Mary Ann Massolio knows the hardship of pediatric cancer far too well.
“We don’t want any other family to go through what we’ve gone through,” Massolio said.
Just three years after she started working as a pediatric oncology social worker, her 9-year-old son died from cancer.
“I went from the hospital staff lounge to the patient lounge so quickly,” Massolio said. “I really got a bird’s eye view of what it was like for patients.”
Now the Executive Director for 1Voice, an organization that provides family support programs for children undergoing treatment in Tampa Bay, she’s raising awareness about funding. Massolio, along with other families, is going to Washington DC, for Childhood Cancer Action Days, Monday and Tuesday. This is the fourth time she’s met with legislators and educated them about childhood cancer.
“Here’s a cancer research dollar. 96 cents of that goes to adults and only four goes to children,” Massolio compares. “It’s empowering because I think the legislators are listening and we are making a difference.”
Bonnie Woodworth and her daughter Delaney will also be on the trip. Bonnie’s daughter, Delaney’s sister, died from cancer in 2012.
“I won’t want another family to ache the way we do,” Bonnie said. “I don’t want them to ache the way my husband and daughter do.”
Delaney even wants to help with pediatric cancer research someday.
“She could have been at my graduation or my wedding,” Delaney said. “I don’t get to spend that time with her. It’s kind of hard.”
