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Adelaide Goes Gold for Childhood Cancer
Wednesday 2 Sept, 2020
Adelaide landmarks lit up gold on Tuesday, 1 September to support global Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and as a show of support to hundreds of local families that are battling childhood cancer.
Local landmarks* like the Riverbank Footbridge, Adelaide Convention Centre, Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Parliament House, SAHMRI, Adelaide Casino and the Adelaide Town Hall balcony supported this global initiative to raise awareness for childhood cancer.
The Childhood Cancer Association is working with South Australian businesses, community groups and local government to raise awareness of and generate vital funds to support children with cancer.
Childhood Cancer Association Chief Executive Officer, Cath O’Loughlin says we want to show children with cancer, and their families that they are not alone in their fight.
“Gold is the international colour of childhood cancer awareness, so by lighting up Adelaide in gold we stand together in support of children battling cancer,” Ms O’Loughlin says.
“Our goal is to raise $20,000 this month to support the ongoing educational development of children with cancer.
“Many children with cancer are too sick to attend school full-time and our home tutor program keeps up their learning and emotional well-being.
“This program is one of more than 30 support services made available to children with cancer by the Childhood Cancer Association.”
At present, the Childhood Cancer Association is a fully self-funded organisation that supports more than 400 families affected by childhood cancer.
* Due to the Adelaide Crows AFL match on Tuesday, 1 September, the Adelaide Oval will light up gold on Monday, 14 September.
There are many ways you or your business can help.
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 950 children and adolescents in Australia - and 163,000 children worldwide - are diagnosed with cancer.
One third of childhood cancers are diagnosed in children aged 0-4 years.
Every week, nearly three children and adolescents in Australia - and 1,500 children worldwide - die from cancer.
Source: Children's Cancer Institute 2017
Locally, in South Australia, the Childhood Cancer Association receives an average of 55 referrals each year, for children newly diagnosed with cancer. In addition to this an average of 10 children relapse and 11 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
Ph: 0421 355 252