September is National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

September serves as a time to shed light on the word cancer, especially childhood cancer, and ultimately, bring awareness to the illness.

In August, President Barack Obama proclaimed September 2013 as National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and has encouraged all Americans to join him in reaffirming their commitment to fighting childhood cancer.

According to the American Childhood Cancer Organization (ACCO), in the U.S. almost 13,000 children under the age of 21 are diagnosed with cancer every year; approximately a quarter of them will not survive the disease.

A diagnosis turns the lives of the entire family upside down. The objective of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month is to put a spotlight on the types of cancer that largely affect children, survivorship issues, and – importantly – to help raise funds for research and family support.

The ACCO is the largest publisher and  distributor of free childhood cancer books in the country. You can learn more about their cause by visiting their website for more information and how you can make a difference.