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Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

Sunday 1 - Monday 30 Sept, 2024

Each September is global Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and we’d love you to get involved by getting your family and friends or businesses and schools to help.

Here are the TOP FIVE ways you can help:

  • Join our Childhood Champion community with a regular donation each month to ensure children with cancer get the ongoing support they need.
  • Get creative and organise a fundraiser during September. Download our Fundraising Toolkit.
  • Make us your Charity of Choice for the month and donate a percentage of sales/services to the Childhood Cancer Association during September. Run a special marketing campaign or host a donation tin.
  • Go Shopping! Browse our online store for a gift that gives twice. From our very cuddly Elliot dog, to funky socks, tea towels or even a beanie - all purchases support kids with cancer.

You can also become a digital ambassador and share social media posts about childhood cancer and the work that we do to increase awareness.

Have something else in mind? We invite you to contact us and we'll help turn your idea in to action!


Background

Childhood Cancer Awareness Month was first proclaimed by former US President Obama in 2010. Since then it has become a global initiative, raising awareness for childhood cancer.

The Gold Ribbon is the International Awareness Symbol of Childhood Cancer, with gold being the international colour of childhood cancer awareness.

Childhood Cancer Statistics

  • Each year, more than 1,000 children and adolescents in Australia - and 400,000 worldwide - are diagnosed with cancer.
  • Cancer kills more children than any other disease in Australia.
  • When a child dies from cancer, an average 70 potential years of life are lost.
  • Every week, about three children and adolescents in Australia die from cancer.
  • 70% of children who survive cancer suffer long-term effects from their treatment.

Source: Children's Cancer Institute 2023

Locally, in South Australia, the Childhood Cancer Association receives an average of 60 referrals each year, for children newly diagnosed with cancer. In addition to this an average of 10 children relapse and 10 children pass away from cancer every year.

At present, the Childhood Cancer Association supports more than 400 families affected by childhood cancer.


Media enquiries to:

Bianca Borrett
Marketing & Communications Manager
Childhood Cancer Association
Email: bianca@childhoodcancer.asn.au

Watch Thomas’s Story

Watch this 5 minute film where Chris Hartley talks through his family’s journey after his son’s diagnosis of a brain tumour and the support he received from the Childhood Cancer Association.

View film

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