Cancer is the leading cause of death by disease among U.S. children between infancy and age 15. Every year, 15,000 young children and their parents face this challenge, with one out of every five of those kids losing the battle. On Sept. 2, the Metropolitan King County Council recognized those King County families fighting the disease and the professionals helping them in that struggle by declaring September Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in King County.
“Parents and children should be free to focus on the future, not battling cancer for the present,” said Council Chair Larry Phillips. “These families need our support for their daily battle with cancer, as well as our advocacy in addressing the root causes of the disease, such as banning cancer-causing toxins from children’s products.”
“Declaring this month ‘Childhood Cancer Awareness Month’ is just a small way the people of King County can show their support for all the kids fighting for their lives. We will continue to advocate for policies that help keep our kids healthy and safe,” said Council Vice Chair Joe McDermott.
Two decades ago, the American Cancer Fund for Children, Inc. and Kids Cancer Connection, Inc. were created. The focus of the two groups is helping children with cancer and their families. Locally, these agencies work with Seattle Children’s Hospital and Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital in Tacoma, providing a variety of vital patient psychosocial services to children undergoing cancer treatment.
The two groups also sponsor the nationwide Courageous Kid Recognition Award ceremonies and hospital celebrations in honor of a child’s determination and bravery to fight the battle against childhood cancer.
“These children are the bravest and most courageous people I have ever met. It is tragic that so many children have to suffer this terrible disease. It had been an honor to help them and their families as best we can by providing various services.” said Steve Firestein, Volunteer Director of American Cancer Fund for Children, Inc. “We do what we can to help and hopefully one day there won’t be a need for recognition such as this. We ask everyone to do what they can to help.”
