Sherry Tucker spoke at the Second Annual Cure Kids Cancer Challenge at FishHawk Park Square in Lithia, Sept. 13, 2008. Belows is the text of her speech:

"Four years ago today, I was oblivious and naive. Just as many others who had not been closely impacted, childhood cancer was far from my mind. On this day four years ago we watched Zach play basketball with his team at the YMCA.

"Three years ago today, I was overwhelmed and scared. Our lives had been turned upside down when we learned two months earlier that Zach had a very aggressive form of brain cancer. On this day three years ago, we watched as Zach received his 13th radiation treatment of 33 and later watched all of his hair fall out on the right side of his head.

"Two years ago today, I was devastated and grieving. Our worst fears had been realized when all treatment options for Zach ran out after only 10 months. On this day two years ago, we could only watch Zach on videos because he had been set free from cancer in heaven four months earlier.

"One year ago today, I was determined and grieving; the grieving will never stop. Our determination was focused on raising awareness and much needed funds for pediatric cancer research. On this day one year ago, I watched as many of Zach's friends helped us collect coins for the First Annual Cure Kids Cancer Challenge.

"And that brings us to today. Today I am still determined, still grieving, but I am also hopeful. My hope comes from the progress that is being made. It is clear from this amazing crowd today that we ARE raising awareness. It is clear from this day being declared the First Annual Childhood Cancer Awareness Day, and the Caroline Pryce Walker Conquer Childhood Cancer Act of 2008 being voted into law, that our national government is embracing that childhood cancer IS in need of recognition and much needed funds. It is clear the citizens of our nation are tired of losing too many precious lives and seeing too many lives wrecked with a cancer diagnosis by the recent Stand Up To Cancer event. And it clear the Pediatric Cancer Foundation is making great strides toward their mission of finding a cure by opeing their first clinical trial. On this day, today, I am filled with HOPE that there will come a day when no parent has to hear the words, 'there are no treatment options for your child.'

"Childhood cancer shatters many dreams.

"It steals sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, and the innocence of childhood.

"But childhood cancer can never steal our memories, love, faith, or hope. Thank you for helping us increase tht hope by making the Cure Kids Cancer Challenge a great success. Every dollar you have given here today has the potential to change many lives. I especially thank you on behalf of the all too many families that have entered the pediatric cancer world. We hope and pray that soon we will become an extinct group."

Sherry Tucker spoke at the Second Annual Cure Kids Cancer Challenge at FishHawk Park Square in Lithia, Sept. 13, 2008. Belows is the text of her speech:

"Four years ago today, I was oblivious and naive. Just as many others who had not been closely impacted, childhood cancer was far from my mind. On this day four years ago we watched Zach play basketball with his team at the YMCA.

"Three years ago today, I was overwhelmed and scared. Our lives had been turned upside down when we learned two months earlier that Zach had a very aggressive form of brain cancer. On this day three years ago, we watched as Zach received his 13th radiation treatment of 33 and later watched all of his hair fall out on the right side of his head.

"Two years ago today, I was devastated and grieving. Our worst fears had been realized when all treatment options for Zach ran out after only 10 months. On this day two years ago, we could only watch Zach on videos because he had been set free from cancer in heaven four months earlier.

"One year ago today, I was determined and grieving; the grieving will never stop. Our determination was focused on raising awareness and much needed funds for pediatric cancer research. On this day one year ago, I watched as many of Zach's friends helped us collect coins for the First Annual Cure Kids Cancer Challenge.

"And that brings us to today. Today I am still determined, still grieving, but I am also hopeful. My hope comes from the progress that is being made. It is clear from this amazing crowd today that we ARE raising awareness. It is clear from this day being declared the First Annual Childhood Cancer Awareness Day, and the Caroline Pryce Walker Conquer Childhood Cancer Act of 2008 being voted into law, that our national government is embracing that childhood cancer IS in need of recognition and much needed funds. It is clear the citizens of our nation are tired of losing too many precious lives and seeing too many lives wrecked with a cancer diagnosis by the recent Stand Up To Cancer event. And it clear the Pediatric Cancer Foundation is making great strides toward their mission of finding a cure by opeing their first clinical trial. On this day, today, I am filled with HOPE that there will come a day when no parent has to hear the words, 'there are no treatment options for your child.'

"Childhood cancer shatters many dreams.

"It steals sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, and the innocence of childhood.

"But childhood cancer can never steal our memories, love, faith, or hope. Thank you for helping us increase tht hope by making the Cure Kids Cancer Challenge a great success. Every dollar you have given here today has the potential to change many lives. I especially thank you on behalf of the all too many families that have entered the pediatric cancer world. We hope and pray that soon we will become an extinct group."