Sarcoma is a cancer of the connective tissue in the human body that is considered rare but while rare is still more likely to affect children and young adults than it is full grown humans. According to the American Cancer Society 11,280 people will be diagnosed with Sarcoma yearly. (Citation) There are many different types of soft-tissue sarcomas and treatment varies for each. Although referred to as Pediatric Sarcoma the three main types of Sarcoma affecting children can also affect adults. These three types are:

Rhabdomyosarcomas –this is one of the most common types of sarcoma and causes tumors to grow in the skeletal (striated) muscles.

May is Cystic Fibrosis Month. Cystic Fibrosis is a rare genetic disease that causes persistent difficulty breathing, lung infections, and a buildup of mucus that may prevent organs from functioning properly (particularly in the digestive system). Currently there are approximately 70,000 people worldwide living with CF.

Because Cystic Fibrosis is a genetic disease the risks of a child being diagnosed with it increases if both parents are ‘carriers’. Scientists currently estimate that twelve-million Americans are currently carriers for CF (Citation). When both parents are carriers of the CF gene there is a 25% chance (1 in 4) that the child will be diagnosed with CF and suffer symptoms.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and Autism are both terms for a relatively new type of developmental disorder. “These disorders are characterized, in varying degrees, by difficulties in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication and repetitive behaviors.[…][A]ll autism disorders were merged into one umbrella diagnosis of ASD.” (Citation)

ASD emerges early on in a child’s development, usually presenting around 2-3 years of age and is almost five times as common in boys as it is in girls. ASD is also more common in children with another type of genetic or chromosomal condition per the CDC: