Childhood Cancer
Awareness Month

Join St. Jude this September as we honor those with pediatric cancer. We won't stop until no child — anywhere — dies from cancer.

HELP GIVE THEM TOMORROW.

Learn About Childhood Cancer Donate Now

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St. Jude patient Braylan sitting in front of his birthday cake with a birthday hat on, similing, with a yellow ribbon surrounding him.

Childhood Cancer Awareness Month facts

At St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, we are a leader in advancing cures for childhood cancer in the U.S. and around the world.

  

 
 
Illustration of person in lab coat looking into a microscope.

On average, more than 290 children and adolescents in the U.S. are diagnosed with cancer every week.

Treatments developed at St. Jude have helped improve the overall childhood cancer survival rate from 20% to more than 80% in the U.S. since the hospital opened in 1962. St. Jude leads more clinical trials for childhood cancer than any other children's hospital in the U.S.

Learn more about our open clinical trials >

 
Illustration of Earth with a yellow ribbon around it.

About 90% of children with cancer live in low- and middle-income countries where they lack access to adequate diagnosis and treatment. Most of these children will die from their disease.

In high-income nations, such as the U.S., survival rates for pediatric cancers exceed 80%. To bridge this gap, St. Jude created St. Jude Global. This initiative is dedicated to improving quality of care and increasing survival rates worldwide for children with cancer and other life-threatening diseases. Working with partners around the world, we have created a global community that works together to address disparities in access to diagnosis and care around the world. 

Learn more about St. Jude Global >

 
 
Illustration of a child in a hospital bed hooked up to medical equipment while a man and woman stand at bedside.

Worldwide, about 400,000 children and adolescents develop cancer each year. Only half of these children’s diseases are diagnosed.

St. Jude partnered with World Health Organization (WHO) to create the Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer which aims to cure at least 60% (6 out of 10) of children with 6 of the most common cancers by 2030. St. Jude, WHO and other international partners have also developed the Global Platform for Access to Childhood Cancer Medicines to address the inconsistent availability of quality essential cancer medicines. The platform’s first delivery of vital medicines began in February 2025.

Learn more about the Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer >

 
 
 
yellow ribbon

Our stories and research

At St. Jude, we are committed to advancing research that helps make lifesaving cures  possible for kids with cancer. Learn about our patients, their diagnoses and how St. Jude is helping.

  

 
 

  1. Pablo Jose

    Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)

     
     
    St. Jude patient Pablo Jose and his father wear St. Jude

    St. Jude patient Pablo Jose with his father

     

    For me, St. Jude is another world. It is the best in every sense of the word, not only the people who work at St. Jude but the medicine they offer.

    — St. Jude patient Pablo Jose's father

      

    Pablo Jose was diagnosed with a blood cancer called acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in 2021 at the age of 5 in his homeland of Guatemala. 

    Read Pablo Jose's story.

     
     

    Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)

    Leukemia

     
     

    St. Jude research on ALL

    St. Jude is advancing clinical trials that use risk-based treatments to improve survival rates and reduce side effects for children with ALL, the most common childhood cancer. We are also studying treatments that combine chemotherapy with immunotherapy, including blinatumomab and inotuzumab, to improve outcomes and reduce side effects.

    Learn about the clinical trials  INITIALL, SJALL23T and SJALL23H.

     
     

  2. Braylan

    Non-Rhabdomyosarcoma Soft Tissue Sarcoma (NRSTS)

     
     
    St. Jude patient Braylan stands between his parents in a photo studio setting..

    St. Jude patient Braylan with his parents

     

    We couldn’t have asked for it to be at a better place than St. Jude. They gave me all the hope in a world that I could ever have.

    — St. Jude patient Braylan's mother

      

    Read Braylan's story

     
     

    Non-Rhabdomyosarcoma Soft Tissue Sarcoma

    Solid tumor

     
     

    St. Jude research on Non-Rhabdomyosarcoma Soft Tissue Sarcoma (NRSTS)

    St. Jude is evaluating new treatment approaches for NRSTS tumors based on tumor risk group. These approaches include targeted therapies such as pazopanib and selinexor.

    Learn about the NRSTS2021 clinical trial >

     
     

  3. Hazel

    Medulloblastoma

     
     
    St. Jude patient Hazel is held by her mother while her father stands next to them.

    St. Jude patient Hazel with her parents

     

    Everybody at St. Jude was kind. People knew us and we knew them, and it was amazing that our needs were met on such a broad level. It wasn’t just medical care but making sure that we had what we needed to meet her needs.

    — St. Jude patient Hazel's mother

      

    In 2022, when Hazel was 2, her parents noticed she was having balance issues. A visit to a local hospital in Kentucky revealed a brain tumor. Doctors were able to remove the tumor, but Hazel was going to need further treatment for the malignant tumor called medulloblastoma. Hazel was referred to St. Jude.

    Read Hazel's story.

     
     

    Medulloblastoma

    Brain cancer

    • Medulloblastoma is a type of brain tumor that usually starts near the brain stem in the cerebellum. Located in the lower back part of the brain, the cerebellum helps control movement and balance.
    • It is most often seen in children, especially those under 10 years old, but it can also happen in teens and adults.
    • Medulloblastoma can grow and spread quickly, so doctors usually treat it with a mix of surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy.
     
     

    St. Jude research on medulloblastoma

    St. Jude is leading clinical trials that use molecular classification to tailor medulloblastoma treatment. Our aim is to improve survival and preserve healthy brain development.

    Learn about the SJiMB21 clinical trial >

     
     
 
 
CCAM Ribbon
 

HELP GIVE THEM TOMORROW

How to support childhood cancer awareness 

Help St. Jude raise awareness during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month by participating in our activities and fundraising efforts. Help give more kids the chance to live full lives.  

  

 
 
Three participants in the St. Jude Walk/Run smile and pose for the camera wearing gold T-shirt for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month,

Join us for a St. Jude Walk >

Help the kids of St. Jude by registering for a St. Jude Walk in your community.

Register Now
 
St. Jude patient James wears a green St. Jude T-shirt and climbs on colorful playground equipment.

Become a monthly donor >

Your monthly donation will help sustain the lifesaving mission of St. Jude.

Donate Monthly
 
A little boy wearing glassses and a blue shirt surrounded by a CCAM gold ribbon.

Explore brands supporting St. Jude >

Help pediatric cancer research by exploring companies and products giving back to St. Jude in September.

Explore Companies That Support
 
St. Jude patient Lizzie sits in a colorful playroom, holding a doll.

Donate toys and supplies >

Explore items you can donate to St. Jude to help kids with cancer.

View a List of What is Needed
 
 
CCAM Ribbon
 

Donate today to give them tomorrow

In the U.S., 1 in 5 children with cancer won’t survive. But there is hope. You can help give them more tomorrows by supporting our lifesaving mission. 

 
 

Families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food — so they can focus on helping their child live.

Donate Any Amount

*When you make a donation using this information, your donation will be used to provide breakthrough research, treatment and cures. Items listed here are representative of services and supplies that are part of the treatment and care of children at St. Jude. The cost of each item or service is an approximation, and will vary based on actual costs incurred and individual patient needs. Your donation will be used for the general operating needs of St. Jude, where no family ever receives a bill for treatment, travel, housing or food..

 
 
An illustrated icon of a stethescope.
 

$14

Could help St. Jude provide one platelet count test for a St. Jude patient.*

Donate $14

 
 
An illustrated icon of a stethescope.
 

$25

Could help provide one rehabilitation ball for St. Jude patients.*

Donate $25

 
 
An illustrated icon of a stethescope.
 

$50

Could help provide two days of meals to a St. Jude patient.*

Donate $50

 
 
 
 

Help give more kids a chance to grow up

Every child deserves a chance to live their best life and celebrate every moment. When you support St. Jude, you can help make cures possible for kids with cancer. Together, we can save more lives.

GIVE THEM TOMORROW.

Donate Now

 
 
St. Jude patient Braylan sitting in front of his birthday cake with a birthday hat on, similing, with a yellow ribbon surrounding her.

Childhood Cancer Awareness Month FAQs

  

 
Gold ribbon Childhood Cancer Awareness Month artwork by St. Jude survivor Tayde.

Gold ribbon art by St. Jude survivor Tayde

 

  1. National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month is in September.

    Learn more about childhood cancer, or get involved to help cure childhood cancer.

  2. September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month (CCAM) — a time of year we and other organizations honor children and survivors affected by pediatric cancer in order to raise awareness and continue the research and treatment of the disease. Childhood cancer remains the leading cause of death by disease for children under the age of 14. 

    September was proclaimed  National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month by President Obama in 2010.

    Learn more about childhood cancer, or get involved to help cure childhood cancer.

  3. International Childhood Cancer Day is Feb. 15. This is a separate awareness day from Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.

    Learn more about childhood cancer, or get involved to help cure childhood cancer.

  4. There are 27 different cancer awareness months spread across the year.

    Learn more about childhood cancer, or get involved to help cure childhood cancer.

  5. Childhood cancer is the leading cause of death by disease for children under age 14. Awareness helps fund lifesaving research, supports families and brings hope to kids around the world. By sharing their stories and showing your support, you become part of a movement to make cures possible.

    Learn more about childhood cancer, or get involved to help cure childhood cancer.

 

  1. The color gold and the gold ribbon are symbols of support for children affected with cancer.

    Learn more about childhood cancer, or get involved to help cure childhood cancer.

  2. You can promote childhood cancer awareness by sharing this page with friends, family and colleagues, or #ShowYourGold this September by sharing a picture while wearing gold on any of your social media accounts, like Instagram.

    You can also show your support for the kids of St. Jude by shopping for CCAM gold items in our gift shop.

    Learn more about childhood cancer, or get involved to help cure childhood cancer.

  3. You can find Childhood Cancer Awareness T-shirts and other items  that show your support for the kids of St. Jude by shopping for CCAM gold items in our gift shop.

    Learn more about childhood cancer, or get involved to help cure childhood cancer.

  4. September is the awareness month for several kinds of cancer in addition to pediatric cancer. September has been Childhood Cancer Awareness Month since 2010. Other cancer observance months held in September include:  

    • Sickle Cell Awareness Month
    • Leukemia and Lymphoma Awareness Month
    • Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month
    • Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
    • Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month
    • Uterine Cancer Awareness Month

    Learn more about childhood cancer, or get involved to help cure childhood cancer.

 
 

You may be interested in:

January

  • Cervical Cancer Awareness Month

February

  • National Cancer Prevention Month
  • Gallbladder and Bile Duct Cancer Awareness Month

March

  • Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month
  • Kidney Cancer Awareness Month
  • Multiple Myeloma Awareness Month

April

  • Esophageal Cancer Awareness Month
  • Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Month
  • Testicular Cancer Awareness Month

May

  • National Cancer Research Month
  • Bladder Cancer Awareness Month
  • Brain Cancer Awareness Month
  • Melanoma and Skin Cancer Awareness Month

June

  • National Cancer Survivor Month

July

  • Sarcoma and Bone Cancer Awareness Month

September

  • Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
  • Sickle Cell Awareness Month
  • Leukemia and Lymphoma Awareness Month
  • Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month
  • Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
  • Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month
  • Uterine Cancer Awareness Month

October

  • Breast Cancer Awareness Month
  • Liver Cancer Awareness Month

November

  • Carcinoid Cancer Awareness Month
  • Gastric Cancer Awareness Month
  • Lung Cancer Awareness Month
  • Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month

Picture 11-year-old Misheel, bald from chemotherapy, pulling up a chair on the second-floor inpatient unit. A younger child shouts, “The balloon girl!” 

Suddenly, she’s surrounded by other children. She reaches into her backpack for colorful balloons and inflates and twists them into a bunny, then a unicorn, then a giraffe, then a butterfly. 

St. Jude patient Misheel sits surrounded by all the balloon animals she has created.

“Ever since then, the requests started rolling in,” said Undrakh. 

Undrakh heard stories of children who loved princesses or of kids who wanted a monkey climbing a tree or a teddy bear. There were kids who were missing a favorite pet — could she make a dog for them? 

All these St. Jude parents who just wanted to make their kids smile, and Undrakh’s daughter could do that for them. 

“I don’t know why, but I just like seeing people’s faces happy,” said Misheel.

Picture the same little girl in a hospital room at St. Jude hooked to a chemotherapy line, saying to Undrakh, “Don’t you worry, Mom. I’m OK.” 

Misheel never complained, said Undrakh, not even on the “really hard days, especially with the lumbar puncture when she couldn’t even move.”

Undrakh worried she minimized her pain, so she sometimes begged Misheel, “What do you feel? I’m here for you to listen to you,” and only then would Misheel admit to her mom, “It’s hurting.”

“Those days were hard,” said Undrakh, “but she tries to find a way to make it better. She’s like, ‘It’s OK because you’re trying to help me.’ That’s who she is. She just wants to show the brighter side of everything and just wants to be happy.”

Misheel was 11 years old in the summer of 2023 when her parents noticed no matter how much water she drank, she still felt thirsty. At first, they thought it was a healthy habit, far preferable to drinking juice or soda. But her thirst was never quenched. Misheel began excusing herself to go to the restroom so frequently they knew something must be wrong. 

Undrakh took Misheel to the family doctor near their home in Illinois. Tests revealed a tumor on Misheel’s pituitary gland, as well as two other spots in her brain. She was diagnosed with a type of cancer called mixed germ cell tumors. 

Soon, her parents obtained a referral to St. Jude. 

Through chemotherapy and radiation, Misheel often paused to thank the doctors and nurses and other St. Jude staff. 

She particularly bonded with the valet personnel who, she told her mom, had the hardest job of all, working outside in whatever kind of weather and always staying so pleasant and kind to the families. How could she feel bad when there were so many wonderful people helping?

So, she made balloon creations for the St. Jude staff, too, and would say to them, “There’s a lot of different colors because you all added color to my life by healing me.”

St. Jude patient Misheel in the middle of her parents being kissed on each side of her cheek.

Her balloons often came with these sorts of pep talks — the right words at the right time. Like when she saw a man crying in the hallway at St. Jude with his family, and she went to comfort him.

“It’s going to be OK,” said Misheel. “Do you want me to make you something to feel better?”

He told her yes.

It was only later that Undrakh learned that the man had been grieving back-to-back tragedy: His father had died one day, and the next day, his preschool-aged child had been diagnosed with cancer. Now, here they were at St. Jude.

“You need to be strong for your child,” said Misheel. “Your child is strong, but he or she is even stronger with you, so be strong.” 

With that, Misheel handed him a Ninja Turtle.

Now picture Misheel listening intently to the older man sitting next to her at St. Jude, watching the 82-year-old closely as he shows her how to create the first four balloons she will ever make: a flower, a sword, and two types of dogs.

This is Robert Dunn, her godfather. On the circus stage, his name is Robert “Onionhead the Clown” Dunn, although today he’s not performing.

Misheel knows Dunn through UniversalSoul Circus, where her father, Gantulkhurr, is part of an acrobatic teeterboard troupe from Mongolia called The Nomads. 

When Misheel and her family moved to the U.S. from Mongolia in 2019 for her father’s job, she didn’t speak English. It was a whole new language and culture. But a circus is a traveling family of sorts, and Dunn, who values education, often purchased books for the children of the performers and encouraged them to read. 

“My daughter is the one who finishes the book and talks to him about the book, and she would always have a conversation with him,” said Undrakh.  

Dunn and Misheel’s family live hundreds of miles from each other, and Misheel and Dunn are separated in age by several decades, but that didn’t matter. She’d finish a book, and he’d send her another one.

“They talk on the phone about them. They play chess on the phone as well,” said Undrakh. “They’re like same-age people.”

Dunn nicknamed Misheel “Da Professor.” 

“I gave her a book of about 90 quotes, and she would read the quote, Google it, then read the biography, then she’d print the biography out and put it in the back of the book,” said Dunn. “So, she’s very good at learning.”

When Misheel was diagnosed with cancer, “It tore me up,” said Dunn. “It hurt me so much.”

So, he visited her family at St. Jude soon after she started treatment. 

To help cheer her up, he taught her how to make a few balloon creations, knowing it might spark something.

“She took it from there and ran with it,” said Dunn. “She’s better than me at making animal balloons now.” 

Misheel had come to the U.S., a strange and unfamiliar place, and Dunn showed her family friendship.

Misheel pays his kindness forward every day — or every time she reaches into her backpack for another balloon.  

When Vanessa was receiving treatment for leukemia at St. Jude her father, Eliseo, made sure some of her favorite Mexican foods were always on hand. 

It was his way of supporting his daughter during the tough times of chemotherapy and other treatments. Vanessa also enjoys assisting her father in the kitchen, where they prepare Mexican dishes as a tribute to their cultural heritage. Her favorite dish: Mexican green spaghetti with shrimp.

St. Jude patient Vanessa flexes her arm muscles.

In 2020, her father and mother, Josefa, took Vanessa to the doctor several times because of the dark spots on her skin.

“She was not feeling like herself,” Josefa said.

A bruise under her chin led them to take Vanessa to a different doctor who ran more tests. Following the results of these tests, Vanessa was diagnosed that November with acute myeloid leukemia, a cancer of the blood. and bone marrow. Approximately 500 patients are diagnosed with AML in the United States annually. The disease causes the bone marrow to produce too many improperly functioning white blood cells called blasts, leaving the patient without enough healthy white blood cells to fight infections.

Vanessa was referred to St. Jude where she received chemotherapy. She was placed on the protocol for AML 16, a clinical trial which involved epigenetic priming for chemotherapy.

Chemotherapy is the main treatment for AML, and most patients undergo two phases of chemotherapy over a period of approximately six months. The goal of AML 16 was to prepare the DNA of the AML genes to be more sensitive to chemotherapy. St. Jude leads more clinical trials for childhood cancer than any other hospital in the United States to find the most precise and effective treatments for childhood cancers.

Vanessa finished treatment in June 2021 and returns for check-ups. 

St. Jude patient Vanessa wears a St. Jude hat and T-shirt,

“Before this experience, I had seen the St. Jude campus, but you can never truly comprehend the battle being waged against cancer within those walls. The effort to save a child’s life is truly remarkable,” Eliseo said.

Families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food — so they can focus on helping their child live.

Vanessa was baptized in June 2023. She finds joy in attending church, studying the Bible and participating in camps alongside other children in her congregation.

Currently in fifth grade, Vanessa has already expressed her aspiration to pursue a career in the healthcare field. Her dream is to work at St. Jude, a place that has left a lasting impact on her life. 

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