Kildare creches ‘Go Gold’ for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

Every year in Ireland, an average of 373 children and young people (aged 0–24) are diagnosed with cancer.

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, and Childhood Cancer Ireland is shining a light on what it means to live with and beyond childhood, adolescent and young adult cancer.

As the gold ribbon is the international symbol of childhood cancer, from September 22nd to 26th, Childhood Cancer Ireland is inviting creches nationwide to join the movement and #GoGold, because all children are more precious than gold.

More than 160 creches have signed up, including Kildare’s Enquiring Minds Childcare in Prosperous; Cookies Creche in Celbridge; Better Together Preschool in Naas; Bright Beginnings Creche in The Curragh and Kildare Town; and Choice Childcare in Celbridge; with strong support nationally from childcare franchises including Tigers Childcare, Charlie’s Childcare, Sherpa Kids, and PugWash Bay.

The initiative is also proudly endorsed by Comhar Naíonraí na Gaeltachta, representing creches across Gaeltacht regions who are ‘going gold’ this September.

“This September, creches and schools have a golden opportunity to make a real difference,” said Laura Cullinan, CEO of Childhood Cancer Ireland. 

“By turning fun and learning into support, children can show empathy, raise awareness, and help us be there for families every step of the way.”

Participating creches will take part in gold-themed activities, including:

• Scavenger hunts

• Sensory “gold dig” games

• Colouring to spark creativity and reflection

• Adding sparkle to their day with gold glitter and face paints

• Mini-lesson starters on awareness and kindness

For families, hearing the words “your child has cancer” changes everything.  “As a parent-led organisation, we understand that all too well,” added Laura Cullinan. 

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“We were once those terrified parents whose world was turned upside down in an instant. Childhood Cancer Awareness Month allows us to shine a light on the visible and invisible impacts of this disease; from the physical side effects of treatment to the emotional and psychological challenges that last long after recovery.”

Childhood Cancer Ireland provides practical, emotional, social and financial supports to families throughout and following their cancer journey. Services include play therapy, parent peer support, psychological care, and expert-led workshops designed to help parents, siblings, children and young people navigate recovery.

Ms Cullinan concluded: “Sadly, children and young people still die from childhood cancer each year. This month is also a time to remember and honour those whose lives have been cut short. Together, through awareness and solidarity, we can push for better outcomes and lasting support for every family.”

The #GoGold campaign is not limited to creches. Anyone can take part in Childhood Cancer Awareness Month by purchasing and selling gold ribbon pins, hosting coffee mornings, or organising Light It Up Gold Solidarity Walks.

To learn more about how to get involved, visit www.childhoodcancer.ie.