It’s #ChildhoodCancerAwareness Month, and while the Children’s Cancer Association’s (CCA) mission is to create joy, we’re also here to shed some light on the seriousness of childhood cancer. It’s estimated that by the end of 2017, more than 10,000 cases of cancer will be diagnosed among children. On top of that, cancer is the second highest cause of death among children and a huge financial burden on families, costing on average 26% of a family’s weekly budget. 1
CCA’s founder, Regina Ellis, experienced this first hand in 1995 when her 5-year-old daughter, Alexandra died from cancer. Inspired by the way Alexandra lived her short life, Regina gathered her friends and family around the kitchen table and the idea of the Children’s Cancer Association took form. As CCA has grown, so did the belief that joy changes lives. Today, CCA creates transformative moments of joy for over 20,000 children, teens, and their family members each year.
4 Ways The Children’s Cancer Association Creates Joy
1 . We believe in the healing power of music!
We’ve seen it in action–a terrible day at the hospital can turn into a fun jam session. An extended stay in the hospital bed can become an opportunity to learn a new instrument. Our MyMusicRx® program brings music directly to the bedsides of children in the hospital.
2 . We bring friendship and mentorship to a child stuck in the hospital.
Closed off from friends and family, a child can feel lonely and isolated in their hospital room. Our Chemo Pal Mentor volunteers make sure their child or teen has something to look forward to when receiving treatments and that the parents get a little break knowing their kid is happy and in trusted hands.
3 . Getting back to nature is another essential in our books.
That’s why we built and recently renovated the Alexandra Ellis Caring CabinTM. At no cost to the family, the Caring Cabin provides an escape to the coast, wildlife viewing, and the serenity of a quiet vacation.
4 . Treating cancer is not cheap, our Link Program is here to help.
CCA’s Link Program connects families with the resources they need to make ends meet. Thanks to our generous community, we’ve made it possible for families to travel to other states for treatment, provided essentials like tires and gas, helped children progress in their education through online programs, and much more.
How You Can Help Today
Cancer won’t wait, that’s why every second is precious and every child deserves a life full of wonderful moments. Everything we do at CCA is possible thanks to the support of kind and charitable people who believe in our mission. Help us by donating, volunteering, or sharing our mission.
#ChildhoodCancerAwareness – Help get the word out about childhood cancer. Share this article and tag us. Invite your friends to get involved with this important cause. Start your own fundraiser or attend one of our events.
Resources:
You must be logged in to post a comment.