Lions Club of Morinville supports Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

By Shelley Wingr

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, a time to shine a light on the challenges faced

by children battling cancer and the families who support them. The Lions Club of Morinville is

joining Lions Clubs around the world in supporting this cause, raising awareness, and showing

the community they stand alongside young patients and their families. Throughout September,

the club is engaging in a variety of activities to raise awareness, provide support, and inspire the

community to take action.

This month, the Lions Club is hosting a gold-themed fundraiser, using the internationally

recognized gold ribbon to honor children affected by cancer. The fundraiser aims to support local

initiatives that improve the quality of life for children undergoing treatment and offer families

some relief during difficult times. Funds raised will go toward programs that provide essential

resources such as medical equipment, therapeutic services, and recreational activities designed to

help children cope with the demands of treatment.

In addition, the Lions Club is partnering with local hospitals to provide care packs, meals, and

small comforts for families. These thoughtful gestures help ease the burden of hospital stays and

bring a sense of comfort and normalcy during difficult days. Care packs may include items such

as blankets, toiletries, books, toys, and other supplies that can make a hospital stay less

intimidating and more nurturing for children.

The club is also collecting books, toys, games, and other comfort items for children in treatment.

Donations of this kind bring moments of joy, distraction, and familiarity to children who are

spending long hours in medical settings. By providing items that encourage creativity, learning,

and play, the Lions Club helps children maintain a sense of childhood amidst their treatment

journey.

Members of the club are wearing gold ribbons at meetings and events throughout the month to

show their support and remind the community of the importance of childhood cancer awareness.

Small gestures like these help keep the conversation alive and encourage others to engage,

whether through volunteering, donating, or simply spreading awareness. The symbolism of the

gold ribbon is especially powerful, as it represents strength, courage, and hope for children

battling cancer.

Childhood cancer remains the leading cause of disease-related death among children in Canada.

Each year, approximately 1,500 children under the age of 15 are diagnosed with cancer, and

while over 80% survive at least five years after diagnosis, the road to recovery is often long and

challenging. Treatment can include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and other intensive

therapies, all of which can have lasting physical, emotional, and psychological effects on both

children and their families. The most common types of childhood cancer include leukemia, brain

tumors, and lymphomas, each presenting unique challenges for treatment and care.

The emotional and financial toll on families can be profound. Parents may need to take extended

leave from work, while siblings and extended family members adjust to the new routines and

stresses. Many families face significant out-of-pocket expenses for travel, accommodations, and

additional medical needs. Long-term follow-up care is often required, and children may

experience ongoing health issues or developmental challenges related to treatment.

Organizations like the Lions Club of Morinville play a vital role in addressing these challenges.

By raising awareness, providing resources, and funding programs that support research,

advocacy, and direct aid, the club contributes to improving outcomes for children and easing the

burden on families. Community engagement is a key element of these efforts, helping to ensure

that children facing cancer receive the support and attention they need to thrive during and after

treatment.

The Lions Club of Morinville encourages everyone in the community to get involved. There are

many ways to participate, from attending the gold-themed fundraiser to donating books, toys, or

care items. Volunteers are always welcome to help assemble care packs, coordinate events, or

assist with awareness campaigns. Even small actions, such as sharing information about

Childhood Cancer Awareness Month on social media, can help bring attention to the cause and

inspire others to contribute.

Together, the Lions Club and the Morinville community can make a meaningful difference in the

lives of children affected by cancer. Through support, compassion, and active engagement, they

can offer hope, comfort, and a reminder that no family has to face this journey alone.

For more information on how to get involved, make a donation, or participate in events this

September, contact the Lions Club of Morinville directly. Every contribution, no matter how

small, brings the community closer to a world where children facing cancer have the care,

resources, and support they deserve.