CKF North York Blog - Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month

Mackenzie Law | September 24, 2021

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6 Canadian children will be diagnosed with cancer today. Here are just three ways to support them and their families on their journey.

Sarah, one of our chapter’s founders, in the Cancer Kids First North York merch.

As summer has wrapped up and school has started back up for us volunteers here at CKF North York, we absolutely cannot wait to get back to connecting with you all through various fundraising events and blog posts. In fact, we’re hosting our very first in-person event this October 9th at 4pm! For information on CKF trivia night click here.

Although we weren’t able to host any events this month (we did put out merch, though!), there was no way we weren’t going to address Pediatric Cancer Awareness month. So, keep reading this blog issue to learn why this month is so important to acknowledge.

Cancer is the leading cause of death by disease for children under the age of 14. Childhood Cancer Awareness month–which was only formally established in 2012–allows us to recognize the children and the families affected by childhood cancers and to recognize the importance of supporting cancer research.

When undergoing cancer treatment, children experience plenty of hardships from long hospital stays and even longer treatments to uncertainty about the future. Yet they remain strong and resilient, hopeful and brave, imaginative and curious.

Every day, pediatric patients show the world what they can do. So, for this Childhood Cancer Awareness month and onwards, show what you can do to help them.

1. Donate Blood

In every minute of every day, at least one patient in Canada requires donated blood. Data has also shown that–in order to keep up with demand–Canada requires 100,000 new blood donors.

If you're over 17 and eligible to do so, donating blood is one of the most direct ways to help cancer patients. Visit Canadian Blood Services for more information on donating blood.

2. Donate Hair

Every year, thousands of Canadian children lose their hair to cancer treatments. Angel Hair for Kids is a unique Canadian-based company that believes providing personalized wigs or hair loss solutions to pediatric cancer patients (at no cost to the child’s family) can help increase their self esteem and overall mental health during difficult times.

So, if you can’t donate blood (or have donated blood and want to do more!), consider donating hair.

3. Wear a Gold Ribbon

Ever wondered what the gold ribbon in the Cancer Kids First logo means? The gold ribbon is internationally recognized as a symbol for childhood cancer. To help raise awareness for childhood cancer, supporters are encouraged to wear a gold ribbon (or items with gold ribbons on them)–especially during September.

There are plenty of places to purchase gold ribbon merchandise and most of them donate a portion of the proceeds to pediatric cancer research or patients. Here at CKF North York, 100% of our proceeds go towards purchasing books and toys for pediatric cancer patients, for example.

Thanks for reading this month’s blog post! We sincerely hope that you learned something new by reading and maybe even became inspired to make some change. We’d love to hear from you in the comments! If you’re interested in learning more, making a donation or joining the team, follow our instagram (@cancerkidsfirst.northyork) or email us (cancerkidsfirstnorthyork@gmail.com) for more information.