September’s gold ribbons disappear quickly once October arrives, but families affected by childhood cancer don’t get to turn the page with the calendar. Childhood cancer can feel almost invisible outside of the families and communities directly affected by it, which makes awareness especially important. Awareness should continue through support, research, advocacy and attention throughout the year, not just for one month that often feels overshadowed by the oncoming pink wave.
As the mother of a childhood cancer survivor, the statistics hit a lot differently. About 14,690 U.S. children and adolescents were diagnosed with cancer in 2025, with about 1,650 deaths. Behind each of those numbers is a child and a family whose entire world has been changed by cancer. I know what it’s like to sit beside your child through treatment and wish more than anything that you could take it away for them. Even after treatment ends, childhood cancer remains part of your family’s story forever.
While there has been tremendous progress in awareness, funding, research and treatments for our children, childhood cancer remains the leading cause of death from disease among children. We need our Utah communities to come together to turn awareness into continued support for childhood cancer research, survivors and their families rather than ending the conversation at the end of the month.
As September comes to an end, keep spreading the gold. Educate yourself and others about childhood cancer, support childhood cancer organizations and research, attend or donate to childhood cancer events, volunteer with organizations that support affected families, and remember these children and their families throughout the year, not just during September. Learn more about childhood cancer awareness and ways to get involved through the American Childhood Cancer Organization.
Katie Brimhall, Saratoga Springs