“I believe the children are our future. Teach them well, and let them lead the way!”
If you’re humming along with me you’ll definitely want to meet one of my heroes. This young man was born to do great things, and I’d love to introduce you …
If there’s one thing I know for sure, it’s that children can both lead the way and change the future. It is my pleasure to know this hero, my cancer survivor friend: Harrison Strickler. To say that he is well on his way to changing the world…on his bike… with his yellow jersey … well, I might not be capturing the real essence of this great kid.
My family and Harrison’s have grown up along side one another, and I have always known that this little boy was someone special. His amazing determination was there long before the cancer cells. During the early days of his battle with leukemia, many a dinner conversation at our house unfolded as my family learned about living with courage and purpose.
The “why’s” and “how’s” of cancer are tough questions to ask and to answer, but to see my own children grasp the magnitude of cancer and of being a cancer survivor …I have Harrison to thank.
We now spend Father’s Day every year raising money with Harrison and the Rally Foundation for childhood cancer research. Next year, I hope you’ll pull out your bike and ride with us. There is nothing finer than seeing children who selflessly understand what it took me decades to see: “I have only one ride through this world, and I’m going to make sure it’s the best ride of my life!”
We all change the world by what we teach our children. With a greatful heart, I can thank Harrison Strickler for lessons I couldn’t come close to teaching as well he does. Ride on, buddy! You are living by example all the things I want to be when I grow up.
To learn more about the Rally Foundation and childhood cancer research, Click HERE.
We believe that children are changing the world. It makes us sure that what we do to ensure their health and well being is the work of a lifetime. We are thrilled to share our story with you.
published by Gayle Schrier Smith, MD
and her Partners In Pediatrics (do you see us in the video clips?)