Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month- What the Gold Ribbon Symbolizes and Why It’s Important to Display it

The Gold Ribbon 

Every September, a small but powerful symbol begins to appear across labels, backpacks and social media feeds: the gold ribbon for childhood cancer awareness. 

For some, its meaning is deeply personal. Others may recognize the ribbon without knowing what it stands for — and many have yet to learn about it. Today's focus is to highlight its significance and spark change, because even one conversation can lead to action, and action creates impact.

Why Gold?

The gold ribbon became the universal symbol for childhood cancer awareness in the 1990s, chosen by a group of parents whose lives had been changed by this disease. 

But why did they choose gold? Gold is rare, valuable, and treasured. The gold ribbon symbolizes the need to protect what matters most: children' s futures. Because they are our future. The gold ribbon was chosen because gold is precious, just like children. 

Why it Matters

Childhood cancer is the #1 disease killer of children in the United States, and every day, 47 kids in the U.S are diagnosed with cancer. Yet only a sliver of government funding is allocated towards pediatric cancer. There’s not nearly enough money to drive the breakthroughs to save young lives from this deadly disease. That’s where Cookies for Kids’ Cancer comes in, to fill the funding gap and bring hope through research. Since 2008, we have funded over 140 research grants, helped 60 new treatments become available, and granted $23 million to research. 

How You Can Help

This September, we invite you to join Cookies for Kids’ Cancer in our very first “Go Gold” campaign to support Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Joining the movement is easy: 

• Gold Ribbon Pin — $5 donation

A small, powerful symbol you can wear on jackets, scrubs, backpacks, or lanyards to raise awareness daily.

• Gold Bow — $30 donation

A bold way to show support by displaying it on your mailbox, front porch, door, or wherever you choose! 

Your donation doesn't just fund life saving research – it also starts conversations, raises awareness and shows families facing childhood cancer that they are not alone. 

Are you ready to Go Gold? Be a Good Cookie; join the “Go Gold for Kids’ Cancer” campaign and proudly display gold in your community this September! Visit our website to order yours today. Orders close September 5th at 5pm EST.