7 Ways to Help During Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, a time to shine a light on the thousands of families facing the unimaginable challenge of pediatric cancer. In the U.S., cancer is the leading cause of death by disease among children. About 1 in 285 children will face a cancer diagnosis before they turn 20.1 While advancements have been made, many families are still in desperate need of hope and support.
But there is something we can all do.
Whether through donations, volunteering, or advocacy, each of us can make a difference by supporting research and spreading awareness to change the future for kids with cancer and their families.
Here are seven ways you can help during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month:
1. Donate to Solving Kids’ Cancer
Your support can make a life-changing difference for children battling cancer. By making a donation to cancer research through Solving Kids’ Cancer, you’re helping to fund crucial research for better treatments. Despite advancements in some pediatric cancers, for others, the survival rate upon relapse remains tragically close to 0%. Solving Kids’ Cancer is committed to finding new, effective therapies for these toughest cases. Your donation directly supports the development of life-saving treatments, giving every child the chance to grow up and live a full life.
2. Become a Volunteer
Volunteering during Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month is a powerful way to make a difference. Whether it’s visiting hospitals, offering transportation, or supporting families, your time can have a meaningful impact. Explore childhood cancer volunteer opportunities near you and be a part of this vital cause.
3. Spread the Word on Social Media
Raise awareness by sharing information about Childhood Cancer Awareness Month on your social media platforms. Use hashtags like #ChildhoodCancerAwarenessMonth and #GoGold to join the global conversation. You can also help by sharing Solving Kids’ Cancer’s stories of patients, survivors, and families. These powerful stories highlight the resilience of children and the impact of the community’s support. The more people who know about pediatric cancer, the more support these children and their families can receive.
Arden’s Story
Arden was diagnosed with neuroblastoma at just 15 months old, facing a tough battle ahead. Thanks to the innovative treatments supported by Solving Kids’ Cancer, including access to critical clinical trials, Arden has reached No Evidence of Disease (NED).
4. Participate in or Organize an Awareness Event
Attend or organize local events in your community to raise awareness and funds for childhood cancer. Whether it’s a charity run, a gold-themed party, or a virtual awareness event, participating in these activities can make a significant impact. Events bring people together and amplify the message that every child deserves a future free from cancer.
5. Advocate for Childhood Cancer Research
Advocacy is a powerful way to drive progress. Contact your local representatives and urge them to support policies and funding for pediatric cancer research. Join advocacy groups and participate in campaigns that push for more research funding and better treatments for children with cancer.
6. Support a Family Affected by Childhood Cancer
Supporting a family going through pediatric cancer can make a world of difference. Offer your help by cooking meals, providing childcare, or simply being there to listen. Small acts of kindness can greatly ease the burden on families during such a challenging time.
7. Lace Up for Kids and Start a Fundraiser for Kids with Cancer
Childhood Cancer Awareness Month is symbolized by the color gold worldwide. As part of our annual Lace Up for Kids campaign, we’re giving out gold shoelaces for you to wear in honor of children fighting cancer. When you start your own fundraising page, we’ll send you a pair, and we’ll also send a free pair to every friend who donates to your childhood cancer fundraiser.
You can make an even bigger impact by hosting events like walk-a-thons, bake sales, or virtual challenges. Share your journey on social media with the hashtag #LaceUpForKids to inspire others to get involved. Every step you take and every dollar you raise brings us closer to a world where every child can grow up cancer-free.
Source:
1Childhood Cancer Fact Library – https://cac2.org/impact-areas/awareness/childhood-cancer-fact-library/
