While pediatric cancer affects children and families around the world every day, September is a month dedicated to Childhood Cancer Awareness. Throughout the month of September, you will see a sea of yellow ribbons that show support for those in the fight. You may be wondering "How can I get involved?" The answer is fairly simple if you know where to look. People of all ages—children, high school students, college students, and adults—can get involved in different ways all in pursuit of a cure.
Here are some ways to get involved this September:
1. Make a donation.
One of the easiest ways to help fight pediatric cancer is to donate to your local (or national) charities. Some of these charities include Penn State's THON Dance Marathon, which is a year-long fundraiser that culminates into a 46-hour, no-sleeping, no-sitting dance marathon held in February. THON, the largest student-run philanthropy in the world, has gained over 16,000 student volunteers and raised $147,000,000 since its creation in the 70's.
Other places to donate include St. Jude Children's Hospital, Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation Stand, and Make-A-Wish Foundation which all donate money for pediatric cancer research and other expenses that the families might have.
2. Hold your own fundraiser.
Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation actually began as an actual lemonade stand run by a little girl named Alex Scott who was battling cancer. Her small stand, created in the year 2000, raised $2,000 in one day and has since then grown into a foundation that raises money for pediatric cancer research. Holding a lemonade stand is a fun and easy way for children to get a head start on fundraising for this cause.
Four Diamonds helps high schools hold Mini-THONs as a way to contribute to the larger THON event run by Penn State students. High schools across the country participate in Mini-THONs and raise thousands of dollars every year.
3. Take the time to learn.
There are a lot more types of cancer that children suffer from than you may think. Some are common in children and others are so rare that they haven't even found treatment for them yet. Take the time to read families' stories about their child and their journey to a cure. These little wonders will inspire you to do anything.
4. Wear yellow.
This is the easiest way to show your support throughout the month of September. Wear yellow, join the fight, and help find a cure.
