Childhood Cancer Awareness for UNawareness Month
Every September, a gold ribbon makes its quiet appearance, symbolizing Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. But unlike other well-known awareness ribbons, gold doesn’t get the same publicity. The reality is, most people don’t know much about childhood cancer at all.
That's not entirely on one individual; childhood cancer is difficult to talk about. No one wants to imagine a child in a hospital bed, missing school and playdates, battling a horrible disease at such a young age. But because it’s so difficult to discuss, many people are unaware of the realities that come with a diagnosis.
The biggest truth? Pediatric cancer research is drastically underfunded. Of the billions spent each year on cancer research in the United States, only a small percentage goes to specifically fund treatments for children. That means new therapies, clinical trials and innovations are almost solely aimed at adults.
As a result, most children with cancer are treated with therapies developed for adults that were created before they were born. These drugs are often harder on children, whose bodies are still developing, and can lead to lasting side effects that impact their health for years to come. From these treatments, childhood cancer survivors are twice as likely to suffer chronic health conditions as those who have never had cancer, such as heart disease, organ failures, infertility and mental health issues.
Even worse, the options for kids diagnosed with rare or aggressive cancers are limited. Parents often find themselves navigating an outdated system, with few effective treatments and no clear roadmap.
That’s why awareness is not just a word, it’s a call to take action.
We’re working to change the story. We fund critical pediatric cancer research focused on developing new, improved and less toxic treatments made just for kids. We partner with researchers who are breaking new ground, and we empower communities across the country to turn simple acts, like baking cookies, into meaningful action. Because every child deserves more than just hope. They deserve options that are safer and more effective, because they are our future.
This September, don’t just go gold. Learn the facts, share the truth and help raise awareness for the most overlooked cancer fighters.