Globally, 80,000 children have their lives cut short by cancer each year, and more research is needed to reduce this statistic.
Cancer is the single greatest cause of death from disease in Australian children, with 1 in every 500 kids developing some type of cancer before the age of 15. These frightening statistics are what motivate groups such as Redkite, The Kids’ Cancer Project and The Childhood Cancer Association to redouble their efforts every year to raise money to support these children and their families and to fund vital research into cures for childhood cancers.
How did Childhood Cancer Awareness Month start?
Childhood Cancer Awareness Month was first declared by former US President Barack Obama in 2010. Since then, cancer organisations all around the world have used this awareness month to put the spotlight on children's cancer and highlight the need for improved diagnosis, treatment and outcomes.
Every year in September, charities around the globe honour Childhood Cancer Awareness Month to raise awareness and critical funds for childhood cancer. In the US, these groups include the American Childhood Cancer Organisation and the American Children’s Cancer Foundation, while here in Australia participants include the Children’s Cancer Foundation and the Childhood Cancer Association.
What is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month?
The objective of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month is to raise awareness of the types of cancers that primarily affect children, as well as to help raise funds for research and family support.
The Gold Ribbon is the international awareness symbol of childhood cancer and merchandise created for the event typically includes the colour gold. Events and activities held during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month vary widely between countries and organisations, but whether it’s a high-profile lecture tour or a backyard barbeque for a gold coin donation, all have the common goal of raising awareness and funds,
How can you get involved?
The biggest way you can contribute on a local level during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month is to make some kind of donation. This could include:
- A tax-deductible cash donation to any of the non-profit childhood cancer organisations such as Redkite, the Kids’ Cancer Project, the Childhood Cancer Association, Children’s Cancer Research Fund, Neuroblastoma Australia and many more.
- A donation of your time to raise funds for any of these organisations. You could rattle a tin, help out at an event, hold an event of your own or volunteer your time to help with the charity’s admin and support work.
- To find out more about Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, visit www.cancer.org.au/news/news-articles/september-is-childhood-cancer-awareness-month-2016.html