Children’s & Women’s Hospital marks Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
Besides building more awareness, the events serve as a reminder of the importance of continued research, treatment advances, and family-centered care.
By Casandra Andrews
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September brought meaningful celebrations to Children’s & Women’s Hospital as patients, families and caregivers gathered to mark milestones in childhood cancer treatment and reconnect with those who supported them along the way.
On Sept. 23, more than a dozen pediatric patients who completed cancer treatment in the last year were honored during a private bell-ringing ceremony. The annual event, held each September during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, has been a USA Health tradition for more than a decade.
The children – ranging in age from 2 to 17 – rang a bronze bell in the courtyard, symbolizing the completion of a difficult chapter and the beginning of a new one.
“After months — and sometimes years — of perseverance, chemotherapies, and hospital stays, pulling that rope and hearing the bell chime signify a beautiful new beginning,” said Beth Abston, a certified recreational therapist who plans the reunion. “Behind every ring is a fierce fighter, a dedicated family, and an entire medical team cheering them on.”
Four days later, on Sept. 27, the hospital’s Mapp Child and Family Life Program welcomed current and former patients, families, caregivers, and staff for the third annual Childhood Cancer Reunion. Also held in the hospital’s outdoor courtyard, the reunion gave families an opportunity to celebrate survivorship while reconnecting with physicians, nurses, child life specialists and other members of the multidisciplinary care team who supported them throughout treatment.
The afternoon included arts and crafts, visits with Rainier, the hospital’s first facility pet, photos with Azalea Trail Maids, a photo booth, a caricature artist and treats from Kona Ice. The event also gave current and former patients a chance to spend time with others who understand the unique experience of childhood cancer.
Besides building more awareness, the events also served as a reminder of the importance of continued research, treatment advances, and family-centered care.
The National Cancer Institute estimates that 14,690 children and adolescents up to age 19 were diagnosed with cancer in the United States in 2025, with about 1,650 deaths. Cancer is also the leading cause of death from disease among children after infancy.
At the same time, advances in childhood cancer treatment are significantly improving survival. According to the NCI, the cancer mortality rate among children and adolescents younger than 20 declined by more than 50% between 1975 and 2022. About 85% of children diagnosed with cancer now survive at least five years after diagnosis.
Earlier this month, the City of Mobile recognized the importance of raising awareness, proclaiming September 2026 as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Members of the Children’s & Women’s Hospital care team joined communities across the U.S. in recognizing children and families affected by cancer and highlighting the need for continued support and research.
