4 Common Childhood Diseases To Support Through A Nonprofit For Kids With Medical Conditions
The majority of children live healthy childhoods. When children suffer from health problems, it can impact their development in additional ways outside of the condition itself. Children, school staff, and friends can help make life a little easier for these children by fundraising for a nonprofit for kids with medical conditions. Learn more about 4 common childhood diseases to consider supporting.
Leukemia
Leukemia is a common cancer in children and teens. Children with leukemia produce abnormal white blood cells that overpower the normal blood cells, lowering the body's immunity and leaving the body susceptible to disease. There are six types of childhood leukemia with Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) making up a large portion of the cases. The 5-year survival rate for ALL in children is 90% (the survival rate reduces to 30 - 40% in adults).
Crohn's Disease
Crohn's Disease is a specific type of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) in which the intestines becomes inflamed and covered in sores. As a result, the intestines can't absorb nutrients like normal, which can lead to malnutrition. Furthermore, the sores can rupture and create bleeding during regular digestive processes. The inflammation can also lead to intestinal blockage. Medication and a healthy diet can help manage symptoms, but some patients will require surgery to repair damage to their internal organs. Roughly 40,000 children have Crohn's.
Down Syndrome
Down syndrome children are born with an additional 21st chromosome, leading to lifelong developmental problems both physically and mentally. Children with Down Syndrome are often smaller in stature with slanted eyes and a protruding tongue. Down syndrome patients will hit developmental milestones later than normal and stop developing mentally before the average person. Children with mild Down Syndrome may be able to work and live independently, but many children with severe cases of Down syndrome will require assistance for the rest of their lives. While slightly more common in children born to older mothers, there are few indications of what causes the disorder.
Brittle Bone Disease
Brittle bone disease is a genetic disease passed down to the child from either one or both of the parents in which the body doesn't produce as much collagen, leading to easily broken bones and other physical fragilities. Severe cases of the disease can prevent the bones from developing properly, leading to breathing problems that require oxygen. While children with brittle bone disease can often live a productive life with careful choices and medication, others will spend the majority of their childhood in the hospital. Roughly 1 in every 16,000 babies will be born with brittle bone disease.
For more information on what disease to research through a nonprofit for kids with medical conditions, contact a professional near you.
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