Every year on February 15, the world unites to honor World Childhood Cancer Day (WCCD). Recognized across the globe, WCCD raises awareness towards childhood cancer as well as honoring the strength of children and families affected by the life-altering disease.
Cancer affects kids all around the world no matter social status, race, or nationality. It is the leading cause of death for children from ages one to 19.
There are more than 400,000 cases recorded annually, with the most common types of cancer being leukemia, brain tumors, lymphomas, and solid tumors such as neuroblastoma and Wilms tumor.
College freshman at Quinnipiac University Madelyne O’Farrell was diagnosed with a rare cancer at the age of 12. She states, “Cancer completely changed my childhood, both physically and mentally. In addition to getting surgeries and treatment for many weeks and years at a time, cancer forced me to reevaluate my life one day at a time because I never knew how long I had.”
WCCD, alongside other great organizations such as Childhood Cancer International, serves an important purpose as a day to shine a light on the critical issues surrounding childhood cancer. This includes aspects such as affordable treatment, early detection, and most importantly, emotional support for families.
The recent observations have been aligned with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) global initiative for childhood cancer, which aims to make it so that the survival rate for children with cancer goes up to 60% by 2030.
With this goal, it can save over a million children’s lives over the next decade. This would not only bring so much hope to all families that have a child suffering from cancer, but it can also pave the way to equitable healthcare access, ensuring that every kid has a fair chance at full healthy life no matter who they are or where they were born.
In order for this goal to be made, people from all walks of life can do numerous things in order to
make a difference. This includes raising awareness of childhood cancer, supporting families affected, advocating for better policies, as well as funding research and initiatives to help treat this battle.
O’Farrell states, “Awareness is important because children going through treatments and pain need that emotional support as well as knowing that people will stick by their side and help them get through hard times. Additionally, it’s just heartwarming to know that you’re cared for and thought about when your future isn’t taking the course you expected it would.”
WCCD is a way to show strength for children and families battling cancer. The day is about honoring all the memories of those who have passed from cancer and recognizing them, and also recognizing all the healthcare workers putting countless hours in to help all these kids who are struggling with cancer.
