September is Childhood Awareness Month. Our district is home to one ardent advocate for bringing support to families facing this daunting reality.
Lacie Spagnolo has been driven by her own experience of having her infant son diagnosed with cancer to help others. She wrote the book You Were Born to Do This: NOW PUSH to let other families know they are not alone. Spagnolo reflects, “When Jimmy was initially diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor as a baby, I felt like I had no control. I felt helpless. I needed a way through, to see how to handle all the emotions, the challenges and to know that someone out there made it to the other side of it. I searched for a book that had all the details, the thought process, strategies and even just acknowledgement of everything I was feeling and experiencing. I couldn’t find it, and after much encouragement from family, friends, and supporters I decided to write the book I looked for all those years ago so we could light a path so others can find their way and know that it is possible.”
Individuals often don’t know where to start to support children and families affected by pediatric cancer. Spagnolo notes that even the smallest actions have a profound impact.
She explains, “September is Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month, and any attention, contribution, time, effort, or energy you give to the kids and families facing these types of diagnoses makes a difference. Often, we advocate for increasing awareness about a particular illness, but it can be challenging to understand what that truly means. The book I wrote about our personal journey with my son Jimmy guides you through many aspects of what someone experiences when dealing with a tough diagnosis or a significant health challenge. This will elevate your compassion, enhance your understanding of the complexities of such situations, inspire hope, and hopefully fill your heart with joy.
Reading the book will enable you to show support for someone facing a health challenge by raising your awareness and equipping you to be there for them at a deeper level—through the good, the bad, and everything in between. Supporting research for pediatric cancer awareness is also beneficial. Contributing to foundations like The Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation, Children’s Hospital Foundation, Lending Hearts, etc., can assist families in various ways. Every bit of support helps enhance the quality of life for children facing a brain tumor or cancer diagnosis.
I believe the most significant way you can support pediatric cancer patients with just moments of your time is to pray for them, believe in them, and send them love. Sometimes, love is more powerful than any medicine.”
Spagnolo has been an active member of the District Parent Council since Jimmy was in Kindergarten. She shares, “I am most passionate about being part of a school district that is consistently innovating, evolving, and providing our children with the highest quality of life and education possible. The leadership within the district is exceptional and empowers us as parents to shape the educational experience for our children, which is a truly special opportunity. I am incredibly grateful to be part of a community where everyone comes together to support one another. This community is the reason why people choose to stay, and it is also why my husband and I have never left. We are both natives of Shaler and have spent our entire lives here. It is a truly remarkable community to be a part of.”
The Spagnolos live in Glenshaw. Jimmy is now a freshman at Shaler Area High School and their daughter Lily attends Shaler Area Elementary School.
