Today’s research won’t help my family. But it might help yours.
This truth drives me every single day. My son, Shir – whose name means song in Hebrew – was just 2 years old when we lost him to neuroblastoma, a devastating childhood cancer that too few people even know exists. It stole everything: our peace, our hope, our time.
I can’t change what happened to Shir, but I can fight to make sure other children — children whose parents are still holding onto hope — get the chance my son never had.
As we launch the “A Life-Changing Song” campaign on Wednesday, I’m inviting you to be part of this fight. Because today’s research is tomorrow’s cure. Together, we can fund the breakthroughs children with neuroblastoma so desperately need.
From grief to global action
When Shir was diagnosed, our world shattered in an instant. He was just two years old – a happy, bright boy with a smile that lit up the room. We never imagined the word “cancer” would become part of our lives. And yet, for a year, our family fought alongside Shir with everything we had. Despite his bravery and our tireless efforts, the cancer was relentless. Shir’s journey ended far too soon, and in that moment I knew my grief would become my mission.
Earlier this month, on December 5, that mission reached a milestone I never could have imagined. For the first time, the world came together for International Neuroblastoma Awareness Day. From New York to Tel Aviv, from social media posts to community events, parents, medical professionals, and advocates joined forces to shine a light on this devastating and overlooked disease.
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In just one day, our voices reached over 700,000 people, proving the power of collective action. Awareness traveled farther and faster than ever before, and it showed me something I had long believed: Together we can create extraordinary change.
But awareness is only the first step. It opens doors and starts conversations, but it’s not enough. Now, it’s time to turn that momentum into action.
Now we take the next step: Launching the “A Life-Changing Song” campaign. This campaign is about funding the research that will save lives. It’s about honoring the children we’ve lost and fighting for the children who still have a chance.
Why research is the key
Awareness opens doors, but research changes outcomes.
Every breakthrough gives us more hope:
● Researchers are developing targeted treatments to improve survival rates.
● New clinical trials offer families options that didn’t exist just years ago.
● Scientists are working to reduce the life-altering side effects of treatment.
But the challenge is funding. Today, only 10% of all cancer research funding goes toward childhood cancers. That’s not enough.
This campaign is about changing that. Research is what gives families hope. Research is what turns today’s heartbreak into tomorrow’s cure.
How you can help
When Shir died, I made a promise: His song would not end. That promise lives on in this campaign.
You don’t have to be a doctor or a scientist to make a difference. Whether you’re a parent, a neighbor, or someone who believes in giving children a chance to dream, you can help create a life-changing impact.
Here’s how:
● Donate to fund research: Every contribution – no matter the size – moves us closer to a cure.
● Share the campaign: Amplify our message in your community, family and network. Your voice can inspire hope.
And then you can join us to celebrate just how far we’ve come. We’ll be hosting the first Shir For Life Gala on December 23 in Tel Aviv, a celebration of progress, hope and the difference we’re making together. The acclaimed Israeli poet and song-writer Noam Horev will perform and anchor the evening, with a panel discussion from Israel’s leading neuroblastoma researchers and medical professionals about the future, and hope, in new research.
Every child deserves to dream
Today’s research won’t bring my son back, but it can change the future for another child.
Shir’s song lives on in all of us. Together, we can turn grief into action and heartbreak into hope. We can fund the research that gives children their chance to grow, thrive, and dream. Because today’s research is tomorrow’s cure. And every child deserves their chance to sing. I hope you will join us in this campaign, and join us in person for the Gala on December 23rd if you’re in Tel Aviv.
Einat Dado Baralia is Shir's mother and the founder of Shir For Life
First published: 21:37, 12.17.24