
Pediatric Cancer
Awareness
At Carson's Hope, we know firsthand the heartache and fear that come with a child’s cancer diagnosis. Carson’s journey began at just 3.5 years old, and his story has inspired a mission of compassion, strength, and unwavering support for families who are facing similar battles. We are here to walk beside you, to offer hope, and to create a community where no one has to face this journey alone. Together, we honor the courage of every child and family impacted by pediatric cancer, offering resources, understanding, and a path forward filled with hope.
Pediatric cancer refers to cancer that affects children, typically between the ages of 0 and 19. Although pediatric cancers are relatively rare compared to adult cancers, they are still a leading cause of death among children in the United States.
What is Pediatric Cancer?

Children with cancer and their families often face immense emotional, physical, and financial challenges. It’s essential that they receive the support they need, whether through financial assistance, counseling, or community support. Foundations and organizations like Carson's Hope aim to provide resources, raise awareness, and offer aid to families in need.
The Importance of Support for Families

The Importance of Research
Although significant progress has been made, many pediatric cancers still lack effective treatments. Research into childhood cancers is critically underfunded when compared to adult cancers, even though childhood cancer treatments can have long-lasting side effects. In fact, childhood cancer research receives only about 4% of the total national cancer research funding.

Common Types of Pediatric Cancer
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Leukemia: A cancer of the blood and bone marrow, leukemia is the most common type of cancer in children. It accounts for approximately 30% of childhood cancers.
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Brain Tumors: Brain and central nervous system tumors are the second most common cancers in children, making up about 25% of all childhood cancers.
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Neuroblastoma: This cancer starts in the nerve cells and usually affects infants and young children.
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Wilms Tumor: A type of kidney cancer most common in children under the age of 5.
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Lymphoma: Both Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma affect children and can involve the lymphatic system and other organs.
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Rhabdomyosarcoma: A cancer that forms in the soft tissue, including muscles.
Statistics on Pediatric Cancer
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Incidence: Approximately 15,000 children in the U.S. are diagnosed with cancer each year, according to the American Cancer Society.
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Survival Rates: Thanks to advancements in treatment, the survival rate for childhood cancers has increased significantly over the past few decades. Today, about 80% of children diagnosed with cancer survive at least 5 years, compared to a survival rate of about 50% in the 1970s.
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Leading Cause of Death: Despite the improved survival rates, cancer remains the leading cause of death by disease for children under the age of 15 in the United States.
Treatment Options for Pediatric Cancer
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Chemotherapy: Strong medications used to kill cancer cells or stop their growth.
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Radiation Therapy: Uses high-energy rays to target cancer cells.
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Surgery: Involves removing tumors or cancerous tissue.
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Stem Cell Transplants: Used to replace damaged bone marrow with healthy cells.
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Immunotherapy: A newer treatment that helps the body’s immune system fight cancer cells.
Challenges Faced by Children with Cancer
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Treatment Side Effects: Pediatric cancer treatments can lead to long-term side effects, such as developmental delays, fertility issues, and secondary cancers.
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Quality of Life: Many children face challenges returning to school and normal life after treatment due to both physical and emotional hurdles.
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Financial Burden: The cost of treatment and care can be financially devastating for families, often requiring them to make difficult decisions about work, living arrangements, and healthcare.
How You Can Help
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Donate: Your contribution can fund cancer research, provide financial assistance to families, and help create support networks.
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Volunteer: Help by donating your time to support events, fundraising, and providing care packages for families.
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Raise Awareness: Share information about pediatric cancer and advocate for increased funding and research.


Your generous contributions to Carson's Hope directly support families facing pediatric cancer and fund vital research efforts. Every donation, no matter the size, helps us provide essential resources, bring hope, and create lasting change in the lives of those affected. Join us in making a difference—together, we can pave the way for brighter futures.

