What is the history of International Childhood Cancer Day?

In 2002, Childhood Cancer International (CCI) recognized the first International Childhood Cancer Day. They did so with the goal of reducing inequalities in childhood cancer care globally. St. Jude is similarly committed to reducing barriers to research and treatment worldwide.

What’s the significance of the gold ribbon?

The gold ribbon is the symbol of childhood cancer awareness. It’s also a prominent symbol during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in September. The gold represents the high value of the lives of children and adolescents with cancer.

International Childhood Cancer Day

Q: Why give to St. Jude on International Childhood Cancer Day?

When you give to St. Jude, your donation can have a positive impact on communities around the world. St. Jude shares its breakthroughs with doctors and researchers globally. Through research and treatment, St. Jude has helped push the overall survival rate from 20% to more than 80% in the U.S.

When is International Childhood Cancer Day?

International Childhood Cancer Day is February 15 each year.

The importance of International Childhood Cancer Day

Childhood cancer is devastating, regardless of where you live. Each year, more than 300,000 children worldwide receive a cancer diagnosis. Many of these children live in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) where treatment may be unavailable or inaccessible.

Treatments developed at St. Jude have helped raise the survival rate for children with cancer in the United States, where 4 out of 5 children survive cancer. In many countries, however, 1 out of 5 children diagnosed with cancer will survive. We won’t stop until no child dies from cancer, no matter where they live.

The WHO Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer

In September 2018, the World Health Organization (WHO) launched the Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer. This initiative aims to increase the global childhood cancer survival rate to at least 60% by 2030. It also aims to improve the quality of life for children with cancer.

The WHO Global Initiative is guided by an approach abbreviated as “CURE All” that outlines pragmatic steps to reach these goals. St. Jude is partnering with WHO and other global organizations to collaboratively improve cancer survival rates for children everywhere.

Ways to get involved on International Childhood Cancer Day

International Childhood Cancer Day is an opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of children with cancer. Here are some suggestions for how to make a difference this Feb. 15:

1. Promoting awareness and education

Learning about childhood cancer from reputable sources is an important starting point. If you feel comfortable, you may want to share what you've learned about detection and treatment options with friends and loved ones — through email, social media or in person.

2. Donating to a nonprofit organization like St. Jude

Nonprofits like St. Jude rely on the generosity of donors to treat kids with cancer and invest in childhood cancer research. Consider a donation — because of your support, St. Jude can provide children cutting-edge treatments not covered by insurance, at no cost to families. Additionally, you can use our employer search form to see if your employer will double, or even triple, your gift.

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St. Jude patient Alanna sits in a waiting room wearing a colorful dress and a mask while she plays with a bubble machine. — St. Jude patient **Alanna**

3. Volunteering locally or online

Nonprofits like St. Jude benefit greatly from the work of our volunteers. Our main campus is located in Memphis, Tenn., but we have options regardless of where you live, both in person and virtually.

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4. Hosting a fundraiser

Do what you love, and use it to make a difference. Fundraising can be a fun and rewarding way to get your family, friends or coworkers involved in supporting a common cause. St. Jude offers a variety of fundraisers you can join, from fitness events to school programs to gaming challenges. You can also get creative and start your own fundraiser. However you choose to raise funds for St. Jude, we provide guidance and support to help you reach your goal.

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St. Jude patient Maelin-Kate walks through a hospital hallway wearing a mask as she holds her mom's hand. — St. Jude patient **Maelin-Kat**e and her mom

5. Offering your support to a family in need

Sometimes the best way to make an impact is to simply reach out. If someone in your community has been affected by childhood cancer, consider asking what they need and how you can help.