Curing pediatric cancer... my 'what if?' | Amber Larkin | TEDxOrlando

This talk was given at a local TEDx event, produced independently of the TED Conferences. Amber Larkin shares how she found herself on a path to cure pediatric cancer, the distance she traveled as the mother of a child with pediatric
brain cancer, and the highway of hope she created along the way.
Amber Larkin's journey into a world where no hope was given for her
son, Noah, and countless other children diagnosed with brain cancer,
energized her to change the face of pediatric cancer research. She
co-founded Noah's Light Foundation, which supports visionary research
to cure pediatric brain cancer and aims to fulfill the promise of
adding nearly 70 years to the lives of these children. Amber's passion
to cure children with brain cancer has taken her all over the United
States and to several countries to locate the best researchers in
their fields. She hopes to see the end of pediatric cancer within her
lifetime, and based on recent evidence, believes she will.
In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)

[@NickiRoxTheWorld]

How strong this mom is:,) im definitely suggesting this to my friends who are also battling kids cancer

[@lhenderson3285]

Your grace in revealing your story about Noah is an inspiring demonstration of Love and Hope! I have always believed the cure for "cancer" should be studied from the perspective of the individual. We are all similar but cancer rears it's head in people differently. We are unique, each one of us.... I pray that the medical profession listens... and will stop treating "Cancer" in a generalized way and start to treat each person with the dignity and respect they deserve by recognizing the miracle of life and the potential of each individual to heal their own specific cancer. The wonder of our individual immune system is as unique as our finger print or our blood type.... and they would never for one second consider giving a blood transfusion to a person without checking their blood type first... but, as you said, they will try to kill cancer with every poison they can imagine with the irrational belief that if the patient can survive this addtional attack they will return to a healthy life. It makes total sense to get each person's immune system to recognize the "enemy" and fight it's own battle.... a heartfelt thank you for sharing your courageous journey.

[@Swampcoach]

This talk continues to bring tears to my eyes and inspiration to my heart as I watch Amber share her story!

[@Brewnhilda]

This is my favorite TED Talk video. Thank you Amber for being so strong and for continuing your fight.

[@erandyduran99]

This video makes me cry every time .. I lost my son dominic elonzo fuentes may 23 2012 to alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma . what a great way to honor your boys memorie .. Your awesome

[@pallavisreetambraparni6995]

I am so sorry for your loss. That must be heart breaking.

[@JunkiesTube]

She forgot to get around one important thing which not many people know of, and that is that children get less than 4% of the money we all gives to cancer research fonds (world over), kids are much more worth than just 4%
But great to hear her son won the battle against cancer...!

[@tylka5]

+JunkiesTube She lost her son. She is still in pursuit of the cure.

[@pallavisreetambraparni6995]

Very true. The only cancer treatment center in the US that treats children that I have heard about is "St. Judge's.

[@ToysRUsKid_Critter]

She called out the how funds are misappropriated. 1-3 cents of every dollar is what the kids get.. the other 97%? Paying salary’s of “non-profit” leaches, and her child passed away

[@zimphillips]

Thank you for sharing your story and opening my eyes.

[@saralucas7548]

Amber, our eight-year-old son, Will, died from anaplastic medulloblastoma on May 28, 2012, the day before Noah. Thank you for your work in significantly advancing the hope for a cure. If our story can ever help support your work, please don't hesitate to let us know. www.caringbridge.org/visit/willlucas