September marks National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, drawing attention to the leading cause of death by disease in children throughout the United States. The rate of children diagnosed with cancer has increased steadily over the past twenty years with thirty-six children in the United States being diagnosed with cancer per day. Over 40,000 courageous children and devoted families endure the lasting effects of cancer treatment each year. We choose this month to raise awareness for them.

Despite the increased number of cases of pediatric cancer, 80% percent of childhood cancer cases are treated successfully. While most childhood cancers are considered highly curable, survival often comes with a “cost.”  Two-thirds childhood cancer survivors face at least one chronic health condition and many survivors will receive on-going monitoring and continued physical and psychological care throughout their adult lives.

Beside the lifelong health implications, treating childhood cancer often comes at a great financial cost to families. The average out-of-pocket cost for a family with a child battling cancer is over $9,700. Even in cases where health insurance is available, expenses can add up quickly. In addition to the cost of cancer diagnosis and treatment, the hidden costs of: food, transportation, and accommodation often add to the financial burden for these families.

Thankfully, there are ways you can help.

You can visit: Alex’s Lemonade Stand a foundation committed to finding a cure for childhood cancers. On their site they list: 30 ways you can raise awareness and funds throughout the month.

If you know a family struggling with pediatric cancer consider starting a GiveForward page. By creating a GiveForward page for a family, you enable loved ones and visitors from all over the world to provide emotional and financial support.

There are also several families on GiveForward who you can benefit directly by donating to their cause.  Consider helping the family of 4-year old, Mia Deligeannis, who has been battling Leukemia the past two and a half years. Mia’s family is half way to their goal of raising $5,000. Or Tucker Reeves battling cancer of the spinal cord. The Reeves family is hoping to raise $6,000 to offset travel and accommodation costs while Tucker receives radiation treatment in Miami, Florida. Or 19-month old Idalya Estevez, who has been diagnosed Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Her family is hoping to raise $10,000 to counterbalance her extensive medical expenses.

In honor of National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month consider donating to the victims of childhood cancer as they fight on in the hope of a better tomorrow.