:20:46 GMT
Since before World War II, Sheppard Air Force Base has been serving not only the United States Air Force, but also Texoma. Without the base it's arguable that Wichita Falls would be nowhere close to the
Since before World War II, Sheppard Air Force Base has been serving not only the United States Air Force, but also Texoma.
Wednesday, May 23 2012 7:39 PM EDT2012-05-23 23:39:49 GMT
More than half a million dollars has just been awarded to the city of Holliday. It's all coming from the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs. The funds would go towards home repairs and
More than half a million dollars has just been awarded to the city of Holliday. It's all coming from the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs.
Wednesday, May 23 2012 6:49 PM EDT2012-05-23 22:49:27 GMT
Agriculture is thriving in Texoma and farmers say this years wheat harvest is exceptional. The wheat crop is very good this year, a surprise to many Texoma farmers. Zach Parker, with Parker Ranch, commented,
Agriculture is thriving in Texoma and farmers say this years wheat harvest is exceptional.
EPIC SLINKY IS EPIC Oh, just the adventure of a brave and dogged slinky on a treadmill, set to the best music possible. Source: youtube.com / via: kottke.org posted on May 23, 2012 07:01 AM
Wednesday, May 23 2012 1:42 PM EDT2012-05-23 17:42:19 GMT
From swimming and volleyball to dance, basketball and gymnastics, Wichita Falls YMCA is offering a number of camps and programs this summer. All sports camps will be at the Bill Bartley Family Branch.
Wichita Falls YMCA is offering a number of camps and programs this summer. All sports camps will be at the Bill Bartley Family Branch. For more information call (940) 761-1000 or click here.
Wednesday, May 23 2012 12:01 PM EDT2012-05-23 16:01:02 GMT
Nebulas is a professional Vegas style show that combines acoustic percussion, electronic music, and out of this world lighting and effects. It will show at Wichita Theatre on the following days: Jun
Nebulas is a professional Vegas style show that combines acoustic percussion, electronic music, and out of this world lighting and effects.
Wednesday, May 23 2012 9:21 AM EDT2012-05-23 13:21:18 GMT
MIAMI (AP) - A Miami college student plans to plead guilty in federal court to threatening President Barack Obama on Facebook. A plea hearing is set for Wednesday afternoon for 20-year-old Joaquin Amador
MIAMI (AP) - A Miami college student plans to plead guilty in federal court to threatening President Barack Obama on Facebook.
