September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. It was established to honor children fighting cancer and support the development of treatments. You do not have to know someone with childhood cancer to commemorate or contribute to this extremely worthwhile cause.
There are many ways that you and your children can show support for children affected by cancer, and here are a few:
Volunteer. There is an abundance of volunteer opportunities to choose from and you should include your children too. If there are any children’s cancer centers or hospitals in your area, donate your time to read to the patients. Your children can bring toys to play and spend time with them too. Consider baking cookies and other sweet treats to pass out to patients, doctors, nurses, and volunteers. Showing you care by spending your time and having friendly interactions with the patients makes a loving and lasting impression on them.
Donate. Consider making a monetary donation to a reputable charity, hospital or research lab that strives to benefit the lives of children with cancer. Whether you have $1 or $1,000,000, a donation is always valuable. Additionally, talk with your children about making a donation too. Emphasize the goal of the organization or hospital and explain how their donation will benefit it. By using a portion of their allowance, they can contribute to the cause and help children in need. This teaches them to become more considerate and loving of others and it gives them a sense of accomplishment knowing that their generous deed benefitted someone else.
Another idea is to have a group fundraising event involving food or bake sales, car washes, or even yard sales.
Help a family. If you know a family affected by childhood cancer, there are many ways to assist them. Consider calling or texting to check up on them and sending hand-written cards with friendly messages. Make decorating and writing cards a fun family event. A short message such as “Best wishes from our family to yours. We are always here if you need anything and will continue to pray for you,” can provide comfort in knowing that they are not alone.
Also, volunteering to do chores such as house sitting or lawn mowing can take a lot of extra pressure off adults in the family and give them more time to focus on their loved one in need.
There are so many ways and opportunities for you and your family to commemorate Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. As Christians, we are called to show our love to others, and what better way than assisting children in need.