Honoring Children with Cancer in September

Wednesday, September 12th, 2012

Nearly 13,000 kids under the age of 21 are diagnosed with cancer every year and, according to the American Childhood Cancer Organization (ACCO), nearly 25 percent of kids diagnosed per year will not survive the disease. This is why September is dedicated as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.

Even though President Obama’s proclamation this year revealed that ongoing research and treatment has led to outstanding progress (the five-year survival rate for all childhood cancers has increased from less than 50 percent to 80 percent over the past several decade), there is still much work to be done.

Below are ways to learn more about the disease and to engage with affected communities:

• Find a CureSearch Walk for Children’s Cancer in your state.
• Connect with the Pediatric Cancer Foundation.
• Purchase a Gold Ribbon.
• Support 46 Mommas, a group of mothers who shave their heads to raise money for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation.
• ‘Like’ Childhood Cancer Awareness and CURE Childhood Cancer on Facebook.

More information about childhood cancer can be found on Parents.com:

• Remembering a Pediatric Cancer Patient
• “Doctor, What Would You Do If It Were Your Child?”
• Giving Kids Cameras to Cope with Cancer
• How to Make Life Normal for a Child with Cancer
• 10 Best Children’s Hospitals

Image: Awareness Ribbon – Bone, via Shutterstock

Moms Shave Their Heads for National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

Friday, September 9th, 2011

September is National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and, for the second year in a row, 46 moms will bring attention to the cause by shaving their heads. “46 Mommas,” a group of mothers who have all been personally affected by childhood cancer, will lose their locks on September 21 in Washington, D.C. The number 46 is significant because every weekday an average of 46 families are told that their child has cancer.

The moms are partnering with the St. Baldrick’s Foundation to raise funds — a long-term goal of raising one million dollars — for childhood cancer research. They hope the second annual “Shave for the Brave” event will raise awareness, increase funds, and inspire others to help find a cure.