Why Childhood Cancer Research and Treatment Needs More Funding

Cancer is a scary word for an intimidating diagnosis that we usually associate with adults. It’s hard enough when grown-ups get cancer, but did you know that cancer causes more childhood deaths than any other disease? 

How common is childhood cancer?

According to the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation (NPCF)’s childhood cancer statistics, an estimated 43 American children are diagnosed with cancer every day. That’s almost 16,000 per year.  It means that 1 in 285 kids will be told they have cancer before their 20th birthday. 

What kinds of cancer do children get?

Children usually develop different types of cancers than adults do. The most common kid cancer is leukemia. The American Cancer Society estimates that leukemia makes up 28% of all childhood cancer diagnoses.  

The most common types of cancers in children are:

• Leukemia
• Brain and spinal cord tumors
• Neuroblastoma
• Wilms tumor
• Lymphoma
• Rhabdomyosarcoma
• Retinoblastoma
• Bone cancer

Why is childhood cancer awareness important?

Any disease that currently affects fewer than 200,000 people is considered a rare disease, so all childhood cancers are technically classified as rare. Typically the rarer a disease is, the less research funding is available.

Sadly this is true with childhood cancer. Although the government does invest money into cancer research, the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation reports that less than 4% of those funds go toward finding treatments and cures for the types of cancers that are most common in kids. 

This is where you and I come in. We have the opportunity to make a difference by supporting childhood cancer charities.

What is the best childhood cancer charity?

Each March, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles  (CHLA) holds their annual Make March Matter campaign. This fundraising campaign is one of the best childhood cancer charities to donate to because CHLA is committed to providing high quality care to every single child who needs it regardless of their family’s ability to pay. 

You can take part in Make March Matter by attending a virtual event or making a purchase from one of many partner businesses (including Revive Jewelry). 

Want to learn more about Make March Matter and CHLA’s cancer treatment programs for kids? Check out my Children’s Hospital Los Angeles partner spotlight blog post.

I will also be hosting an Instagram Live coffee chat event with Annie Cornforth, a CHLA representative on March 18th at 1 pm pst. To participate, follow Revive Jewelry on Instagram and remember to enable IG live notifications.

Childhood cancer awareness products

Give the gift of support, solidarity, and hope for change by purchasing one of my hand crafted childhood cancer jewelry pieces. The designs in this collection were inspired by the cellular image of neuroblastoma - one of the most common types of childhood cancer. These cause based jewelry pieces are available in necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and rings. Each is a loving, strengthening reminder that you and the child you love are not alone on this journey. 

Where to donate for childhood cancer research

Join me in supporting the pediatric cancer care and research efforts of Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. Consider purchasing from the Revive Support Childhood Cancer Collection or simply make a tax-deductible direct donation directly to CHLA. Together, we can show support for all the children and families who are facing pediatric cancer!