Each year, nearly 16,000 U.S. children and teens are diagnosed with cancer. But only 4 percent of federal cancer research funding is earmarked to develop new treatments and cures for children battling this heartbreaking disease – an amount that is far below what is actually needed.
Just as pink has become synonymous with breast cancer awareness, UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals are part of a nationwide campaign to shine a spotlight on childhood cancer during Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month in September—with the color gold as the campaign’s symbol.
Throughout September, UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals are encouraging local businesses and the community at large to help the more than 1,500 patients who receive treatment at the Oakland and San Francisco campuses every year. As national leaders in pediatric cancer care, the hospitals’ support these young patients every step of the way through their treatments.
Both the Oakland A’s and the San Francisco Giants will be recognizing pediatric cancer awareness at their Sept. 1 games, and will be donating a portion of the proceeds from these special event tickets to help raise funds for pediatric cancer research and supportive services at Benioff Children’s Hospitals.
Swimming enthusiasts, including Olympians, kayakers and volunteers will take part in Swim Across America’s thirteenth annual San Francisco Bay Area Open Water Swim, benefitting UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals cancer programs. The 1.75-mile swim from the Golden Gate Bridge to Little Marina Green/Yacht Harbor Beach raises money for the Survivors of Childhood Cancer Program in San Francisco and the Swim Across America Laboratory for Pediatric Cancer Research in Oakland. The swim will take place Saturday, September 22.
“I’m proud that our hospitals are at the forefront of pediatric cancer research, developing innovative treatments and working toward cures,” says Michael Anderson, MD, president of UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals. “We’ve come so far in the past few decades, but kids deserve more. I’m thrilled to see our community rallying to help us in this important mission.”