By: Bailey Milne

Let’s take a moment to reflect.

September was a busy month for most people: children starting a new school year, freshmen going off to college, new sports seasons starting up.

For On My Team 16, September was an important month for an entirely different reason. While we were excited to recruit new athletes and to watch them reach new heights in their careers, we were most excited because September is Pediatric Cancer Awareness month.

For a little history, Pediatric Cancer Awareness month was started by President Barack Obama in 2010 and is represented by a gold ribbon. This initiative was recognized by many other countries, making it into a global campaign to display the impact that childhood cancers have on children, their families and healthcare providers.

I’m sure that many of you have seen our numerous posts surrounding Pediatric Cancer Awareness month and our 30 Days of Giving campaign, we want to take a moment and thank each and every one of you who have helped us reach our daily donation targets. Although you may not see all of the “behind the scenes” of each Donation Day, you truly are helping make a difference in the lives of children battling cancer.

According to the Canadian Cancer Society and the American Childhood Cancer Organization, childhood cancers are still the number 1 cause of disease-related death in children over the age of 1; and two-thirds of childhood cancer survivors will suffer long-term side effects of their cancer treatments, including infertility, other cancers, and many other illnesses.

Awareness campaigns have raised millions and millions of dollars for both research and to improve the day to day life of a child with cancer.  This has caused a dramatic improvement in the survival rates of children diagnosed with cancer. For example, the survivor rates of children with cancer have increased by 30% since 1946 according to the Montreal Children’s Hospital.

Each day in the United States alone, 43 children will be diagnosed with cancer, 43 families will be overwhelmed with this and feel isolated and alone in their battle. But, by supporting OMT16 during the month of September, in the past and in the future you are doing your part in making sure all affected by pediatric cancer are comfortable, loved and supported. So again, we want to thank YOU.

To date, On My Team16 has been able to donate over $34,000 to help alleviate the stress of families with pediatric oncology patients and help children battling cancer. Heading into the season of giving, we want to make a promise to try our hardest to make an even bigger impact, make even more children smile, and win even more battles with cancer.

Every small action by you helps us make a difference and “provide a light in the fight to finally beat cancer”

If you would like to get involved in any way, please reach out to info@onmyteam16.com or visit any of our social media outlets @onmyteam16.

Thanks in advance for your support.