In 2010, September was officially named Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in the United States. This is a dedicated time when Cancer Kickers, alongside other charities, hospitals, and research organizations, honor and celebrate children and pediatric cancer survivors. 

Throughout September, we hope to see awareness increase – ultimately leading to the financial and societal support of research, treatment, and opportunities for kids with cancer.

But what can we do? What can YOU do? Here are some practical ideas to raise awareness and make a real difference.

4 Easy Ways to Raise Childhood Cancer Awareness

#1 – Wear your support.

The color for Childhood Cancer Awareness is gold, including the gold ribbon. Wear a gold ribbon throughout the month of September, and be ready to explain what it’s for! You can also buy merchandise – t-shirts, vinyl stickers, jewelry, and more – to show your support as you go about your day.

#2 – Share on social media.

The first step to raising awareness is to increase knowledge. Follow pediatric cancer charities and organizations on social media so you can readily share graphics, statistics, and other information with your social network. Think of it as picking up a megaphone – your voice may reach someone new.

#3 –  Do some research.

Maybe you need to start with your own knowledge and research. Ideally, awareness leads to understanding, and understanding leads to action. Invest some time to read the latest news about childhood cancer research and the challenges facing kids, caregivers, and medical professionals. It will help you better see how you can help in a tangible way.

#4 – Talk about it.

This one’s simple: talk about childhood cancer! If you have children, teach them about the significance of pediatric cancer awareness. Involve them in projects, fundraising, and other forms of support. 

6 Ways to Go Beyond Awareness

#1 – Write your representative.

Pediatric cancer research is notoriously underfunded. Everyone can raise their voice by writing or calling their representatives to encourage increased state and federal support for childhood cancer research and access to quality healthcare.

#2 – Organize or join a fundraiser.

Pick a children’s hospital or childhood cancer charity whose cause and mission resonates with you. (We also recommend doing your due diligence through platforms like GuideStar or Charity Navigator.) Use CCAM to fundraise – consult with your employer about options for a company-wide effort, join a fundraising marathon, or help organize or volunteer for local bake sales, car washes, and other efforts. 

#3 – Leverage your September birthday.

If you’re on Facebook, you know that, during your birth month, they often ask if you want to start a fundraising campaign for a charity. Friends and family can donate as a gift to you, which is given directly to your charity of choice. Anyone can do this around their birthday, but September-born individuals are in the position to do so when childhood cancer awareness efforts are in full swing!

#4 – Connect with a family facing cancer in your community.

Sometimes, pediatric cancer seems too big to do anything about. You feel too small to make a difference. But hear this – you might not be able to directly impact the issue, but you can affect a person’s life. Every community has children battling cancer. Look around – search news articles, GoFundMe’s, and ask around your social circles. Chances are, you have an opportunity to give, serve, and donate directly to a child affected by cancer.

#5 – Contribute to care packages.

Care packages are a great way to directly love on kids with cancer. You can do this on your own or support organizations that package and distribute care packages on a larger scale. For example, BambaBox, created by four-time cancer survivor Ryan Hamner, allows you to buy a gift box for cancer patients. You can either buy for someone you know or sponsor a box for a patient through their partner organizations.

#6 – Donate!

Finally, you can donate. Donating doesn’t always mean money, either. How can you give your time volunteering? Can you donate blood? How about plasma? Have you signed up to be a bone marrow donor with Be the Match? Have you considered organ donation? There are plenty of avenues to help that don’t demand monetary support! 

As September draws closer, our hope is that every child patient feels seen, loved, and empowered to kick cancer!