Bringing A Little Joy And Happiness To Children: Miracles Do Happen

There are no words that could explain the complex feelings that swelled in my heart yesterday causing a tireless current of various emotions that push and pull at my being.  This feeling is not new, but one that is rather familiar.  It is both sustaining and alarming.  And like most things that cause an array of emotions, the feelings that hold me are magnified because of my own personal experiences with the events of the day.

All of you know me as Peter Thomas Senese, an author and advocate of children.  But you see, many of the children I am dedicated to see me not as the adult that I try so hard not to be, but for who I am in spirit:  Peter Pan -fighter of the dragon that tries to steal life in the form of cancer or some other nasty disease.

And yesterday, was one of those  incredibly special days that my inner Peter Pan had taken flight and visited many children in the hospital who were in the midst of their own fight with the dragon.

Fighting the dragon of cancer is something I am not new to.  You see, I have had a share of cancer fights that over the years caused tumors to grow in areas of my body.  In fact, I was diagnosed with a disease long ago that had a low survival rate, and chances were that my life-span was expected to be limited because of the high mortality rate of my cancer disease. 

Well, my diagnosis of 15 years ago that included making sure I got my 'affairs' in order missed one important mark: I'm still here, extremely healthy, and a Conqueror of Cancer.  In fact, the genetic testing of the gene strain that caused my very complex form of cancer to occur . . . and keep coming back is now gone from my body.  Seriously: the dragon that ravaged my body is gone. 

And if you didn't know that I fought the dragon on numerous occasions, then chances are that you would not know of my many battles because my body is strong, my scars have healed, and by no means have I become anything less than a warrior who shares with others wisdom I have learned and gained about how to see the magic in life, and how to use this magic to fight the dragon.

I know that the time I live here on this planet really is a gift.

I know that the wisdom I gained fighting a disease that by all odds, was suppose to take my life in a cruel way, but failed, has helped many others.

I know the precious value of celebrating life and seeing the magic.

And I know that the Peter Pan in me allows me to talk to children in a way that they understand.

So on days like yesterday, my inner Peter Pan takes flight and visits children who fight the dragon.

My visits to an assortment of hospitals are incredible journeys.  I have now traveled for 13 years.  Each year I learn many new things, yet I am reminded of many of the same wonderment's that existed or were taught the year before, including most importantly that life's magic and embracing this magic is the key to happiness.

My support to find a cure for cancer has been steadfast for well over a decade.  I am quite proud that I have been able to find a way in my own life to be able to provide resources to help fight cancer, while also being able to assist others who fight the fight.

Yesterday, I had a chance to visit two New York City area hospitals that specialize in treating children with life-threatening illnesses. 

It is a day I look forward to more than any other day of the year, though my visits to hospitals occur several times a year. 

Perhaps the difference is that on this day I travel with many cool gifts that originate from the spirit of Neverland . . . gifts carefully saved for throughout the year by me and a few of my friends from Neverland.

And though I look forward to my visit, truth is fighting cancer or any life-threatening illness is not easy for anyone, yet alone for a child and their family.

Yet, I know first-hand just how important it is for anyone in the midst of the fight to 'Think of Happy Thoughts' ... because happy thoughts allows your spirit to fly and soar - and fight! And few know the importance of 'Happy Thoughts' more than Peter Pan.

My day was filled with a great amount of laughter. 

For whatever reason, God allowed me to become a gifted storyteller capable of sharing enchanting stories with children. 

And so my day, joined by my dear friend Patricia (Tinkerbell) and Fred (Twister), was filled with sharing stories that grasped at the children's and their parents' hearts.   And we were so blessed because along the way we recruited a wonderful group of 'Lost Adults' as I called them from Iowa who came to New York on a ministry to help those impacted by Hurricane Sandy.  Pastor Rick, Jane, Jenna, and Debbie had no idea what they were getting into when they stepped in the elevator, but we were sure glad they did because they were so incredibly helpful in so many ways.  New friends were made that shared something so incredible.

Sometimes I would enter a room and look around and say, "Hey, you're in my old bed!" While other times, I would introduce myself by saying in a low voice, "Hi, I'm Peter Pan. And I came to see you from Neverland.  And I have some presents for you from the Lost Boys and Girls. Do you think the adults can see me?" Or, "I'm Peter Pan, and I'm looking for someone who wants to come on an adventure and help me fight Captain James C. Hook.  Are you interested in an adventure?" 

For whatever the reason, the children I was blessed to visit appeared to connect with me.

There were stories told, really cool presents opened, prayers said, jokes told, and trust . . . a lot of trust.  You see, when I told the children that I fought the cousin of the dragon that they were fighting and beat him, they became very interested in what I had to say.

It was then that the room became very small, and it felt as if it was just me and one of my new pals.  And for the few minutes that we were locked in together, I allowed them to touch one of the scars on my head, and to feel the tight-ball of a muscle of my bicep, and to listen to my words of encouragement.  And during this time, I explained some things that were so important, including how important it was for them to find their 'Happy Thoughts' all the time. 

I can't begin to share with you the depth of what was given to me yesterday.  Truth is for as much as I may have shared, it was the children that gave so much to me. 

Hope is the most powerful tool in the world.  When we learn to see the magic around us, we are able to see and embrace hope.  When we embrace hope, our lives become enriched.

Faith is a very important part of my own life.  In my faith, of course I questioned often why God would allow for these children to go through what they are.  It was a similar set of questions I asked often during the time when one of my young family members had to fight the dragon (successfully).

Words the express my hope that the men and women who dedicate their lives to finding a cure for cancer travel with God speed on their quest could never be properly expressed.  I am in awe of those individuals who have dedicated their lives to helping find cures to all diseases, and have been blessed to know over the years some of the world's leading genomic scientist who get up every day trying to make a difference.

But most of all, in the eyes of these amazing children I had the great privilege of visiting with yesterday, I saw the hope of mankind and the goodness that exists in each of us.

The lessons these children shared with me are lessons I will continue to embrace.  One of which I would like to share with you:

We all have the ability of making a positive difference in the life of another.  The magic of life is clearly found when we act compassionately.

Sadly, it would be unrealistic for me to think that all the children I met with yesterday will overcome the challenges they face.  My heart really does cry out in pain and sorrow; however, I try to take solace in knowing that the God I believe in does have a plan for each and every person.  And I am smart enough to know that I do not have the capacity to understand all that God has in store for each of us.  The heaviness of my heart is tempered by my belief in Heaven.  I learned a long time ago I am not afraid of dying here . . . in fact, for a few seconds of my own life, during the time when I had the tumor in my noggin and was receiving experimental therapy treatment, my own heart did stop.  And as I just said ... I do believe in Heaven.

My wish for each of you is that you embrace each and every moment of life.  Life really is filled with magic.  It appears that it comes down to how each of us decides to see.

I ask that you keep in your prayers all individuals who are not in good health, particularly children, because God really does listen.

Also, I decided not to share any photographs here out of respect for the privacy of the new friends I made yesterday.  Understandably, some parents have a hard time pictures, particularly if their child is undergoing treatment such as chemotherapy.

And as for me . . . my 'Peter Pan' will continue to guide my life.


Merry Christmas To All Of You . . . And Remember, "Embrace Hope, Know Faith . . . And Think Happy Thoughts'.

A Very Sepcial Day For Me - Helping Children

For over a decade I have remained active with a handful of hospitals that are dedicated to helping children fighting cancer or any other serious illness. 

As a cancer conqueror myself, as a professional with a history of investing in cancer research, and as a person who embraces my social responsibility, I have done what I can to financially support several hospitals, including the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and an assortment of Children's Hospitals.


I know first-hand that fighting cancer is not easy.  I also know that my life changed for the better in many ways when I had to fight the dragon because life and its beauty came to me in ways I had never previously experienced.  In seeing the magic, in my own way, I found my inner 'PAN'. 

I also know that the dragon is very powerful, and has the ability of taking life here on earth.  But in having my PAN fight the dragon, I also came to deeply understand that God does exist, and so too does Heaven.

I have come to understand that each of us can be 'PAN', and that no matter what, we can see magic ... and there is another place we all will go to.  A very magical place.

Each year I literally save my pennies, nickles, dimes, quarters, ones, fives, tens, twenties .... whatever I can and put these monies in a 'Neverland' box.  The box is rather big.  Sometimes, during the year I empty the coins in the box and exchange them for bills.  I did that a few times this year.   And I am very blessed that I have a wonderful partner who is willing to give up a few niceties like a vacation or a fancy dinner or a new pair of shoes and toss the money saved into the 'Neverland' box.  Our efforts add up.

Then once a year -like today -  I take the money I saved - and I go and purchase Nintendo DS's or Sony PS's along with a video game or two that I give to the children being treated at the cancer ward of a few of the hospitals. Of course, I am mindful that some of the children may not be able to play the video games: some simply can't while others are to young and would prefer something else.  So I always have on hand a bunch of fashionable princesses and Lego, and coloring books - but most of all what I bring is the spirit of Peter Pan.

You see, if the medical doctors initial diagnosis of my cancer fight was correct, I would have been dead a long time ago.  It was nearly 15 years ago that I was first diagnosed with a brain tumor, followed by being diagnosed with neurofibromatosis II - which were both death sentences.

But I found my shadow.  And though you might think it odd, finding my PAN saved my life.

So you see, at 6 foot tall, and even at 47 year old, my body is very strong, those children that I visit in their Neverland, they don't see some old guy bringing toys . . . instead, they see Peter Pan - fighter and conqueror of the dragon.  And when I sit with them, and I tell them the stories of Pan fighting the dragon, of one Mr. James C. Hook, they always lean in . . . they understand.  And I know they find their PAN . . . even if for a short time because God has other plans for them. 

But you see . . . life is filled with magic.  And it becomes magical when you believe.  And God knows I believe.

I really believe.

And so in a few minutes I will be off to shop for these children, knowing that it is not the material gift that matters the most (though at times it helps, particularly when some of these children have no parents there with them [it is true] since they are wards of the state at the ages of 3, and 4, and 5).

And then over the next two weeks I will begin making my rounds to the hospitals, and hopefully teaching as many children as possible how to catch their shadow . . . and how to see the magic because it is right before their eyes - all they have to do is believe.

So today is a very important day for me.  It seems as if so much of my life evolves around keeping several promises I made.  One, when I was fighting the brain tumor that nearly took my life, was that I would do what I could to help others fighting the dragon should I live.  Thus, my ongoing support of research and other outreach at a handful of hospitals.  And of course, several times a year, with Christmas being the biggest time, I get to share the PAN that lives within me with others.  And so if you are wondering why I am willing to fight for children - this is part of the reason.

Fighting cancer should never be taken lightly.  But when trying to overcome any illness, we must learn to use all the tools . . . all the magic that is around us.  This includes the aid of modern medicine, homeopathic treatment, lots and lots of pray, and of course - finding the magic and embracing it.

Life is short. Eventually our spirits move to the next Adventure.

This past Thursday morning, my dear friend Robert Medori passed away while fighting the dragon.  Bobby is one of the nicest persons I have ever known.  He was a good, caring, and loving man, and though he will be missed here on earth, he will always be with me. 

And so today, Bobby will surely be joining me as we shop for the children.

Love Life.  Embrace Life's Magic.

Find your  . . . PAN

- Peter -