City of Brantford recognizes Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

BRANTFORD, ON – Today, the City of Brantford raised the Childhood Cancer Awareness flag at City Hall to join communities and organizations around the world to recognize September as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. The flag is white with a gold ribbon as the colour gold has become the international symbol representing childhood cancer. 

The City recognizes that childhood cancer is the leading disease-related cause of death for Canadian children aged 6 months to young adulthood and an average of 1,700 children and youth are diagnosed with cancer each year. As such, the City of Brantford declared September to be Childhood Cancer Awareness month at its August 25, 2020 City Council meeting to increase awareness, raise funds, and support those affected by childhood cancer. 

Residents who would like to get involved are encouraged to contact Help a Child Smile, a local organization focused on children with cancer treated at the Children’s Hospital at Hamilton Health Sciences by providing opportunities for them and their families to smile and have fun.

The City of Brantford is proud to join hospitals, families, survivors, donors, non-profits and others in recognizing what it means to champion childhood cancer care.

Quotes

“This year, I was fortunate enough to meet a local warrior, Leona Mittlefehldt, at the Mayor’s Gala. Leona, and her mother, Amanda, shared with me the struggles they faced during their almost three-year battle with a form of kidney cancer. Sadly, Leona passed away this year, but the legacy Leona leaves behind is one of courage, strength, and determination. We must continue to work until we reach a 100 per cent cure rate so that every single child can go on to live a long, healthy and happy life.”  - Brantford Mayor Kevin Davis

“I was honoured to read the proclamation honouring the importance of raising awareness for Childhood Cancer. Councillor Wall and I decided to join forces and purchased the City’s first Childhood Cancer Awareness flag. We are joined here today to recognize the tenacity, fearlessness, and courage some of our youngest citizens demonstrate.”  - Brantford Councillor Rick Weaver

“This month, we shine a light on this important issue, and we stand with every child and family who are courageously battling cancer, while remembering those we have lost.”  - Brantford Councillor Joshua Wall


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Media Contact:

Heather Carvalho | Communications Specialist, Communications and Community Engagement
City of Brantford | 519.759.4150 ext. 5741 | hcarvalho@brantford.ca