September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Sadly, many of us have been touched by childhood cancer in some way or another. Unfortunately, I lost one of my close friends to a brain tumor when we were around the age of 12. His battle with brain cancer was something I cannot put into words. Seeing the community of love, courage and strength that developed and in turn enveloped him was something that I knew I had to continue on even when he was not with us anymore.
Raising money and awareness for childhood cancer are critical and fortunately, there are many ways to help:
- Look out for local runs or walks in your community dedicated to fundraising for pediatric oncology research. I happen to be from Philadelphia and participate in Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia’s annual Parkway Run and Walk.
- Become a childhood cancer advocate; write to your state legislators about the need for cancer awareness.
- Make a donation: children’s cancer centers foundations like CHOP, St. Baldrick’s and St. Jude’s Research Hospital are always accepting donations and it is a quick and easy way to help.
- Volunteer at a run/walk or in your local hospital’s pediatric oncology department.
The following info graphic from Alex’s Lemonade Stand offers some great facts and information about childhood oncology.
Sources:
http://www.alexslemonade.org/childhood-cancer-facts