Getting cancer when you’re a child is the worst. Among chemo treatments and radiation, feeling sick all the time, and being unable to go to school, you can’t do what you’re meant to do: be a kid. There are 15,780 children and teens under the age of 21 who are diagnosed with cancer every year in the United States. That’s 15,780 people too many. In honor of all these children who have to go through this hardship, September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.
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What is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month?
Childhood Cancer Awareness Month is a month dedicated to children and teens who are diagnosed with cancer. It is the time to show your support and donate to charities and nonprofit organizations such as the American Childhood Cancer Organization (ACCO), which is a nonprofit organization created to provide support for children and teens who are faced with the horrendous effects of cancer.
The ACCO provides many programs to help young cancer patients. One of the most inspiring of these programs is the award called the “Gold Ribbon Heroes.” Throughout the year, powerful and inspiring stories of children battling their cancer are shared through nominations that anyone can send in. You can nominate someone to be a hero or read about past heroes here.
What Can You Do?
The biggest thing you can do is to spread awareness of this special month. Post on social media with #GoGold to show your support for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. The ACCO hosts an online store where you can buy gold ribbon merchandise, and all profits go towards bettering the organization and helping cancer patients.
There’s a fundraiser the ACCO encourages people to start called a “PJammin.” Kids with cancer are usually stuck in their beds in their pajamas, so this fundraiser encourages people to donate to the ACCO and wear their pajamas to work or school. The ACCO provides everything you might need to start this fundraiser! Check out more details here.
Childhood cancer is a scary and sad thing. If you or someone you know has a child with cancer, we at Good Guys Injury Law wish them all the best so that they can win their battle against cancer and live a long and healthy life.
Image courtesy of Drumanalyst