Hats Off For Cancer

September 1st (today) marks the beginning of a month dedicated to bringing awareness to children fighting cancer. Here at Hats Off For Cancer we focus on children fighting cancer all year round.  However, this is a great opportunity to get the larger public involved in becoming more aware and more involved in helping these brave, young cancer patients.

I found a wonderfully written letter in the news this morning and I would like to share it with you.  It was written by Rod Hamilton, a Representative from Minnesota in District 22B.

For 43 families, today will be a difficult day. Thirty-six of them will have a child diagnosed with cancer; seven will see their child lose their battle.

Each year, 40,000 children undergo cancer treatment. The rate of childhood cancer has been increasing over the past 20 years, and it is now the leading cause of death by a disease in children under age 15. The average age of a child diagnosed with cancer: 6 years old. The causes: Unknown. The effect: Lifelong.

These statistics are sobering. Let them prompt you to take action. September is National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. You can make a difference. Become a blood donor. It’s not the first thing people think of, but children in cancer treatment need blood. Remember, too, that every child battling cancer has a family. Give them your support and assistance as they endure tough times.

So by now, you’re probably wondering if there’s something you can do to help these kids.  Fortunately, there are ways that you can help provide smiles for these brave children while they’re fighting for their lives.

• Hold a Mad Hatter hat or fundraising drive in your community, at your school, at your company or business, or with your organization (Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Key Club, Lions, Kiwanis, PTA, Dance Team, Cheerleading Team, etc…) Register for your official e-packet here: http://bit.ly/MadHatterHOC
• Host a Mad Hatter Tea Party
• Hold a Crazy Hat Parade and show off your craziest hat
• Charge $1-$2 to wear hats at school for the day
• Have an “Unbirthday” party and ask your friends to bring new hats to the celebration
• Host a booth at your town’s fall carnival
• The possibilities are endless!
• Use our “Request a hat” form to personally request the perfect hat for a child that you know who is battling cancer.
• Host a Tea Party and wear your favorite hat
• Get a local band to put on a concert in honor of these kids and ask for a donation for Hats Off For Cancer at the door.
• Ask your school to hold a dance and charge a small admission or a new hat for entrance.
• Have a decorating or knitting party and create beautiful hats for the kids who lose their hair.
• Go to your local hospital and volunteer during their play time.  These cancer patients are kids, too.  They want to have fun just like any child.

Hats Off For Cancer is a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit organization recognized by the IRS and considered tax-exempt to the fullest extent of the law.  All donations will receive a gift receipt in order for tax purposes.  As one of the leading hat programs As one of the leading and original hat programs, Hats Off For Cancer has donated more than 1,000,000 brand new hats to hospitals, camps, and individuals worldwide since it began in 1996.