If you’ve been following my blog, you know I can relate to the concept of being a survivor: Being a Survivor. I think we all can. Who hasn’t gone through some hard times?!
Stronger | Seattle Children’s Hospital
Yet, my hard times can’t begin to compare with the hard times many individuals face. I want to share a moving video you might have seen on YouTube. I learned about the video from Shannon at Blog Frog’s Mom Loop.
This video was created by Chris Rumble, a 22-year-old hockey player/filmmaker who was recently diagnosed with leukemia. He brought together the hemoncology floor of Seattle Children’s Hospital for an inspiring remake of Kelly Clarkson’s “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You).” Published on May 6, the video has already had 1,980,235 views.
If you’d like to know more about how the video was made, check this out: Extended Cut – Making Of Kelly Clarkson’s “Stronger” at Seattle Children’s Hospital. Here’s more about Chris Rumble from the Huffington Post: Chris Rumble, Seattle Children’s Hospital Cancer Patient, Creates ‘Stronger’ Video.
Small Hands Creating Hope
I’m happy to say that I’m participating in a fundraising project going on right now to help the American Cancer Society. The Small Hands Creating Hope eBook and print book was organized by MaryAnne from Mama Smiles blog. UPDATE: The Small Hands Creating Hope paperback is still available on (affiliate link) Amazon.
MaryAnne was diagnosed with cancer at 22 months and is celebrating 30 years of being cancer-free.
Small Hands Creating Hope symbolizes hope in the face of cancer. For the book, MaryAnne brought together 40+ kid bloggers to share crafts, tutorials, and many stories that inspired the projects. Children can make the projects to bring hope to cancer patients.
I was inspired by my own parents, who are both cancer survivors. Here’s more about my part of the book: Free Counting Book Printable for Any Theme and One Small Part of Small Hands Creating Hope (at Living Montessori Now).
Ultimately, I wish for a cure for cancer. For now, there’s the strength and depth that comes to anyone who’s a survivor. And there’s always hope for the future.
“What Doesn’t Kill You” Word-Art Freebie
Photo at the top of this post by Michael Deeble at Flickr Creative Commons.
Linked with Thought-Provoking Thursday.
Carolyn Wilhelm says
Thank you for sharing your story. My sister lives in Seattle and has been a nurse for cancer research. Thank you for sharing your personal stories. I find that hard to do and appreciate others who do so well. Carolyn
Deb says
Thanks for your kind comment, Carolyn! Cancer treatment in Seattle has definitely gotten a lot of publicity with the Seattle Children’s Hospital video. It was so difficult to see my parents face cancer. I can’t imagine how difficult it must be to have a child face cancer.
maryanne says
That video is amazing! Thanks for sharing!
Deb says
Thanks, MaryAnne! I’m moved every time I see the video, and I’ve seen it a number of times now.
Mary says
Great video, makes me cry. It’s getting a lot of attention locally (I’m in the Seattle area). I’m glad the young hockey player had the idea to make it and the arts program at Seattle Children’s to make it a reality.
Deb says
Thanks for your comment, Mary! I’m so glad the video was made … and that it’s gone viral. I just checked, and it’s been viewed 1,994,991 times now.
Xander Darin says
I am very sorry for Chris Rumble. But i hope he will be cured soon. Also the video is the great inspiration for cancer effected people. I like the project “Small Hands Creating Hope”, its a great initiative for cancer patients.
Deb says
Thanks for your comment, Xander! I’m hoping for a cure for Chris and other cancer patients, too. Even though I don’t have cancer, I find that video very inspirational!
Tereasa says
What a beautiful ministry and encouraging words. From one survivor to another, God bless you!
Deb says
Thanks so much for your kind words, Tereasa! God bless you, too! 🙂
Genevieve says
I just recently joined the ranks of cancer survivors: after a long, hard 4 year battle, I went into remission on 2/2/2012!! I love the Seattle Children’s video, which I found via another cancer patient’s blog. Thanks for sharing. What a beautiful ministry you’re supporting! Are you a cancer survivor yourself? I need to read a little deeper on your blog…I just hopped over from Thought Provoking Thursdays.
Deb says
Congratulations, Genevieve … that’s wonderful to hear! I’m not a cancer survivor, but both of my parents are. That was difficult enough. I can’t imagine what you must have gone through. I’m going to check out your blog, too. I’m so glad your story has a happy ending! 🙂