By Sixtine Tabard - Reading time 3 minsChildhood Cancer Awareness Month is a time to share not only stories, but also the facts that remind us why awareness and action are so important. Every September, the gold ribbon calls attention to the reality that thousands of children face cancer each year.
Behind every diagnosis, there is a family and a community affected by the challenges of diagnosis and treatment. By learning the facts, we better understand the need for support and the difference that hope, compassion, and wish experiences can make.
What is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month?
Every September, Childhood Cancer Awareness Month draws global attention to the impact of cancer on children and their families. The gold ribbon, worn and displayed around the world, symbolizes solidarity and hope.
Childhood Cancer Awareness Month is more than a campaign. It is a movement that raises awareness of the realities children with a critical illness face and inspires people to take action. By highlighting the challenges, Childhood Cancer Awareness Month encourages communities to stand together, support research, and let families experience moments of joy and relief.
The history of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
Childhood Cancer Awareness Month was officially proclaimed in September 1990 by U.S. President George H.W. Bush. He supported the efforts of parents, advocates, and medical professionals to create more visibility for children with cancer.
From that moment, September became the month dedicated to raising awareness, inspiring action, and supporting families with children facing childhood cancer. The gold ribbon was introduced as the symbol of the movement, chosen for its connection to something precious and strong. These are qualities that reflect the courage of children facing cancer.
Today, Childhood Cancer Awareness Month is recognized worldwide, uniting organizations, families, and communities in a shared commitment to bring hope and joy.
Goals and objectives
Childhood Cancer Awareness Month raises awareness about the need for more research and better treatments, but it also highlights the importance of emotional and social support.
By uniting communities under the gold ribbon, September serves as a reminder that families should not feel alone during such a difficult time. It is a moment to amplify the voices of children and their loved ones, to advocate for resources, and to inspire acts of compassion that bring hope.
Childhood Cancer Awareness Month brings change in care and family life, giving children support, connection, and moments of joy through wishes.
Facts and figures on childhood cancer
Every year, an estimated 280,000 children and adolescents worldwide receive a cancer diagnosis, according to research published in Pediatric Surgery International (Springer, 2025).
Despite progress in medicine, the World Health Organization highlights that childhood cancer is still the leading cause of death by disease among children across the globe.
Survival chances differ greatly depending on the type of cancer and the resources available in each country. These numbers are more than statistics: They represent children and families navigating daily uncertainty. Childhood Cancer Awareness Month calls on communities to unite, raise awareness, and bring hope.
How can you contribute?
Childhood Cancer Awareness Month is a time when every action counts. Get involved by starting a fundraiser in your community, make a personal donation, or spend your time as a volunteer. Sharing stories about children and their wishes on social media helps keep the gold ribbon visible and starts important conversations.
Schools, workplaces, and other groups often join in by organizing charity events to show support. Each effort, big or small, adds up to meaningful change for children and their families.Your involvement makes a real difference. Join us this September to bring more wishes to life. Donate, volunteer, or start your own fundraiser today, and give children with cancer moments of joy and hope they will carry forever. Would you like to join us but still have questions? Don’t hesitate to contact us.