When her 2-year-old son Brycen was diagnosed with cancer, life for Angela Parker was turned upside down.
"Things have changed for the good, they've changed for the bad, but they've definitely changed," Parker explained.
Things changed quickly for the Parker family. The Monroe County mother says she didn't know where to turn, but a gift from a sympathetic mother helped them get through.
"We went up the day that I took him to the doctor that morning," the mother said. "We were in Morgantown that night. We didn't have anything with us. We were blessed to get a package from Emma's Touch that helped us get through the week."
Emma's Touch was founded by Karen Vannatter, who lost her daughter Emma to cancer three years ago.
As Vannatter was thrown into the cancer community, she quickly identified a lack of education about the disease.
"People talk about the cure rate for childhood cancer," Vannatter said. "You know, it's like 80 percent cure rates since the 50s, 60s and 70s, and yes, there have been so many advances because of research, but there is so much of a lack."
Parker adds that southern West Virginia is not only lacking knowledge. She says the state is also lacking in funding, research and treatment options.
"We actually travel four hours one way for our treatments," Parker said. "Right now we go once a week, so it's an eight hour trip for us, plus the hours we're there for treatment."
She says her community did make it easier by being understanding.
"My little small town has just pulled together so much," she added. "It just is amazing to me. I would have never expected."
But the situation was much different for the Vannatter's.
"The unfortunate thing is, I wasn't able to go back to work," Vannatter said. "I ended up having to take time off. I think another thing on a local end is if you're a business who has an employee that's affected by childhood cancer, try to support them and that family the best that is possible for your company."
Vannatter started Emma's Touch in order to change that, and she urges West Virginians to give locally.
"Get with local families," she continued. "If they hear of a family that's in their backyard or community, support them. Find out. Do you need gift cards? Do you need a check every two weeks? You know, if someone's financially able to be able to give."
Many parents feel guilty accepting outside help, but Parker says if people are kind enough to give, be willing to accept those gifts.
"You can't do it alone, you really can't, and if people are willing to help you, let them in," Parker said. "Let them help you, let them have benefits for you, let them bring you dinner. I've had tons of people bring me food. Let them do little projects for you, take money up at the ball game. Accept those gifts, those things, because one day you'll get to do it for somebody too."
For more information on Emma's Touch, visit http://www.emmastouch.webs.com/.
We will wrap up our special series Thursday with a survivor's story. Don't miss the story of 6-year-old Lexie Brinson.
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