September: Shining a Light on Pediatric Cancer Awareness

Every September, gold ribbons appear across the country, marking Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month. This month is dedicated to honoring the children and families affected by cancer, raising awareness about the realities they face, and inspiring action for better research and treatments.

The Reality of Pediatric Cancer

While childhood cancer is considered rare, its impact is profound. In the United States, nearly 15,000 children and adolescents are diagnosed with cancer each year. For many families, the journey begins without warning—an unexpected diagnosis that changes everything.

Despite advancements in treatment, cancer remains the leading cause of death by disease in children. The most common types include leukemia, brain and spinal cord tumors, neuroblastoma, and Wilms tumor. The average age at diagnosis is just 6 years old—an age when children should be learning, playing, and dreaming, not fighting for their lives.

Progress and Challenges

There is hope: survival rates have improved significantly over the past few decades. Today, about 85% of children with cancer survive five years or more. But that number doesn’t tell the full story. Many survivors face lifelong side effects—issues with growth, learning, fertility, heart health, and even the risk of secondary cancers caused by treatment.

Even more concerning is the lack of resources dedicated to pediatric research. Only about 4% of federal cancer research funding is earmarked for childhood cancers. That small slice means researchers often struggle to develop safer, more effective treatments specifically for kids.

Why Awareness Matters

Awareness isn’t just about statistics—it’s about stories. Every child with cancer is a son, daughter, sibling, or friend. Behind every gold ribbon is a family navigating hospital visits, sleepless nights, and moments of both heartbreak and hope.

By shining a light on pediatric cancer this September, we can:

• Advocate for increased funding for pediatric cancer research. Please support all pediatric cancer bills by reaching out to your elected congress or senate delegates in your district.

• Support organizations working to improve treatments and provide family assistance.

• Honor the children who are fighting, celebrate the survivors, and remember those we’ve lost.

How You Can Help

• Wear gold throughout September to show your support.

• Share pediatric cancer facts on social media to spread awareness.

• Donate to organizations focused on pediatric cancer research and family support services.

• Reach out to families in your community impacted by childhood cancer and offer encouragement.

A Golden Opportunity

September is more than a month on the calendar—it’s a chance to stand together for children who deserve a brighter, healthier future. By raising awareness and taking action, we move one step closer to ensuring that every child diagnosed with cancer not only survives but thrives.