“Childhood Cancer Awareness Month was created to raise awareness, improve diagnosis and services, and increase research to improve the lives of children who are facing cancer and their families.
“Every year, approximately 190 Alberta children will be diagnosed with cancer. No matter at what age a child is diagnosed, treatments can be difficult to manage and can leave lifelong side effects. The full impact on these children, parents and families is unimaginable, but I extend my heartfelt support to each of them.
“Tomorrows can’t be promised, but thanks to research, survival rates for children who have cancer have greatly improved. Fifty years ago, few survived, but today with improved diagnosis and treatment, 85 per cent of Canadian kids with common cancers can go on to live healthy lives.
“This Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, I ask Albertans to share the journey with our youngest citizens by supporting organizations such as the Kids Cancer Foundation of Alberta. Together we can give children of all ages the opportunity to be kids again, and parents reason to believe in many more tomorrows.”