Childhood Cancer Foundation (“CCF”) was founded in 2013 by parents and family members of children with cancer. The group originally came together in 2013 to start the Light It Up Gold campaign in Ireland. This campaign runs during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in September. The first campaign was so well received that a group of parents decided to set up a national paediatric cancer charity to represent children and families affected by childhood cancer in Ireland. Thus Childhood Cancer Foundation was born. Childhood Cancer Foundation was granted charitable status in June 2014. The registered Charity No: is CHY 21198. We are a voluntary parent led organisation with one part time employee.
One in three hundred children will be diagnosed with cancer before their 19 birthday. There are currently over two hundred children under 16 in active treatment for cancer. Treatments are harsh and can cause lifelong side effects. It is estimated there are over 6000 adult survivors of childhood cancer living in Ireland.
The primary goal of CCF is to raise awareness among the Irish public of issues surrounding childhood cancer, to advocate for improved services for children and families affected by childhood cancer and to help fund vital supports for parents and children who are affected by this disease.