[Raising Durham] A Personal Journey Through Pediatric Cancer

September marks Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month, serving as a poignant reminder of the profound impact childhood cancer has on families in our community and across the nation.

The statistics are sobering: approximately 15,000 children in the United States are diagnosed with cancer each year. Yet despite this staggering number, childhood cancer research receives only about 4% of federal cancer research funding. These figures, however, only scratch the surface.

Behind each statistic lies a child, a family, and a community forever changed by an unexpected diagnosis.

In October 2021, our family joined the ranks of those statistics when our daughter, Harper, was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). In an instant, our world tilted on its axis. We found ourselves thrust into a world of medical terminology, treatment protocols, and a new normal that moved quickly and left no time to get our bearings.

Living in Durham, we quickly realized how fortunate we were to be close to Duke Children’s—1.9 miles to be exact. The world-class medical care Harper received there saved her life, but it was more than just the medical treatments that got her through it. Programs funded by generous donors enhanced Harper’s quality of life during treatment – from Hospital School, to art and music therapy, and other family support resources, these programs provided moments of joy and normalcy in an otherwise challenging time.

As we navigated this new normal, we discovered a network of support that extended far beyond the hospital walls. Organizations like The V Foundation, inspired by Jim Valvano’s legacy, are pushing the boundaries of cancer research, with an enormous emphasis on pediatric cancer. Harper has become a passionate advocate for the V Foundation, and we believe wholeheartedly that their work played a crucial role in her treatment success.

Also close to home, Children’s Cancer Partners of the Carolinas became our lifeline, offering resources, community, and compassion when we needed it most. Their immediate support during our darkest hours was invaluable, demonstrating the power of local organizations in supporting families facing childhood cancer.

Our experience also opened our eyes to the challenges faced by families who travel great distances for treatment. This realization led to the creation of Harper’s Home, our nonprofit aimed at providing short-term housing for families receiving treatment at Duke Children’s. Our goal is to build eight housing units on our property in Durham, offering a safe haven for families to stay together during treatment.

After 846 days of treatment, Harper finally rang the bell in February, signaling the end of her active treatment. The celebration at Duke University’s Cameron Indoor Stadium, where over 9,000 people cheered as Harper rang an enormous bell at center court, was a moment of pure joy and community support that we’ll never forget. The hospital celebration that followed, with halls lined with doctors, nurses, and staff who had become like family, was equally moving.

Yet, even as we celebrate this milestone, we’re acutely aware that our journey with cancer is far from over. The fear of relapse or recurrence is a constant companion, and we know that our lives are forever divided into “Before Cancer” and “After Cancer.” We also recognize how fortunate we’ve been – a reality not shared by all families facing childhood cancer. We mourn friends lost and remain committed to doing everything in our power to move towards a future without cancer.

As we reflect on our journey, we’re filled with gratitude for the Durham community and the incredible organizations that have supported us along the way. From Duke Children’s to The V Foundation, Children’s Cancer Partners of the Carolinas, and now Harper’s Home, we’ve seen firsthand the impact of local support and world-class care.

This Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month, we invite our Durham neighbors to join us in supporting these vital organizations. Whether through volunteering, donating, or simply spreading awareness, every action brings us one step closer to a world where no child or family has to face cancer alone.

Together, we can make a difference in the lives of children and families facing pediatric cancer, right here in Durham and beyond.

Heather Hindin is a Durham-based educator and single parent to 11-year-old Harper. With a career dedicated to equity in education, Heather brings both professional insight and personal experience to Southpoint Access. As the mother of a pediatric cancer survivor, she understands the importance of community and candor in overcoming parenting challenges. Together, Harper and Heather advocate for pediatric cancer awareness and research. They’ve founded Harper’s Home, a non-profit providing affordable housing to families with children receiving treatment at Duke. Heather’s Raising Durham: Tales from a Bull City Mom column offers a blend of practical advice, compassion, and community engagement, drawn from her journey as an educator, advocate, and most importantly, a mom.