September is Childhood Cancer Awareness month.
(Photo: http://www.charlottemomsblog.com)

By Dabria Brown,

Childhood cancer is a big problem in our country. Childhood cancers are often the result of DNA changes in cells that take place very early in life. According to the American Cancer Society, “1 in 258 young people will be diagnosed with cancer by the time they turn 20. Because childhood cancers are rare, there are no widely recommended screening tests to look for cancer in children who are not at increased risk”. The American Cancer Society also said, “Less than 5% of federal funding for cancer research is dedicated to childhood cancers each year”.

The American Cancer Society takes a comprehensive approach to childhood cancer through funding research, advocating for policies that advance the childhood cancer agenda and improve access to quality care, providing support for patients and their families. The American Cancer Society has many resources to help families understand and cope with a cancer diagnosis in their child. Cancer is bad enough, but when it affects a child it is particularly devastating. Kids deserve a chance to experience life–to laugh and have fun, to be amazed and to dream, to grow.

One thing people can do to help solve this problem is making a donation. Your generous gift will support the gold standard in childhood cancer research. Its the simplest way to keep the research going. One way you can donate is by going to https://shop.stjude.org . Another way you can help is by sending cards to children suffering from cancer. Doing these things can make a difference in a child’s life, or even save someone’s life.