How to Support Pediatric Cancer Research

1 in 350 children are diagnosed with cancer before the age of twenty. More children die from cancer every year than any other illness. Researchers continue to work to find cures for the dozens of pediatric cancers that exist. Survival rates have increased over the years but unfortunately some children still die from their disease. Supporting pediatric cancer research is a way to contribute to saving the lives of children. Read on to learn more.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Write to your senator or congressmen. Funding for pediatric cancer research needs to be increased. Ask your local government representatives to allocate funding for this purpose. Give statistics and include personal stories when possible.
2. Volunteer with programs such as Cure Search or Children's Cancer Research Fund. The mission of organizations such as those is to raise funds for research and cause public awareness. Volunteer opportunities may include assisting with fundraisers, clerical work and newsletter writing.
3. Donate money to research hospitals such as St.Jude Children's Research Hospital. They provide treatment to children with cancer free of charge if the family is unable to pay. They also have a research center and have made strides in survival rates for some childhood cancers.
4. Participate in a fund-raising events in your community. Children's research hospitals and pediatric cancer research organizations often have events such as golf tournaments, marathons and auctions to raise money.
5. Raise public awareness. Write letters to the editor of your local newspaper regarding the funding that is needed for research. Talk to family and friends and inform them how they can help. Get church groups involved in helping.
6. Start an employee giving campaign. Ask co- workers to have a contribution deducted from their paycheck. The deduction can be anything from weekly to once a year. The money can be donated to the organizations that raise funds for pediatric cancer research.

Tips & Warnings

• Ask for receipts when donating money. The contribution is tax deductible.