September marks Childhood Cancer Awareness Month (CCAM), a time when communities across the nation engage in various events and fundraisers aimed at raising awareness, supporting pediatric cancer research, and encouraging healthy families to make a positive impact in the lives of those facing tough battles. For parents like Sarah, whose daughter Lily was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) at just 18 months old, it’s also an opportunity to participate in one of the 60+ annual St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® Walk/Run events happening nationwide.
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, located in Memphis, Tennessee, plays a crucial role in the fight against childhood cancers. The hospital treats over 7,000 patients each year, ensuring that no family ever receives a bill for treatment, housing, food, or travel expenses. This support was invaluable for Sarah and her family. “When Lily received her diagnosis, I felt terrified. But stepping into St. Jude, seeing their positive outlook and knowing that children are healed here brought me immense comfort. I never have to worry about bills or co-pays or hesitating to reach out to a doctor, regardless of the time,” she shared. Thanks to groundbreaking research at St. Jude, the survival rate for ALL has soared from 5% in 1980 to over 90% today.
Founded in 1962 by actor Danny Thomas, St. Jude is committed to treating the most severe pediatric cancers and sickle cell disease, never turning away a child based on race, religion, ethnicity, or ability to pay. Their research goes beyond childhood cancer, influencing advancements in conditions like ALS, malaria, and diabetes. Notably, St. Jude is home to the only proton therapy center dedicated solely to children, utilizing high-energy protons to target tumors while protecting healthy tissues.
By 2018, 80% of children receiving radiation therapy at St. Jude were expected to benefit from proton beam therapy. If you met Lily today, a vibrant 4-year-old dancing in her favorite princess outfit and currently in remission, you’d hardly believe she once faced cancer. Richard C. Shadyac Jr., CEO of ALSAC, the fundraising arm of St. Jude, expressed his joy: “It’s heartwarming to see a child like Lily flourishing, and we owe it all to the support we receive from the public.”
This September, join the fight against childhood cancer by participating in a St. Jude Walk/Run in your area. With a fundraising goal of $11 million, these events aim to shine a light on pediatric cancer. “At St. Jude, we have the highest survival rates for the toughest cancers. Our mission this month is to highlight that cancer remains the leading cause of disease-related death in children and that we must all work together to raise awareness and funds,” Shadyac stated. To discover a St. Jude Walk/Run near you, visit St. Jude Walk/Run or consider joining Lily’s team, Lily’s Hope.
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In summary, September is a month dedicated to raising awareness and taking action against childhood cancer. By participating in St. Jude’s events, you can contribute to vital research and help families facing the challenges of childhood cancer.