Health and Community Services
September 3, 2015

Supporting Children and Families Dealing with Illness

Minister Proclaims September as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

The Provincial Government is recognizing September as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in Newfoundland and Labrador.

"Cancer touches everyone - and sadly even children are not immune to the impacts of this devastating disease. Children and families in our province need to know that they are not alone as they walk the road of their personal cancer journey."
- The Honourable Steve Kent, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health and Community Services

According to ChildCan Canada, the Childhood Cancer Research Association, it is estimated that there are approximately 10,000 children living with cancer in Canada today. Cancer is reported as the leading disease related cause of death among children across the country between the ages of one and 14.

Through the Candlelighters Association of Newfoundland and Labrador, a local volunteer organization, support is provided to families of children with cancer upon diagnosis, before surgery if required, during hospitalization, and in the event of relapse.

"The Candlelighters Association helps provide services to over 300 families in the province, and on average there are 25 new pediatric cancer diagnoses annually in Newfoundland and Labrador. Provincially recognizing September as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month helps raise awareness, which is an invaluable step toward improving the quality of life for families affected by childhood cancer."
- Amanda Kinsman, Provincial Family Program Coordinator, Candlelighters Association of Newfoundland and Labrador

Since 2004, the Provincial Government has invested more than $184 million in equipment, programs, and services for the prevention, early diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

QUICK FACTS

  • The Provincial Government is recognizing September as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in Newfoundland and Labrador.
  • The Candlelighters Association of Newfoundland and Labrador supports families of children with cancer upon diagnosis, before surgery if required, during hospitalization, and in the event of relapse.
  • Since 2004, the Provincial Government has invested more than $184 million in equipment, programs, and services for the prevention, early diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

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The Honourable Steve Kent, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health and Community Services, is joined by representatives, children and families with the Candlelighters Association of Newfoundland and Labrador to proclaim September as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month – September 2015.

Media contacts:

Tina Williams
Director of Communications
Department of Health and Community Services
709-729-1377, 728-2837
tinawilliams@gov.nl.ca 		Amanda Kinsman
Provincial Family Program Coordinator Candlelighters Association of Newfoundland and Labrador
709-745-4448, 1-866-745-4448
coordinator@candlelightersnl.ca

2015 09 03                              11:55 a.m.