One can view the statistics in an instant, but all they do is give a fleeting sense of the breadth of the hardships, anguish and challenges that families face each and every day for months and years on end.
On average, more than 290 children and adolescents in the United States are diagnosed with cancer every week, according to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. And while the survival rate for pediatric cancer has improved, approximately 1,600 children and adolescents in the U.S. die of cancer each year, according to the American Association for Cancer Research.
Given the enormity of this health issue, in number and in impact, Community Electric Cooperative is recognizing in this month’s spotlight series that September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. CEC is proud to have partnered a few years ago with Roc Solid Foundation, the Chesapeake-based nonprofit organization whose mission it is “to build hope for every child and family fighting pediatric cancer.” The Foundation partners with children’s hospitals across the United States to distribute Ready Bags containing essential items when children are diagnosed with cancer.
Over the course of two “packing parties,” employees from CEC and Prince George Electric Cooperative filled dozens of Ready Bags with Kindle Fire tablets, toothbrushes and toothpaste, card games, pill crushers and other items to help families meet tangible needs during unexpected hospital stays. The efforts of those who volunteered reflect one of the electric cooperative sector’s core values – concern for community.
Community Electric recently was made aware of one local child and family who need physical and moral support. Soon after his birth in June 2024, Rhett Powell was diagnosed with Alagille syndrome, an affliction that primarily affects the functioning of the liver and causes bile to build up within it. While Alagille syndrome is not cancer, those who have the condition have an increased risk of developing cancer.
Rhett is the youngest of two sons of CEC member-owners James and Jenna Powell of Southampton County.
“Each day for Rhett is different,” Jenna says. “Some are worse than others. Most days he’s so itchy he draws blood when he scratches. Some days he’s really nauseous. He’s always tired but he never sleeps because of the itching. Physically he is unable to crawl or sit on his own. No matter what type of day he is having, he is the happiest little boy always full of smiles.
“There is no cure for Alagille syndrome but a liver transplant will alleviate most of his symptoms.”
Even as they work through the process of finding a donor who can help Rhett, the Powells have undertaken the cause of trying to help others in similar situations.
“We have so many potential donors that our coordinator asked for us to pause sending her people to get screened, which has led us on a journey to try to help other babies find living donors,” Jenna explains.
She encouraged people who are interested in getting screened to contact her to ensure that they are willing to answer general questions before being referred to the transplant coordinator.
You can contact Jenna and visit the Facebook page that the Powells have created for Rhett at: Rhett needs a liver! To learn more about the Roc Solid Foundation, visit the Foundation’s website at: www.rocsolidfoundation.org.
