News release
September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, and Wednesday, Sept. 10, is being recognized by the American Cancer Society nationally as Gold Together Day in honor of childhood cancer awareness.
“The color gold, like the precious metal, symbolizes the most precious thing in our lives – our children,” said a news release from the ACS’ Relay for Life of Santa Clarita Valley. “Gold Together Day is a powerful opportunity to come together and make a difference in the lives of courageous children facing cancer.”
Every dollar raised by the ACS on Wednesday will be restricted to funding groundbreaking research, advocacy, and patient support programs dedicated to saving lives affected by childhood cancer, the release said.
Cancer is the leading disease-related cause of death for children and adolescents ages 1-19, with 1 in 260 children and adolescents diagnosed with cancer before the age of 20. Newer, targeted therapy drugs and immunotherapy have made progress with important types of treatment, but some childhood cancers remain with a low survival rate and no cure, the release said.
The cancer incidence rate for children has been increasing slightly since the mid-1970s, with the trends varying by cancer type. However, cancer death rates in children have declined 71% since 1970. These reductions are largely due to improvements in treatment and more children taking part in clinical trials, the release said.
The ACS is currently funding 86 multi-year research grants totaling more than $51 million specific to fighting pediatric cancer, the release said.
The ACS funds scientists who conduct research about childhood cancer at medical schools, universities, research institutes, and hospitals throughout the United States, using a rigorous and independent peer review process to select the most innovative research projects and proposals, the release said.
All Relay For Life programs across the country will be participating in Gold Together Day on Wednesday. Every dollar given to any Relay For Life program nationwide on Sept. 10 is being restricted to childhood cancer research and patient services. To make a tax-deductible contribution or to find more information, go to SCVRelay.org.
The American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Santa Clarita Valley has raised over $9 million since it began in 1999. Next year’s relay is scheduled to be held May 2 at Central Park.
