Going gold to raise awareness of childhood cancer
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PARIS — The lights over Penman’s Dam in Paris will be gold until Sept. 14 to recognize Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.
“We want every child and family to be happy, healthy and safe,” said Brant Mayor David Bailey.
“But, for some, their journey is much more difficult. The children and families who are battling cancer are so brave and strong. We want you to know the County of Brant is behind you.”
Beth Walsh of Help a Child Smile, which is dedicated to bringing joy into the lives of children with cancer, said there is a global movement to have monuments, signs, buildings and fountains light up gold in September.
“Within Ontario, the Peace Tower at Parliament Hill, the CN Tower, the Skylon Tower, Cambridge City sign, Burlington Pier, Niagara Falls and Hamilton city sign are among the many places that will go gold.”
In Canada, 1,700 people from birth to age 19 are are diagnosed with cancer each year. And, at present, 10,000 children in Canada are living with cancer.
More than 75 per cent of children survive cancer but more than 50 per cent of the survivors face later effects of their disease and treatment, including neurocognitive impairments, sterility and secondary cancers.
For more information about Help a Child Smile, visit https://helpachildsmile.com or contact Beth Walsh, bwalsh@helpachildsmile.com.
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