Date
Monday
Sep

September 1-30

Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

It's time to raise awareness and support for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month - join us in the fight against this devastating disease.

Yearly Date
September 1
Type
Month
Category
Health

Introduction

September is more than just the start of fall – it's also Childhood Cancer Awareness Month! This month-long observance aims to raise awareness and support for children and families affected by cancer. Did you know that childhood cancer is the leading cause of death by disease in children under the age of 15? But with increased awareness, funding, and research efforts, survival rates have been steadily improving. So let's join together and show our support for these brave little warriors fighting against cancer. There are many ways to get involved and make a difference – from donating to participating in events or simply spreading awareness on social media. Let's make this month a time of hope, strength, and unity for all those impacted by childhood cancer.

Childhood Cancer Awareness Month Timeline

1950
Rise of Childhood Cancer Research
Efforts in researching and treating childhood cancers rose post World War II, contributing to improved survival rates over subsequent decades.
1960
Initiation of St. Jude Research Hospital
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, founded in 1962, became a pioneer in the treatment and research of catastrophic diseases in children, especially cancer.
1987
OSELC Established
Office of Special Education and Learning Centers formed to help children with long-term or late effects of cancer and its treatment.
1998
American Childhood Cancer Organization Founded
ACCO was founded by parents of children with cancer to provide information and support to families, survivors and the public about childhood cancer.
2012
Presidential Proclamation
President Barack Obama proclaimed September as National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month to bring awareness to pediatric cancer.
2018
STAR Act Passed
The Childhood Cancer Survivorship, Treatment, Access, and Research (STAR) Act was passed to advance pediatric cancer research and child-focused cancer treatments.

How to Celebrate Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

1

Host a lemonade stand fundraiser

Gather some friends and family and set up a lemonade stand to raise money for childhood cancer research. Make it even more meaningful by decorating the stand with gold ribbons, the symbol of childhood cancer awareness.

2

Participate in a charity walk/run

Find a local charity walk or run that supports childhood cancer research and sign up to participate. Not only will you be supporting a good cause, but you'll also get some exercise!

3

Spread awareness on social media

Use your social media platforms to spread awareness about childhood cancer. Share statistics, personal stories, and ways to get involved. Use hashtags like #ChildhoodCancerAwarenessMonth and #GoGold to help your posts reach a wider audience.

4

Organize a toy drive for children with cancer

Gather donations of new toys and games and donate them to a hospital or organization that supports children with cancer. These small acts of kindness can bring some joy to children going through a difficult time.

5

Plan a gold-themed party

Invite friends over for a gold-themed party to raise awareness and funds for childhood cancer research. Serve gold-colored snacks and drinks, play games related to childhood cancer, and have a donation box set up for guests to contribute to the cause.

Why Childhood Cancer Awareness Month is Important

A

It raises awareness for a serious and often overlooked issue

Childhood cancer is the leading cause of death by disease in children under the age of 15. Despite this fact, there is still a lack of funding and attention towards researching and finding cures for childhood cancers. Childhood Cancer Awareness Month brings attention to this important issue and educates the public on its importance.

B

It provides support for families affected by childhood cancer

When a child is diagnosed with cancer, it not only affects them but their entire family. Childhood Cancer Awareness Month offers support to these families through fundraising events, community outreach programs, and resources for navigating the challenges that come with a cancer diagnosis.

C

It encourages fundraising and research for a cure

By increasing awareness and knowledge about childhood cancer, Childhood Cancer Awareness Month also helps drive donations towards research for better treatments and ultimately a cure for childhood cancers. This month shows the power of coming together as a community to make a difference and save lives.

Childhood Cancer Awareness Month Dates

Year
Date
Day
2023
Aug 31
Thursday
2024
Aug 31
Saturday
2025
Aug 31
Sunday
2026
Aug 31
Monday
2027
Aug 31
Tuesday