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Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

It's time to raise awareness and support for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month - join us in the fight against this devastating disease.

Tuesday
1–30
September 2026
Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team
Have an update or spot an error?
YEARLY DATEAll of September
OBSERVED INInternationally
CATEGORYAwareness
SUBCATEGORYCancer
INTRO

Introduction

September is more than just the start of fall – it's also Childhood Cancer Awareness Month! This month-long observance aims to raise awareness and support for children and families affected by cancer. Did you know that childhood cancer is the leading cause of death by disease in children under the age of 15? But with increased awareness, funding, and research efforts, survival rates have been steadily improving. So let's join together and show our support for these brave little warriors fighting against cancer. There are many ways to get involved and make a difference – from donating to participating in events or simply spreading awareness on social media. Let's make this month a time of hope, strength, and unity for all those impacted by childhood cancer.

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TIMELINE

Childhood Cancer Awareness Month Timeline

Rise of Childhood Cancer Research

Efforts in researching and treating childhood cancers rose post World War II, contributing to improved survival rates over subsequent decades.

Initiation of St. Jude Research Hospital

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, founded in 1962, became a pioneer in the treatment and research of catastrophic diseases in children, especially cancer.

OSELC Established

Office of Special Education and Learning Centers formed to help children with long-term or late effects of cancer and its treatment.

American Childhood Cancer Organization Founded

ACCO was founded by parents of children with cancer to provide information and support to families, survivors and the public about childhood cancer.

Presidential Proclamation

President Barack Obama proclaimed September as National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month to bring awareness to pediatric cancer.

STAR Act Passed

The Childhood Cancer Survivorship, Treatment, Access, and Research (STAR) Act was passed to advance pediatric cancer research and child-focused cancer treatments.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

EDITOR'S PICK

Host a lemonade stand fundraiser

Gather some friends and family and set up a lemonade stand to raise money for childhood cancer research. Make it even more meaningful by decorating the stand with gold ribbons, the symbol of childhood cancer awareness.

PARTICIPATE

Participate in a charity walk/run

Find a local charity walk or run that supports childhood cancer research and sign up to participate. Not only will you be supporting a good cause, but you'll also get some exercise!

SPREAD

Spread awareness on social media

Use your social media platforms to spread awareness about childhood cancer. Share statistics, personal stories, and ways to get involved. Use hashtags like #ChildhoodCancerAwarenessMonth and #GoGold to help your posts reach a wider audience.

ORGANIZE

Organize a toy drive for children with cancer

Gather donations of new toys and games and donate them to a hospital or organization that supports children with cancer. These small acts of kindness can bring some joy to children going through a difficult time.

PLAN

Plan a gold-themed party

Invite friends over for a gold-themed party to raise awareness and funds for childhood cancer research. Serve gold-colored snacks and drinks, play games related to childhood cancer, and have a donation box set up for guests to contribute to the cause.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why Childhood Cancer Awareness Month is Important

It encourages fundraising and research for a cure

By increasing awareness and knowledge about childhood cancer, Childhood Cancer Awareness Month also helps drive donations towards research for better treatments and ultimately a cure for childhood cancers. This month shows the power of coming together as a community to make a difference and save lives.

It raises awareness for a serious and often overlooked issue

Childhood cancer is the leading cause of death by disease in children under the age of 15. Despite this fact, there is still a lack of funding and attention towards researching and finding cures for childhood cancers. Childhood Cancer Awareness Month brings attention to this important issue and educates the public on its importance.

It provides support for families affected by childhood cancer

When a child is diagnosed with cancer, it not only affects them but their entire family. Childhood Cancer Awareness Month offers support to these families through fundraising events, community outreach programs, and resources for navigating the challenges that come with a cancer diagnosis.

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