When hearing stories about cancer, you probably feel the urge to do something - anything in your power. The great news is, there are plenty of opportunities for us to take action, especially with September being here already. It's that time of the year when Childhood Cancer Awareness Month unfolds. At Headbands of Hope, we are more than ready to increase our efforts during this time to help out.
Childhood Cancer Awareness Month is just the right opportunity to get involved and improve the quality of life in young cancer patients. Your attention means the world to them and does wonders for their confidence.
First, Get Your Facts Straight
Because awareness implies information first, here are four facts about childhood cancer:
- Every year, roughly 300,000 children around the world are told they have cancer.
- Developing countries amass 80% of children diagnosed with cancer. That is why cancer research funding is so crucial.
- One out of five children diagnosed in the US will not survive. Those who do will never be completely healed and, by adulthood, their health is likely to be threatened by severe or chronic conditions.
- Cancer is the second leading cause of death in children.
It may seem enough talk has been done on this topic, and research programs are being over-flooded with money.
In fact, drug shortages still occur in the US, while they are more common than we'd be comfortable with in developing countries.
Get Involved and Take Part in the Headbands of Hope Mission
Above anything else, we seek to create happy moments. The smiles on their faces are worth everything in the world. See for yourself.
You have the chance to express your interest starting this September.
Look for the gold ribbon - the symbol of childhood cancer - on social media. There are great campaigns among online stores. For instance, purchasing one of our items means you offer a free headband to a kid suffering from cancer.
So far, we have managed to donate over 70,000 headbands to all children hospitals in the US.
The beautiful thing is when you buy a headband you are actively involved with the donation process. It's not just the money.
You can even nominate the hospital to get the free headbands. Or the charity to receive 10% of the sales from our fundraising flash weeks.
Giving to these kids has become an immeasurable joy for many Americans. In some cases, it can be life-changing.
Why is there such an emphasis on child cancer?
On one hand, child cancer research is not yet allocated the same amount of funding as adult cancer research has.
On the other hand, it's pretty clear why this fact needs to change - kids are the future. Everyone dreams of the best future outcome, so how about we start with getting rid of the main issue that puts it in peril?
After all, it's not about big flashy gestures. It's only about singling out your contribution and sticking to it. September may be Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, but we need to be contributing all year long.
Learn how you can be a Headband Hero for these lovely little humans by contacting Headbands of Hope.