So anyways, childhood cancer. | Tom Mitchell | TEDxHerndon
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- čas přidán 12. 06. 2017
- Just exactly how do we get the average person like you and the politicians and the corporations and the pharmaceutical companies who control the research funding to take creative ownership of the childhood cancer epidemic in this country? Because make no mistake about it… it is an epidemic!
Tom Mitchell is the founder and director of Stillbrave Childhood Cancer Foundation. Affectionately known as “Tattoo Tom” by the children and families whom he serves. He is also a nationally recognized activist and advocate for children with cancer and their families.
Following the death of his daughter Shayla in 2009 from Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Tom dedicated his entire life to providing non-medical support to children with cancer and their families. He’s also committed to raising awareness of the need for more research funding and safer, less toxic treatments for children with cancer.
Dubbing himself and those who work for Stillbrave as “Renegades” Tattoo Tom is always anxious to share what he’s learned, grown to understand, but refused to accept. He is very outspoken. His obvious passion, continued activism, and his innate need to be a voice for those who do not have one has led him to being at the forefront of a grassroots movement.
In September of 2015 Tom competed in and finished the Tahoe 200 mile ultramarathon. He is an extreme runner and has been featured in an award-winning documentary and news stories of his exploits have won several Emmy awards. To date he has raised over $350,000 for Stillbrave just through his ultrarunning endeavors
On any given day you are likely to find Tom on a personal visit either at the chemotherapy clinic or bedside within the confines of a hospital room where his ability to console the inconsolable is an invaluable asset. Humor, compassion and first-hand knowledge of this kind are almost impossible to quantify and cannot be delivered in a gift card, or a care package.
The following day you may find Tattoo Tom at the White House, speaking at a rally or on the streets of Washington D.C. carrying a picket sign, loudly and unapologetically vocal about what matters most, the eradication of childhood cancer.
@stillbrave
This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx
I had childhood cancer, this speech was really great.
RIP Tom
RIP Tattoo Tom
As a mom of a childhood cancer survivor thank you for everything you do.
you are one hell of a man tom. thank you for keeping up the fight! these kids deserve so much more than they get and it makes me absolutely sick. 4% is a cruel joke! One day they might get it tom.... one day.
- an advocate not personally effected by Pediatric cancer-
I have to ask who are the 2 idiots to do a thumbs down on this? Childhood cancer is serious! Toms a dad who is trying to do something!,,,,,,,,
I’m sorry that when something is important to a person they have to cater to others to get them to care and do more than just sympathize, and actually take action. That said, thank you for doing this talk again and spreading your message again because I think it was more effective than your second talk.
I liked seeing you angry in the previous one, and I liked seeing it now, especially because I believe it was more effective. I hope you are seeing positive change, and I can’t believe you ran up a volcano, good job.
STILLBRAVE BROTHER!! Stillbrave shayla. Im so very proud of your fight! Tattoo Tom! ♥️
How can it be no better than it was 30 years ago? the incidence rate of childhood cancer increased by approximately 21.3% from 1975 to 2019, while the mortality rate of childhood cancer decreased by approximately 59.7% over the same time period.
Kudos to this guy for all of his tough love. I try to speak out like him and I get shut down because people rely on prayers and gods healing.... Absolute bogus
Still brave, and still chill.
Still brave. Shayla 💕💕💕💕💕💕💕
I have raised more than 2,000 dollars with shirts, hope to raise more. ALL of that money is going to Osteosarcoma companies looking for a cure.
They know what causes cancer... And they know how to cure it... But that's not the goal.