“The word “leukemia” is a very scary word. In many cases it is a killer and it is something that you have to deal with very seriously and decisively if you want to defeat it” – Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Many people, including tons of children, fight leukemia every day trying to beat this vicious cancer. Without knowing exactly how leukemia is caused, we don't know how to prevent it. Leukemia, in other words blood cancer, is a disease that affects not only adults, but also children. This disease of bodily systems interests me in many ways. The first time I heard about leukemia was in the movie Brotherhood of the Traveling Pants. One of the main characters, Tibby, ends up working at a grocery store during the summer where she meets Bailey Graffman. Fascinated by Tibby's film, Bailey becomes Tibby's self-appointed assistant. Tibby is annoyed by this at first, but gradually grows to accept Bailey. She later learns from Bailey's neighbor that Bailey has leukemia. Bailey eventually goes to the hospital with a serious infection. Tibby avoids the hospital for a while, but eventually visits Bailey, bringing the traveling pants. She offers them to Bailey and begs her to take them so they can help her. Bailey responds by saying that the pants have already worked their magic on Bailey by reuniting her with Tibby. Tibby then spends a lot of time with Bailey in the hospital. A few days later, Tibby receives a phone call in the morning from Mrs. Graffman, Bailey's mother, telling her that Bailey died that night. Ever since I watched the movie, I've been wondering what exactly happened to Bailey since she was so young, hence why I chose this disease for my honors paper! To my resolution...... middle of paper ...... cancer Cells and stopping their growth and multiplication can also be used. Since we don't know the exact cause of leukemia, it is difficult to prevent. You can take the following precautions just in case: such as not smoking and staying away from radiation and situations that could expose you to radiation. Since finding out more about leukemia, it seems like I might be at risk of developing it. However, I'm not worried. Most symptoms are noticeable early on and no one in my family has a history of this condition. Scientists are still doing tests and research to find out the exact cause, but until then, I'll take precautions like everyone else. Ultimately, leukemia is not something to joke about or take lightly. It is just as serious as any other cancer and, as it is also found in children, people and new parents need to be aware of the disease and its risks..