The survival rate for neuroblastoma cancer has not changed since the 1970s. Blood Assurance is helping to increase that survival rate by giving $10 for every blood donation to Emily’s Power for a Cure Neuroblastoma Fund.

Emily Ransom, a 2-year old neuroblastoma patient, lost her battle to the cancer this past February. Her family and friends established the foundation shortly after her passing to continue her fight by raising funds for new research projects. The research in turn will help other neuroblastoma patients and increase awareness about the cancer.

“…Emily fought cancer with everything she had,” said Wendy Ransom, Emily’s mother.

Every year about 650 new cases of neuroblastoma cancer are diagnosed, making it is the third most common type of childhood cancer according to the American Cancer Society. Most neuroblastoma patients are diagnosed when they are about 17 months and one-third of the cases are found during the first year. And by age five the cancer has been discovered in nearly 90 percent of the cases.

“I took Emily to the doctor because I thought she had a cold and we were supposed to go to Disney World the next week,” Ms. Ransom said. “I wasn’t sure it was cancer until the oncologist was brought in.”

Emily’s family and her doctors only knew she had cancer for four months, but her legacy continues today as family, friends and strangers work together to raise money for the foundation. At least five other children in the Tennessee Valley are battling neuroblastoma cancer.

Officials said, “You too can help Emily’s foundation. Volunteer blood donors are needed to roll up their sleeves at local Sports Barn fitness centers in June.”

Sports Barn North will host a blood drive Monday, June 12, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 4 to 8 p.m.

The Sports Barn Downtown location will sponsor a blood drive Thursday, June 15, from 4 to 8 p.m.

The blood mobile will be at the Sports Barn East location Monday, June 19, from 4 to 8 p.m.

On these days Blood Assurance will donate $10 for each blood unit to Emily’s Power for a Cure Neuroblastoma Fund.

Power for a Cure car magnets are also being sold for $5 with all proceeds benefiting the foundation.

Contributions can also be mailed to the following address:

Power for a Cure Neuroblastoma Fund Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga 1270 Market St. Chattanooga, Tn., 37402

“Emily was super strong and I get a lot of my strength from her. She is my hero and always will be,” said Ms. Ransom.