Ivoryton, CT - Not so long ago, I learned from a friend about Madison "Maddy" Garrett.

In 2012, Maddy had been diagnosed with Stage 4 High Risk Neuroblastoma. One of the rarest childhood cancers. It had spread into limbs, snaked through her spine, and had penetrated into bone marrow; the tumor was wrapped around organs and arteries, through her intestine and into her chest. The tumor in her three-year-old belly was so large that she looked nine months pregnant.

Maddy had a 30% chance at survival.

Inspired by her bravery, I researched what I could. Though average cancer survival rates have grown for the last 40 years, many childhood cancers have survival rates much lower than the average. The facts are unsettling:

• Less than 4% of the National Cancer Institute's budget is directed to childhood cancer research (Source: St. Baldrick's Foundation)

• Cancer is the leading cause of death by disease in children and adolescents in the United States. (Source: National Cancer Institute)

• In the last 20 years, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved only TWO pediatric cancer drugs that were initially studied in children. (Source: American Association for Cancer Research)

During her journey to recovery, Maddy's 5-year-old friend had been diagnosed with aggressive brain cancer.

Another child suffering. Another family struggling. I couldn't sit back anymore. I had to help win this war!

And so I decided to raise awareness and funds for pediatric cancer through a special event, “Dinner, A Movie, Popcorn and More.” The event will be held Saturday, September 6, 2014.

I reached out to my high school classmate Lou Rolon, a guiding force for our community through Shoreline Neighbors, for advice. Lou possesses an inspirational compassion, dedication, and strength. He offered to help however he could.

I then reached out to Arms Wide Open Childhood Cancer Foundation (http://www.awoccf.org/). AWOCCF helped produce The Truth 365, an Emmy Award-Winning documentary film and social media campaign that gives a voice to all children fighting cancer.

I asked their co-founder Dena Sherwood if we could work together. When she graciously agreed, it meant we could host the event with their 501(c)(3) status.

Every dollar raised goes directly toward childhood cancer research via The Truth 365's "Dream Team" of leading oncologists. These talented doctors represent The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), Sloan Kettering, St. Jude's and Seattle Children's (visit www.thetruth365.org for details).

For continuing updates, "Like" the ACT - Achieve Change Together Facebook page and remember to join us on September 6, 2014!

Questions and Assistance

Call: 860-339-6310

Via e-mail: actquestions@gmail.com

On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/ACT-Achieve-Change-Together/

Website coming soon

To donate: Please make a check payable to Arms Wide Open/The Truth 365 and mail it to P.O. Box 495, Ivoryton, CT 06442. Or go online at http://www.awoccf.org/donate/ and select “Achieve Change Together Event – CT”.