Light it Up Gold Campaign
More than 100 prominent buildings, iconic landmarks and monuments on 4 continents around the world participated in the international gold lighting program to raise awareness for childhood cancer. This program was founded in the U.S. by the American Childhood Cancer Organization who hosts an interactive map acknowledging those who took part in their LIGHT IT UP GOLD campaign during the month of September, which is International Childhood Cancer Awareness month. The gold ribbon is the international symbol representing childhood cancer.
“We couldn’t have had such a successful program without the help of our wonderful volunteers who really got behind this effort,” said Ruth Hoffman, Executive Director for ACCO. “And we can’t send enough thanks to the owners of the buildings and landmarks for shining a light the #1 non-communicable disease cause of death for 90,000 children each year, in both developed and developing countries. We look forward to working with everyone again next year to make 2016 even more golden!”
Curable Childhood Cancers
Several types of childhood cancer are now curable; yet in developing countries, as few as 2 out of 10 children/adolescents survive as a result of a lack of access to essential medicines and treatment. In developed countries, 8 out of 10 children/adolescents will survive their cancer 5 years or longer. LIGHT IT UP GOLD will spotlight the need to stop the dying of our world’s children with cancer!
“Our Volunteers really knocked it out of the park in working with the stakeholders at these locations that either changed their lighting to gold or prominently displayed large sized gold ribbons,” said Neal Rourke, International Tribute Lighting Program Volunteer Coordinator. “We are really appreciative of their efforts to make this program a success.”
Some of the well-known landmarks include One World Trade Center; Calgary Tower; Brisbane Bridge; Parliament House; Mont Blanc Bridge; and Houston City Hall.
About American Childhood Cancer Organization: The American Childhood Cancer Organization (ACCO) is the nation’s largest grassroots organization at the forefront of the crucial battle against childhood cancer. The ACCO is dedicated to improving the lives of children living with childhood cancer and its long-term impacts, and to offering critical advice, support, and assistance to families engaged in this life-altering struggle.
FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO SET UP AN INTERVIEW: Ruth Hoffman, Executive Director, rhoffman@acco.org. Cell: 202-262-9949, Direct Line: 855-858-2226, ext. 104
For more information about the American Childhood Cancer Organization and how we can help, call 855.858.2226 or visit:
