To mark September as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, we are delighted to join our colleagues from Cancer Fund for Children and Friends of the Cancer Centre for a special “Go Gold” event in two of the Belfast hospitals, complete with balloons, fun activities and goodie bags.
Taking place on Friday 5th and Wednesday 10th September, in the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children and City Hospital, these events provide patients with a safe space where they can have fun while raising awareness of the support offered by all three charities.
Commenting on the events, Jane Hoare, Chief Executive at The Children’s Cancer Unit Charity said:
“We look forward to the ‘Go Gold’ days every September. These events are a great opportunity to join our colleagues from Cancer Fund for Children and Friends of the Cancer to meet children, young people and their families and spread some special cheer during a hospital visit or stay. Daily life changes dramatically with a childhood cancer diagnosis but events like these give families something to enjoy together and are a fantastic opportunity for us to show our support during their journey.”
Throughout the month of September, approximately 10 children and young people (aged 0-24) will be diagnosed with cancer in Northern Ireland. Childhood Cancer Awareness Month is dedicated to raising awareness of this reality and the impact a childhood cancer diagnosis can have on the whole family.
Youth Support Worker with Cancer Fund for Children, Beth O’Hare added:
“We’re delighted to ‘Go Gold’ in clinic and on the ward again this year alongside The Children’s Cancer Unit Charity and Friends of the Cancer Centre to mark Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. For families navigating a childhood cancer diagnosis, the impact on the family extends far beyond the essential medical care, and events like these are a chance to get families together and having fun, while highlighting the support available to them.”
Ana Wilkinson, Chief Executive of Friends of the Cancer Centre, said:
“Childhood Cancer Awareness Month is an important time and an opportunity to show families impacted by cancer that they are not alone. We are really delighted to work alongside Cancer Fund for Children and The Children’s Cancer Unit Charity on the Go Gold days. As well as highlighting the support on offer through the vital work of each organisation, it was an opportunity to create special moments for families and bring a little joy to young people.”
Make sure to follow along on our social media channels for more Childhood Cancer Awareness Month content throughout September.
