No one wants a child to endure the pain and suffering of a disease like cancer. But for those who face the difficult journey, numerous local organizations provide support services and assistance to children and their families. September is National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, just one more reason to help those in need.

[friends of kids with cancer]
This organization helps kids with cancer be kids by providing educational, emotional and recreational support to children and their families dealing with isolation, long hours of chemotherapy and other setbacks from the illness.

to help:
+ Come into our office to help.
+ Run errands.
+ Make deliveries to treatment centers.
+ Volunteer at fundraising events, which can include
registration or auction check out, silent auction assistance, set up/cleanup, food/bartenders and table runners for trivia night.
+ Help with family parties held annually, which can include set up/cleanup, running booths for various activities and serving food.

volunteer contact:
Brandy Bimslager | 314-275-7440 | friendsofkids.com

[friends of wings]
The nonprofit provides clinical, emotional, spiritual, social and practical support and services to children, newborn through 21 years, who have progressive, life-limiting or life-threatening illnesses or conditions, regardless of their ability to pay.

to help:
+ Join committee to volunteer for various events.
+ Plan a party for the Joyful Celebrations program, which recognizes a milestone or birthday of a Wings patient with decorations, gifts and treats.

volunteer contact:
Alicia Allen | 953-1662 | alicia@friendsofwings.org

[ronald mcdonald house charities of st. louis]
The nonprofit provides a ‘home-away-from-home’ to families of seriously ill children and supports organizations that serve the needs of children.

to help:
+ Donate cleaning supplies for the three Ronald McDonald houses.
+ Donate individually packaged snack items like cookies, crackers and granola bars for the Ronald McDonald Family Rooms inside local hospitals.
+ Prepare dinner and breakfast for the Family Dinner Program.
+ Volunteer at one of the houses (open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year) or Family Rooms (open 12 hours a day, 365 days a year).
+ Help with special events, fundraisers or service projects.
+ Host a fundraiser like ‘Denim Days’ at work or a neighborhood bake sale through the Caring Partners Program.
+ Donate aluminum beverage can tab tops to help support operations.

volunteer contact:
314-932-4132 | rmhcstl.com

[organizations benefiting children with cancer]
+Children’s Miracle Network of Greater St. Louis | cmn-stl.org
The nonprofit funds equipment and facility improvements and patient programs, as well as provides care for those who can’t afford it. All funds stay local.

+SSM Cardinal Glennon Children’s Medical Center| cardinalglennon.com
At the Bob Costas Cancer Center, doctors, nurses and healthcare professionals are dedicated to providing the best in medical care for children and their families, along with services to help throughout the course of treatment.

+St. Louis Children’s Hospital | stlouischildrens.org
The hospital’s pediatric hematology/oncology program is the largest comprehensive one for children with blood diseases or cancer in the region. The Hale Irwin Center for Pediatric Hematology/Oncology offers a comfortable environment for patients and their families to receive specialized care.

+CJ’s Journey Foundation | cjsjourney.org
Created in the memory of CJ Aubuchon, who lost his battle to cancer in 2009, the foundation raises money for childhood cancer research, supports other organizations that provide funding and support, and raises awareness for the cause.

[List may not include every group that helps children with cancer. If you know a charity we should spotlight, email us at reachingout@townandstyle.com or connect with us on Facebook.]

Photo courtesy of Friends of Kids with Cancer