Each year, students across America host a "pink week" or a pink-themed "Coaches vs. Cancer" game at their high schools during the month of October to honor breast cancer, spread awareness and raise money for research. With all the support given to breast cancer, an estimated 6 billion dollars is raised each year for research. You've seen all of the special edition pink items, you've probably even purchased some of them. I'm guilty as well, but there's this sense of priority in terms of cancer research. But let me tell you, they all matter.
While I am in full support of everything this nation does for breast cancer awareness, I cannot help but to get slightly agitated. I am beyond disappointed with the lack of acknowledgment given to the other types of cancers (yes, I know that there are a lot), more specifically, pediatric cancer awareness.
What does September mean to you? Does it mean that it's almost boots and sweater season? Does it mean that classes have started and your stress level is beginning to rise? September has an entirely different meaning to me
September, to me, means that it's Leukemia Awareness Month, as well as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Each day, according to research, approximately 263,000 children are diagnosed with cancer each year. Let's break that down a little further; 46 children are diagnosed with cancer and seven children die while battling cancer every single day. So, if you've every read "46/7," that's what that means. It isn't just a fraction. Pediatric cancer remains the leading cause of death in children; an estimated one in every five survive. Despite these terrible odds, there is relatively no support given towards childhood cancer awareness.
Similarly to the month of October being dedicated to "Pink Out Breast Cancer," the month of September is dedicated to "Going Gold for Childhood Cancer." However, when I say "Show Your Gold" or "Going Gold," hardly anyone knows what that means. Children across this nation are dying to this group of diseases. Ranging from birth to age 21 (most hospitals consider 21 adulthood), pediatric cancer affects kids and teenagers everywhere, yet it seems as though no one is willing to raise awareness. These children are the future of this nation, as well as children across the world.
Throughout the month of September, I ask you to help me spread awareness for pediatric cancer. Help researchers be one step closer to saving the next generation of children. Spread it across social media. Organize fundraising opportunities. Check out Love Your Melon, an organization that does so much for pediatric cancer patients and research. Even if it's simply telling a friend, you are helping raise the awareness and funds needed.
"Be Bold, Show Your Gold."
