Each September, Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Center honors our patients with childhood cancer, sickle cell disease, histiocytosis or immune thrombocytopenic purpura, along with their families, in creating awareness about the challenges they face in their journeys toward a better tomorrow. It’s also a special time to honor our Cancer and Hematology staff who are so dedicated to the patients and families we serve.
Like last year, due to COVID-19, we will maintain social distancing for our onsite celebrations this year. We will also celebrate with our patient families and staff virtually.
“Even though we continue to face challenges from COVID-19, we have a phenomenal team of providers and staff who will do whatever it takes 24/7 to ensure our patients and their families get the care and treatment they need,” said Dr. Susan Blaney, director of Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Center. “Every day, the staff and physicians of our Center help children fight and defeat cancer and blood disorders so they can have a better tomorrow. Please stand with us so that, together, we can create a healthier future for these children who need our care.”
Activities to raise awareness
Throughout September, Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Center encourages staff to participate in activities to help shine a light on childhood cancer, sickle cell disease, histiocytosis and ITP.
- Making A Mark art gallery opens: Presented by The Periwinkle Foundation, the Making A Mark exhibition is now in its 31st year. It will showcase art and creative writing from children ages 2 to 20 who are battling cancer and blood disorders at Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Center. The exhibit opens each year in September and this year it will be displayed on The Auxiliary Bridge from August 28 through September 24 for hospitalized families and staff to view. Making a Mark will be hosted virtually on The Periwinkle Foundation website, and will feature approximately 300 pieces of art and creative writing made by patients and their siblings. A panel of guest judges have selected purple ribbon pieces that convey a positive message about childhood cancer and blood disorder awareness. Click here to access the art gallery.
- Patient and staff videos: Throughout the month of September, we will feature inspiring videos from patients, families and staff sharing messages of encouragement and support to other families impacted by cancer and blood disorders. The videos will be posted on Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Center Facebook page and our One Amazing Team Instagram page.
- Texas Children’s blog: The blog will feature cancer and hematology-related posts throughout the month.
Awareness activities for staff
September 1 – 6: The Waterwall at John P. McGovern TMC Commons lights up gold for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
September 3: Houston City Hall and the Montrose Bridges light up in gold for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
September 7 – 9: Houston City Hall and the Montrose Bridges light up in burgundy for Sickle Cell Awareness Month
September 13 – 19: The Waterwall at John P. McGovern TMC Commons lights up burgundy for Sickle Cell Awareness Month
September 18: Our Hematology team will host Sickle Cell Education and Research Day virtually. To register, visit: texaschildrens.org/sicklecellday
September 24: Our Hematology team will celebrate Sport Purple for Platelets Day by wearing purple
September 30: Gold Fight Win Patient Game Day
Awareness activities for patients
Texas Medical Center Campus:
September 1: The Faris Foundation’s Let There Be Gold Carnival (for eighth floor West Tower Bone Marrow Transplant Unit patients)
September 2: The Faris Foundation’s Let There Be Gold Carnival (for West Tower seventh and ninth floor inpatients)
The Cancer and Hematology Center’s Child Life and Periwinkle Arts In Medicine teams will also celebrate our patients and families all month through a variety of patient activities to recognize childhood cancer, sickle cell disease, histiocytosis and ITP awareness month. This includes creating individual sensory bottles honoring all of the awareness month colors, digging for gold treasure, Minute-To-Win-It challenges and many other arts and crafts activities.
Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus:
September 3, 9, 15, 21 and 30: The Faris Foundation’s Let There Be Gold ribbon tying activity
Texas Children’s Hospital The Woodlands:
September 1, 9, 17, 28 and 30: The Faris Foundation’s Let There Be Gold art activity
The Vannie Cook Clinic in McAllen, Texas:
September 1: Virtual Ribbon Tying Ceremony
September 18: Friends For Hope Childhood Cancer Awareness Month Drive By Carnival
September 30: Virtual Candlelight Ceremony
All month of September:
- City of McAllen Performing Arts Center lights up gold for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
- Billboard ads across the Rio Grande Valley celebrating Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
- Going Gold Spirit Month will be celebrated as follows:
Monday: Crazy Socks or Gold Socks
Tuesday: Superhero Day (capes/masks)
Wednesday: Hat Day
Thursday: Crazy Hair Day (headbands/scarf/etc.)
Friday: Cancer Awareness t-shirts
Global HOPE:
September 24 – 30: Virtual 3K Run/Walk at Global HOPE sites in Africa, honoring the roughly 300,000 children diagnosed with cancer globally each year. Participants will post on social media using hashtag #CureChildhoodCancer.
Click here to learn more about Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Center. We are committed to giving our patients a better tomorrow.