Gina Kemmerer, Freshman
Childhood Cancer Awareness month brings attention to the illness through various events and activities throughout the month of September. There are many ways you can participate and help spread awareness, even through the Covid-19 pandemic.
According to Cure, In 2012 president Barack Obama created the first proclamation of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and made September a national health initiative. Previously, United States Senators Wayne Allard and Hillary Clinton had recognized September 13, 2008 as National Childhood Cancer Awareness Day. From then on, numerous organizations have utilized this month to bring awareness to the illness and raise funds for research and treatment.
There are many different ways people have participated and made a difference. The American Childhood Cancer Organization (ACCO) allows you to choose from one of their two signature events as a fundraiser. Schools or workplaces can host a “PJammin for Kids with Cancer” event where participants wear their pajamas for the day in exchange for donations. Another option they offer is to host a “Go Gold” event. You can choose from events such as ribbon selling, bake sales, dances, parades, walks, and much more. All of the donations raised are used to help the ACCO provide free resources to families affected by childhood cancer.
The Covid-19 pandemic has affected Childhood Cancer Awareness Month along with many other events. It has led many public events and fundraisers to be canceled, however, there are still ways you can participate. One of the easiest ways is to educate yourself on the topic in general. According to ALSF, the gold ribbon dedicated to childhood cancer was chosen by a group of parents in 1997 to symbolize how precious our children are, like gold. Another easy way to spread awareness is through social media. You can post individual stories from children, new updates in research, and much more. ALSF also offers Zoom call backgrounds to use, along with frames to put on pictures on your social media pages.
There are so many ways to participate in National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. From hosting fundraisers, to simply educating yourself, you can make a difference.
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