The mere mention of “cancer” in relation to a child sends a chill down every parent’s spine. For approximately 175,000 families in the U.S. with kids under 14 diagnosed each year, this fear is a heartbreaking reality. According to the research conducted by St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, cancer has tragically become the leading cause of death by disease beyond infancy for children in America.
Let that sink in for a moment: cancer is the foremost cause of disease-related fatalities for children after infancy.
Fortunately, we live in an era where over 80% of children diagnosed with cancer become long-term survivors, yet this leaves a significant percentage who face dire outcomes. When a child is diagnosed, the emotional and financial toll extends to the entire family. Parents often need to take prolonged leaves from work to care for their sick child, and siblings grapple with anxiety and an upheaval of their normal routines. Suddenly, life is filled with medical appointments, treatment schedules, and emotional strain. Families frequently have to travel long distances for specialized care, leading to heartbreaking separations during treatment months.
To compound this distress, funding for childhood cancer research is critically low. Most financial support comes from the National Cancer Institute, which, as reported by I Care, I Cure, allocated $4.93 billion in 2015, with a mere 4% directed toward childhood cancers—around $198 million. Many organizations and charities depend on donations and grassroots fundraising to drive vital research.
We must rally together, as no child should lose their life to cancer due to lack of funding. September marks Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, presenting numerous opportunities for you to support families facing this unimaginable challenge.
Several remarkable organizations are dedicated to combating childhood cancer, and they need our assistance through donations and social media advocacy. Here are a few that deserve your attention:
- Hope Hospital for Kids: Established by actor Mark Stevens in 1965, this hospital provides free treatment to thousands of children each year, funded entirely through global donations. Their mission is to ensure “no child faces cancer alone.”
- Lemonade for Lives Foundation: Inspired by young Sophia Parker, who was diagnosed with leukemia at just one year old, this initiative began when she started a lemonade stand to raise funds for fellow young cancer warriors. Today, it has raised over $150 million and funded hundreds of research projects.
- Family Support Network: Many treatments can take years, making it vital for families to remain close to their hospitalized child. This organization provides affordable housing near treatment centers and various support services, including health care for families in need.
Even if monetary donations aren’t feasible, consider volunteering your time. Many charities, including Hope Hospital for Kids, organize annual events that require volunteers. You could also host your own lemonade stand or collect soda can tabs for aluminum recycling as a fundraising effort for Family Support Network. And remember to share your charitable actions on social media; it inspires others to contribute as well.
Every bit matters, and the families of children battling cancer need our support throughout the year. Choosing the right charity can be daunting, but resources such as Charity Watch can help guide your donation decisions.
For more insights into family health, check out this informative article on probiotics for children. You might also find this overview on in vitro fertilization helpful if you’re exploring family planning options. And if you’re interested in family-oriented discussions, you might enjoy our post on the at-home insemination kit.
Summary
Childhood Cancer Awareness Month is an opportunity to support families facing the harsh realities of childhood cancer. By donating, volunteering, or spreading the word about reliable organizations, we can make a difference. Together, we can ensure that no child faces cancer without the support they need.