The Story Behind National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and How You Can Help
We’ve had the privilege of sharing the stories of a few families that have faced childhood cancer. With a variety of outcomes in their stories, these families are a model of what it means to practically hold onto hope, especially when circumstances are difficult.
Since September is National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, we thought we’d share some stories and resources to encourage you and give some practical ways to spread hope. Whether you’re a parent facing a cancer diagnosis for your child or you’re looking for ways to support families and the medical community fighting cancer, this article is for you.
How National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month Began
National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month has deep roots that began with one family’s story. In 1953, three-year-old Robin Bush was diagnosed with leukemia, a form of cancer affecting blood-forming tissue. At the time, the accepted practice was to make the child comfortable while the cancer claimed the child’s life.
But Robin’s parents were fighters.
In an effort to save their daughter’s life, they decided to bring her to the Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York, one of the few places at the time that would treat childhood cancer.
After seven months of treatments and fighting, Robin passed away, leaving the Bush family reeling from their loss. But the loss they experienced as a result of this disease didn’t crush them. Instead, it inspired them to hope and take action in many capacities to fight childhood cancer.
Fast forward a few decades, and Robin’s father, President George H. W. Bush, had the opportunity to turn our country’s focus to childhood cancer through a proclamation declaring the first National Awareness Month for Children with Cancer in October of 1990. In 2010, President Barack Obama issued a proclamation that brought National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month back.
Now, every September, our country recognizes National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month as a time to further the awareness of and research for the cure of this disease.
Why National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month Is Important
Childhood cancer, which is comprised of more than 12 diseases and more than 100 subtypes affects a growing number of families. In fact, it’s estimated that 43 children are diagnosed per day with a form of this heartbreaking disease, and the incidence of pediatric cancer is on the rise in recent decades.
Medical professionals are working tirelessly to search for cures and develop effective treatment options. But the need for resources to fight this battle is still significant. As an example, pediatric cancer received only 4 percent of the National Cancer Institute’s budget in 2015.
The need for awareness and funding so that research can progress is great. But another aspect to consider is the fact that there are families all around us that simply need a helping hand.
Former First Lady Barbara Bush, in reflecting on their journey facing leukemia with Robin, commented:
“When a family has a child diagnosed with cancer they need support – whether it be financial, emotional, or just practical. During Robin’s seven month battle, George and I felt that support in extraordinary ways. We asked our friends to give blood, to replace the blood we used. They gave. Before work each morning George would stop by the Presbyterian church in Midland where we lived. A custodian there knew about Robin’s illness, and George says he felt his presence there joining him in prayer. The seemingly little and practical made an enormous difference.”
Setting aside time like National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month is such a helpful way to remember that a donation, a meal, or just time spent with a loved one in difficult circumstances goes a long way in spreading hope.
*Here is the link for sources on the cancer facts listed above.
Ways to Raise Childhood Cancer Awareness
So, how can we make a difference this month and beyond? Here are a few ideas:
1. Spend time with families fighting pediatric cancer
One of the most impactful ways to help with awareness is to support the families you know facing pediatric cancer. As you find out more about the journey, the needs that families have, and the power of being a present friend, hope and awareness will spread. Here are some resources to get you started:
2. Post about childhood cancer awareness on social media
This month is a great time to show solidarity for families whose children are battling cancer. Post about cancer facts, an inspiring story, or an organization that’s helping.
3. Point families to hope-filled resources
Families walking through medical adversity with their children need to know that they are not alone and that a diagnosis doesn’t define them. We have a collection of hope-filled stories listed below you can point people to.
4. Make a donation to support pediatric cancer research
There are amazing organizations like the Rally Foundation, Lighthouse Family Retreat, and others that are doing amazing work to battle cancer and support families whose children are facing cancer. Even a small donation can help them in their mission.
Facing Childhood Cancer with Hope
Do you know someone that is facing one of the cancer diagnoses listed below? They may find hope in reading these families’ journey and realize that they are not alone.
Trilateral Retinoblastoma: Whit’s Story of Hope
Whit’s story of defying the odds and fighting for recovery is an inspiration. His parents, Mary and Ben, talk about the ups and downs of their journey and things that have helped them along the way.
Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia: Madeline’s Story of Hope
Madeline’s story in fighting leukemia not only inspires hope, but also shows the power that an experience like childhood cancer can have in raising awareness and serving other families. We also had the privilege of hearing Madeline’s perspective on her journey in this article.
Down Syndrome and Leukemia: Claire’s Story of Hope
Claire’s parents, John and Caroline, talk about their journey of discovering a down syndrome diagnosis and the subsequent battle with leukemia. They share about how they fought against fear and worry to focus on hope.
Abby’s Story of Hope with Synovial Cell Sarcoma
Though Abby’s life was claimed by synovial cell sarcoma, her outlook on life continues to inspire. We had an opportunity to interview her mother, Betty, about how to process grief and hold onto hope.Do you know of a family that has faced pediatric cancer with hope along their journey? We’d love for you to nominate them to be featured on helloHOPE. Their story can be a source of hope and encouragement for other families as they walk out their journey.