September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month which has grown to be a world wide event from its beginnings in America when former president Barack Obama officially proclaimed it in 2012. On Saturday 31 August 2019 our most iconic landmark, the Sydney Opera House, lit up like a beacon with special lights giving it a golden hue to signal a community sense of solidarity with all children and families affected by cancer. 

A sea of candles moved around the Opera House held by families whose loved ones have been diagnosed with the disease and others who were showing support. This candlelight vigil honoured all children diagnosed with cancer, those currently going through treatment, as well as those with precious lives not lived. Images of brave children going through treatment, survivors, and those who've sadly passed featured on a big tribute screen to honour and recognise them.

Around 950 children aged 19 and under are diagnosed with cancer, and about 100 children can't be cured and don't get to live their full lives, in Australia each year. With community involvement there is hope to change this.

Ways you can help

Show your support and become involved by raising awareness and lighting up the world in precious gold to honour the precious children and their families affected by cancer. The fundraising ideas on our website can help you on your way.

Imagine a cancer-free future

Funds raised during this month help scientists and researchers develop improved treatments and make life-saving discoveries.

Shining a light on childhood cancer during September can help change the lives of kids with cancer. Obama put it to the world that:

As we invest in cutting-edge research and work to advance medical treatments to beat childhood cancer, each of us can help carry our vision of a cancer-free future forward.