September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, and by the time this month is over, another 1,300 children in the U.S. will be diagnosed with cancer. Even with the best treatments available, 1 in 5 children with cancer will not survive. And of those who do, most will have long-term side effects from their treatment.
For these children and their families, childhood cancer is something that affects them every day of the year. For them, it’s not enough just to be aware — they need you to act now. Here are 6 ways you can help children with cancer this month:
Buy a childhood cancer awareness shirt. The majority of funding for cancer research is dedicated to adult cancers, not childhood cancers. So we’re asking, “What About Kids?™” Join us and help raise awareness this month with a customizable shirt. Choose from multiple styles and colors, and even personalize it with the name of a fighter or survivor you know. Want to go the extra mile? Create your own T-shirt fundraiser so your friends and family can buy their own shirts to match.
Donate. The American Childhood Cancer Organization is the nation’s oldest and largest grassroots organization dedicated to childhood cancer. We fund research, shape policy, raise awareness, and offer resources to children with cancer, survivors and their families. And with your support, we can continue to offer those resources free of charge to families facing a childhood cancer diagnosis.
Join an advocacy training. Each month, ACCO offers free online trainings to help you become the powerful changemaker children with cancer need. Register for our monthly advocacy training on September 21 and catch up by watching recordings of past meetings when you fill out this form.
For parents of children with cancer, we’ve partnered with Momcology to offer trainings specifically for parents who want to turn their frustration into action. Join our Kids Too initiative to learn how you can help influence state policy and make your children’s voices heard.
Go Gold® and fundraise for kids with cancer. Gold is the color for childhood cancer awareness, so why not start a gold-themed fundraiser this month? Here are 8 creative fundraising ideas to get you inspired.
Host a PJammin® Party. Children with cancer often spend weeks or months living in their pajamas when they’re in the hospital for their treatment. Stand in solidarity with these kids by organizing a PJammin day at your school or workplace to raise awareness and funds for childhood cancer.
Join a state or federal campaign for children with cancer. Show your legislators that you want them to make childhood cancer a health priority. Visit our advocacy page to see the current issues affecting children with cancer and how you can show your support.
Need more inspiration? Follow us on Facebook, where we’ll be sharing stories of our Gold Ribbon Heroes all month long.
To learn more about childhood cancer, visit our childhood cancer statistics page.