September Shines Gold

September is the month of crisp autumn leaves, back-to-school excitement, and a cause close to our hearts – Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Every September shines gold for pediatric cancer awareness. For this reason, we join with cancer care organizations, advocacy groups, and healthcare institutions on behalf of childhood cancer patients, survivors, and families.  Our goal is to raise awareness, support young warriors, and advocate for a brighter future for those battling pediatric cancer.

What is Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month?

September is dedicated to bringing attention to the courageous children and families facing the challenges of pediatric cancer. This observance shines a golden spotlight on the impact of cancer on young lives. As September shines gold, the goal is to promote awareness, education, and fundraising efforts to find better treatments and, ultimately, cures.

The Golden Ribbon: A Symbol of Strength and Hope

Gold is the official color for the childhood cancer awareness ribbon. The color gold symbolizes how precious children are and the resilience and strength of children facing cancer.  In fact, the golden childhood cancer ribbon symbolizes dozens of childhood cancers.

What is Pediatric Cancer?

Pediatric cancer encompasses various types of cancer that affect children, teenagers, and young adults. These conditions differ from adult cancers in many ways, which is why specialized research and treatment are essential. As a matter of fact, there are over a dozen different types of childhood cancers and countless subtypes. Furthermore, cancer in children can begin anywhere in the body.

According to the National Cancer Institute, the most common types of cancer diagnosed in children ages 0 to 14 years are leukemias, brain and other central nervous system (CNS) tumors, and lymphomas. The American Society of Clinical Oncology, reports that together, these cancers account for more than half of all cancers diagnosed in children. But only a small percentage of the cancers diagnosed in adults.

It’s important to note that the causes of most childhood cancers are unknown.  And only a small number of childhood cancer cases are due to genetic abnormalities. Unlike many adult cancers, the causes of most types of childhood cancers are not strongly linked to lifestyle or environmental risk factors. Children of all ages, races, and economic backgrounds get cancer.

According to The American Childhood Cancer Organization, cancer is the number one cause of death by disease for children in America. “Each year in the U.S. there are an estimated 15,780 children between the ages of birth and 19 years of age who are diagnosed with cancer. Approximately 1 in 285 children in the U.S. will be diagnosed with cancer before their 20th birthday. Globally there are more than 300,000 children diagnosed with cancer each year.”

The Importance of Raising Awareness as September Shines Gold!

Awareness is the first step toward making a difference as September shines gold this year. As a matter of fact, we have five steps you can take to help raise awareness!

1. Learn the Facts about Childhood Cancer – visit our blog post, “Childhood Cancer Awareness: 10 Facts” for cancer facts.
2. Demonstrate your support and join the gold movement by wearing a gold ribbon. Ever wonder why gold is the color which symbolizes Childhood Cancer Awareness month? In 1997, a group of parents selected gold as the official color because it symbolizes how resilient and precious children are.
3. Like, Follow, Share! Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to learn more about childhood cancer and Mikey’s Way. In fact, by sharing our posts, you are helping to spread the word about our organization and how we help kids cope with cancer… Mikey’s Way!
4. Donate. If you can, consider donating to organizations like Mikey’s Way that support pediatric cancer patients.
5. Attend CureFest 2023 which will take place in a hybrid format this September. There will be an in-person event in Washington, DC. on September 22 – 24, 2023 as well as an interactive virtual format.

As September Shines Gold, Unite with Us!

Childhood Cancer Month is the time to unite to shine a light on the challenges that children with cancer face. By learning about pediatric cancer and showing our support, collectively we can make a difference in the lives of these brave young warriors and their families. We invite you to unite with us for pediatric cancer awareness in honor and in memory of kids with cancer! September shines gold for pediatric cancer awareness, and you are an important part of helping raise awareness!