Gold Ribbon Basics
What is gold? (Because kids are more precious than gold.)
This ribbon color represents pediatric cancer awareness
What is a port-a-cath? (Iron Man vibes, minus the flying.)
This device under the skin gives kids “superhero access” for chemo.
What is “Do I really have to take that?”
This is the most common phrase nurses hear when kids see oral meds.
What is 15,000? (That’s too many tiny warriors.)
About this many children are diagnosed with cancer in the U.S. each year.
What is Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month? (Yes, even more important than Pumpkin Spice Season.)
September is dedicated to raising awareness for this.
What is child life services? (Also known as the “anti-boredom squad.”)
This therapy helps kids cope with hospitalization using play and creativity.
What is coffee? (IV drip pending FDA approval.)
This is how many coffee cups it takes to get through a 12-hour oncology shift.
What is 90%? (From almost none in the 1960s—progress matters!)
The survival rate for ALL (acute lymphoblastic leukemia) is around this percentage.
What is leukemia? (The “uninvited guest” that nobody asked for.)
This is the most common type of childhood cancer.
What is alopecia (hair loss)? (Fashion week, hospital edition.)
This common chemo side effect often results in stylish hats, wigs, and nurse compliments.
What is a good blood return? (Cue the happy dance.)
This is what every nurse prays for before accessing a port.
What is 0–10%?
Before the 1960s, the survival rate for childhood leukemia was this low.
What is 1%? (Proof that small numbers can still make a huge impact.)
Pediatric cancer makes up less than this percent of all cancers.
What is the end-of-treatment bell? (Nurses cry every time too.)
Many children ring this to celebrate the end of treatment.
What are beads of courage? (Also doubles as the coolest accessory line ever.)
These beads help kids mark milestones in treatment.
What is 60%? (Because cancer doesn’t just end with remission.)
More than this percent of survivors experience long-term side effects from treatment.
What is disease? (Because stepping on LEGOs doesn’t count.)
Cancer is the leading cause of death by this in children.
What is a CT scanner? (Sadly, it doesn’t come with sprinkles.)
This big round machine scans for tumors. Kids often call it a donut.
What is the nurse doing a silent celebration in the hall?
This is what happens when a child finally eats after chemo-induced nausea.
What is 5 years? (Though parents and nurses never stop checking.)
After this many years cancer-free, children are often considered “cured.”