If the cookie monster comes to see them, they're really excited. A Practical Guide to Your Future . For the older kids battling different cancers, the fact that an admired person not only had cancer, but also beat it, can be very important. The little ones distinctly get the seriousness and the stress of their situation, but it's the teen-agers who can kind of vocalize that. The visits also can be inspiring for the athletes, too, whether they're sick or not, according to Savage, because in every way, these kids are fighting a heroic battle everyday.
Childhood cancer is different from adult cancer.
It is usually diagnosed at a more advanced stage, and although great gains are being made in some treatments, childhood cancer can often be more aggressive than adult cancer. Plus, the children are often taken from their homes to spend large parts of their time in treatment centers. Any visit by someone is appreciated. But a visit by a hero, who also may have struggled as they are, can be a treasured and unforgettable experience. Attitude is important in battling cancer, and remains important for the survivors.