When parents hear the word “cancer” connected to their child, it can evoke unimaginable fear. Unfortunately, for the families of 175,000 children under the age of 14 diagnosed each year, childhood cancer is a harsh reality. According to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, cancer remains the leading cause of disease-related death past infancy for children in the U.S.
While it’s encouraging that over 80% of children diagnosed with cancer are long-term survivors, many others are not as fortunate. The impact of a cancer diagnosis extends beyond the child; it affects the entire family. Parents may need to take significant time off work to care for their child, and siblings often experience stress and upheaval in their daily routines. Life quickly becomes centered around hospital visits, treatments, and procedures, sometimes requiring families to travel far from home for care—often separating them for months.
To make matters worse, funding for childhood cancer research is critically low. Most government support for this issue comes from the National Cancer Institute (NCI). In 2015, the NCI had a budget of $4.93 billion, with only about 4% allocated to childhood cancer research—a mere $198 million. Many research institutions and charities rely heavily on private donations to fund essential research.
This September, as we recognize Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, there are numerous ways you can help support families facing this devastating challenge. There are remarkable organizations dedicated to eradicating childhood cancer, but they need our support through donations and social media activism. Every child deserves a fighting chance. Here are a few organizations making a difference:
Hope Hospital for Children
Founded by a compassionate actress, Hope Hospital is dedicated to providing free care to children battling cancer. With the help of generous donations, they care for around 8,000 children each year, ensuring that no family has to worry about the cost of treatment.
Lemonade for Life
Inspired by a brave little girl named Mia, who battled cancer at a young age, Lemonade for Life encourages people to hold lemonade stands to fundraise for childhood cancer. Mia raised significant funds during her treatment, and today, the organization has raised over $150 million, funding hundreds of research initiatives.
Family Support House
Recognizing that some cancer treatments can last for years, Family Support House provides affordable housing for families near their child’s treatment center. They offer support services, mobile health care, and grants for research to alleviate the burden on families dealing with cancer.
If you’re unable to contribute financially, consider donating your time. Hope Hospital organizes numerous events throughout the year that rely on volunteers, or you can set up your own Lemonade for Life stand. Family Support House even collects soda can tabs as a fundraising effort—get your kids involved by saving tabs in a jar to donate.
Sharing your contributions on social media can also amplify these charities’ reach. When you post about your donations, you inspire others to follow suit, making it easier for more families to receive the help they need.
Every contribution matters, and families affected by childhood cancer need our support year-round. If you’re unsure where to donate, resources like Charity Watch can help you navigate which organizations are making the most impact.
In summary, September is a time to reflect on how we can support children and families facing cancer. By engaging with these organizations, whether through donations or volunteering, we can help ensure that no child faces cancer alone.
Keyphrase: support childhood cancer awareness month
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