As we step into September, we recognize Childhood Cancer Awareness Month (CCAM), a time dedicated to raising awareness and funds for pediatric cancer research. Across the nation, various events and fundraisers are taking place with the goal of highlighting the challenges faced by children battling cancer and encouraging families with healthy kids to get involved in making a positive impact. For parents like Sarah, whose daughter Lily was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) at just 18 months, it’s a time to participate in one of the over 60 annual Walk/Run events hosted by St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®.
Fortunately for Lily’s family, St. Jude was a beacon of hope during their darkest moments. Situated in Memphis, Tennessee, St. Jude is at the forefront of fighting, treating, and curing childhood cancers. Each year, the hospital provides care for more than 7,000 patients, and no family ever receives a bill for treatment, housing, food, or travel expenses.
For Sarah, this was a lifesaver. “The day we learned Lily had ALL was the most terrifying day I’ve ever experienced. But when I walked through the doors of St. Jude and saw the hope and recovery stories, it brought me immense comfort. The fact that I never have to worry about a bill or hesitate to seek help at any hour was a huge relief,” she shared. Thanks to groundbreaking research at St. Jude, the survival rate for ALL has skyrocketed from 5% in 1980 to over 90% today.
Founded in 1962 by actor Danny Thomas, St. Jude treats some of the most devastating pediatric cancers and does not turn away any child based on race, religion, ethnicity, or ability to pay. The hospital’s research extends beyond childhood cancer; significant advancements have been made in understanding diseases like ALS, malaria, and diabetes. Notably, St. Jude is the only cancer treatment center with a proton therapy facility exclusively for children. This $99 million center employs high-energy protons to precisely target and eliminate tumors while sparing healthy tissue. Proton therapy is particularly effective for brain tumors, Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and various solid tumors like Ewing’s sarcoma and neuroblastoma. By 2018, it was projected that 80% of children receiving radiation at St. Jude would undergo proton beam therapy.
If you met Lily today, a cheerful 4-year-old in her favorite princess outfit and currently in remission, you’d never guess she had endured a battle with cancer. Richard C. Shadyac Jr., CEO of ALSAC, the fundraising arm of St. Jude, reflects, “Seeing the vibrant child Lily has become and knowing we can support her thanks to public generosity is incredibly fulfilling.”
This September, unite with us in the fight against childhood cancer by finding a St. Jude Walk/Run in your area. With a fundraising goal of $11 million, these national events aim to shine a light on pediatric cancer. Shadyac emphasizes, “At St. Jude, we boast the highest survival rates for the toughest cancers. Our mission is to keep pushing forward until no child succumbs to cancer.” To learn more about participating, visit St. Jude Walk/Run or consider joining Lily’s Walk/Run team, Lily’s Legacy.
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In summary, September is a call to action for everyone to support the fight against childhood cancer. Through initiatives like the St. Jude Walk/Run, we can raise awareness and funds necessary to ensure brighter futures for children battling cancer. Let’s come together to make a difference.