Support for International Childhood Cancer Day

Child Cancer Foundation Supports International Childhood Cancer Day

15 February 2015

The Child Cancer Foundation is honoured to be a member of Childhood Cancer International (formerly the International Confederation of Childhood Cancer Parent Organisations - ICCCPO) and recognise International Childhood Cancer Day on15 February.

Childhood Cancer International is a global network that comprises 177 grassroots and national networks of parent organisations from 90 countries.

International Childhood Cancer Day is based on the network’s core belief that every child with cancer deserves the best possible medical and psychosocial care, regardless of country of origin, race, financial status or social class.

Child Cancer Foundation Chief Executive Robyn Kiddle says International Childhood Cancer Day is a global collaborative campaign to raise awareness about childhood cancer, and to express support for children and adolescents with cancer, the survivors and their families.

The day, which was launched in 2002, has generated the support of global networks and leading institutions including the International Society of Pediatric Oncologists, the European Society of Pediatric Oncologists, the Union for International Cancer Control, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the International Agency for Research on Cancer.

Robyn says it is important for the Child Cancer Foundation to belong to and be actively involved in global networks such as Childhood Cancer International.

“Together, as a collective, we are strong and can learn from each other across a range of interests including medical treatments, scientific research and support service programmes for families whose children have cancer,” says Robyn.

Within New Zealand, the Child Cancer Foundation provides an invaluable support service to the more than 180 children who are diagnosed with cancer each year, and for their families. At any one time the organisation is supporting 700 families across the country in hospital, at home and in the community.

“As a charity, the Child Cancer Foundation is unique in that we support the entire family – the child, parents/caregivers and siblings. Through our services, we aim to build resilience in families and assist them through the many logistical, financial, emotional and social challenges they will experience along their cancer journey,” says Robyn.

“International Childhood Cancer Day promotes increased appreciation and deeper understanding of the issues and challenges impacting childhood cancer and the survivors. This year, its focus is about the need for more equitable and better access to treatment and care for all children with cancer, everywhere. These objectives are firmly aligned with the approach we endeavor to take in supporting our families throughout New Zealand.”

As a member of Childhood Cancer International, the Foundation also takes part in conferences and campaigns that support and advocate for the integration of childhood cancer in key global health development platforms and programmes.
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