Gold medals, gold trophies, gold jewelry and even gold teeth. Why does gold come to mind when we reward someone (did you know the Nobel Peace Prize is made out of gold?), when we want to display wealth or when we aspire to be something (“Stay Golden Ponyboy”)? Gold is impressive and strong. Gold is resilient and admired. It only seems fitting that gold also represents Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.
Now, why are so many people and places going gold this month?
September is the official home of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, and Tallahassee is doing its part!
So what exactly is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month?
Childhood Cancer Awareness Month is a time to honor and celebrate children who are currently, were previously or have lost their battles with cancer. We all undoubtedly know someone who has lost to this ruthless disease. Children’s Cancer Research Fund tells us that in just the month of September, 25,000 families worldwide will receive the devastating news that their child or teen has been diagnosed with cancer. Further, 6,667 families will experience the loss of a child this month. These are shocking statistics to anyone, but we can do something to change them: we can #GoGold!
Here are the top three things in Tallahassee that you can take part in to #GoGold this month:
- Register to participate in the St. Jude’s Walk/Run to End Childhood Cancer on September 25, 2016. Because of this committed fundraiser, families at St. Jude Hospital never see a bill for treatment, travel, housing or food. Tallahassee is one of five cities in Florida that holds this amazing event, so put on your walkin’ shoes and help St. Jude continue to push the overall cancer survival rate higher.
- Attend the Cascades Goes Gold! event on Sept. 28, 2016. In honor of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, Cascades Park waterfall will be lit up gold! Vendors such as Ace along with the Tallahassee Memorial Hospital super heroes and Jason Taylor of iHeart Radio will be there to help kick off this event. Don’t miss out on your chance to see a large part of your community #GoGold.
- Spot a golden tricycle at local businesses around town, take a photo and spread the word. Local businesses around Tallahassee are working with the Hang Tough Foundation to place golden tricycles in their storefronts to show their support for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Businesses such as Uncle Maddio’s Pizza, Cole Couture and fab’Rik have already participated this month. Once you spot a golden trike, snap a photo and post it with the hashtag #HTFGoesGold to spread the word about childhood cancer!
Courtesy: Hang Tough Foundation
Childhood Cancer Awareness Month is a time for us, both individually and communally, to raise awareness about the rising dangers of childhood cancer. We have the chance to rally together and help create better outcomes for these children. Join us in going for the gold this month, and let’s help end childhood cancer. After all, cancer is just a word, and words have little impact compared to these children’s heroic actions. Gold pales in comparison to how bright they shine.