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Hope and Health

Your source to help with your family's health from WVU Medicine Children's

Hope & Health
Articles and Updates from WVU Medicine Children's

09/3/2024 | Patrick Tomboc, DO

September is Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month

Did you know that September is a very special month? It’s Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month! This is a time when we come together to learn about and support kids who are fighting cancer. Let’s talk about what this means and how we can help.

What is Pediatric Cancer? Pediatric cancer is a type of cancer that happens in children and teenagers. Cancer occurs when some cells in the body start to grow uncontrollably and form lumps called tumors. These tumors can make kids very sick. There are many types of pediatric cancer, including leukemia (a cancer of the blood), brain tumors, and bone cancer.

Why is Awareness Important? When more people know about pediatric cancer, they can help in many ways. They can support families, donate to research, and spread the word. Awareness also helps doctors and scientists get the resources they need to find better treatments and, hopefully, a cure.

How Many Kids are Affected? Every year, thousands of children around the world are diagnosed with cancer. In the United States alone, about 15,000 kids and teenagers are told they have cancer each year. That’s a lot of kids! But thanks to research and new treatments, more and more children are surviving and living healthy lives.

How can we Help? There are many ways we can help kids with cancer and their families. Here are a few ideas:

Learn and Share: Read about pediatric cancer and share what you learn with your friends and family. The more people know, the more support we can give.

Donate: If you can, donate to organizations that help kids with cancer. Even small amounts can make a big difference.

Volunteer: Some organizations need volunteers to help with events or support families. Ask your parents if you can volunteer together.

Wear Gold: The color gold represents pediatric cancer awareness. Wearing gold or a gold ribbon shows that you support kids with cancer.

The Role of Doctors and Scientists Doctors and scientists work very hard to help kids with cancer. They study the disease, develop new treatments, and take care of patients. Pediatric oncologists are doctors who specialize in treating children with cancer. They work with a team of nurses, social workers, and other specialists to provide the best care possible.

The Importance of Research Research is like a big puzzle. Scientists look for pieces of information that can help them understand cancer better. They test new medicines and treatments to see if they work. Research has already helped many kids survive cancer, but there is still a lot to learn. Supporting research is one of the best ways to help find a cure.

Conclusion September is a time to remember and support the brave kids who are fighting cancer. By learning, sharing, and helping, we can make a big difference. Let’s wear gold, spread the word, and show our support for Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month. Together, we can bring hope and help to those who need it most.

Thank you for reading and for caring about this important cause. Every little bit of support helps, and together, we can make a big difference in the lives of children with cancer.

About the Author

Patrick Tomboc, DO, division chief of WVU Medicine Children’s Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, treats children and young adults with all forms of cancer. Dr. Tomboc is continually inspired by the families he meets, watching them rise to the occasion in helping their child recover and thrive. And he is inspired by the kindness of strangers who donate time, money, and resources to help the children.

As Division chief, he’s been able to build the hospital’s inpatient center and infusion center. He also feels very fortunate to act as medical director of WVU’s Camp Winaca HemoVon, a weeklong residential camp for children with a bleeding disorder or cancer. Tomboc is married and has three young children. He works out every morning and loves cooking in his spare time. He grew up in southeast Texas, and a mentor lured him to WVU Medicine Children’s.

1 Medical Center Drive Morgantown, WV 26506
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