Stratford raises flag for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
- Amanda Modaragamage
- 12 hours ago
- 2 min read
Mayor Martin Ritsma joined local families outside Stratford City Hall on Sept. 2 to raise the Childhood Cancer Awareness flag and proclaim September as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in the city.
Childhood cancer is the leading cause of death by disease among Canadian children. In Ontario, the incidence rate is rising by about one per cent each year. Childcan, a charity based in southwestern Ontario, serves about 25 per cent of all children in the province diagnosed with childhood cancer.
September is recognized internationally as a time to support young patients and their families, raise awareness about the realities of childhood cancer and highlight the importance of research. The gold ribbon – a symbol of the cause – represents children as “our most precious treasure.”
“We are deeply thankful to the municipalities across southwestern Ontario that are glowing gold, raising flags and officially recognizing September as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month,” said Suzanne Fratschko Elliott, Childcan’s executive director.
“These actions speak volumes about the importance of standing with our children and their families. We invite everyone to join this meaningful movement – whether it’s attending a flag-raising, displaying an awareness lawn sign or stepping out for the Childcan Pyjama Walk. Together, we can honour the bravery of our young heroes and help drive real change this September.”
Founded in 1974, Childcan provides emotional, financial and social support to families facing the childhood cancer journey from diagnosis through treatment, post-treatment care or bereavement. The organization also funds research at the Children’s Hospital at London Health Sciences Centre and at the University of Windsor.
More information is available at www.childcan.com.