If you’re passing King House in Boyle any night this month you will notice tht the building looks a little different.
September is childhood Cancer awareness month and since 2013 buildings and landmarks in Ireland have taken part in the “Light It Up Gold” campaign to help raise awareness of childhood Cancer.
This year over 40 buildings throughout Ireland, including King House in Boyle, will “Light it up Gold” for September to shine a light on the bravery of children dealing with cancer. They are joining international landmarks such as the Niagara Falls, Times Square New York and Harbour Bridge in Texas to light up gold for childhood cancer awareness.
Candle Lit Walks
The Childhood Cancer Foundation is launching the 4th annual Light It Up Gold campaign with a Candle Lit Walk in St Patrick’s Park, Dublin (next to St Patrick’s Cathedral) on Saturday September 3rd. The launch includes a family fun day from 4pm, candle lit walk from 6.30pm followed by a short service featuring the St John’s Gospel Choir in St Patrick’s Cathedral.
The campaign also features candle lit walks in Galway City on September 4th – leaving Eyre Square at 6pm as well as events in Waterford, Mayo and Monaghan later in the month. These walks and candlelit vigils serve to recognise and support the bravery of children undergoing treatment, honour the survivors and remember all the boys and girls who have tragically lost their young lives to this disease.
Speaking ahead of the launch Mary Claire Rennick of Childhood Cancer Foundation said
“We are getting a great response from buildings across Ireland. The campaign is spreading every year with buildings across Ireland and the UK joining international landmarks. My own daughter was diagnosed with leukaemia in February 2013 and prior to that I was completely unaware of childhood cancer, as parents who have experienced this disease we want to ensure that everyone is aware. Increased awareness will improve early detection and increase understanding among policy makers and communities which will hopefully reduce the isolation of families going through childhood cancer treatment and side effects. Awareness will also lead to improved funding for supports and services for families and funding for research into childhood cancer.”
Over 200 children are diagnosed with cancer each year in Ireland. That’s 4 families each week who hear the devastating news that their child, brother, sister or grandchild has cancer. Childhood cancer is the biggest cause of death by disease in children in Ireland. Childhood Cancer Foundation is committed to raising public awareness of the issues surrounding childhood cancer, developing early diagnosis programmes amongst health care professionals, advocating for improved services for children affected by cancer and assisting to fund vital services for children and families affected by this disease.
Get involved
If you wish to help the fight against Childhood Cancer you can do so by donating €4 by testing gold to 50300.
Note: Text costs €4. The Childhood Cancer Foundation will receive a minimum of €3.25. Service provider: likecharity.
You can learn more about the Childhood Cancer Foundation and their projects at,
www.childhoodcancer.ie or by emailing [email protected]