National Bandana Day
On the last Friday of October, National Bandanna Day is celebrated every year. When we first saw the name of this holiday, we originally thought that it was just a day dedicated to a piece of clothing that was popularized by cowboys and pirates.
However, as we dug deeper into it, we discovered its true purpose. The intention behind this holiday is not to celebrate the bandanna, but to celebrate the children with cancer who often have to wear a bandanna because cancer and its treatments cause them hair loss.
This is a day that raises awareness about childhood cancer and encourages everyone to get involved. Every year, over 15,780 children between the ages of birth and 19 are diagnosed with cancer and every single one of them deserves our support.
The History Of National Bandanna Day
National Bandanna Day first began with an Australian organization known as Canteen. This organization ran camps, created recreation days, and created programs that give young people a break from the daily pressures of trying to live with cancer.
It also allows them to meet children who are experiencing the same challenges. They created this holiday to encourage people to support organizations that support children with cancer, and to raise the public’s awareness about childhood cancer.
Important Facts About Childhood Cancer
Since National Bandanna Day is a day that’s dedicated to children suffering from cancer, we thought that we’d take a few moments to talk about childhood cancer. We’ve done this by placing some facts on the subject below.
- About 400,000 children and adolescents from the age of birth through 19 are diagnosed with cancer each year.
- Cancer is the leading cause of death by disease past infancy for children in the United States.
- As therapies improve, children have a greater chance of becoming long-term survivors.
- It’s been estimated that 80% of U.S childhood cancer patients will become long-term survivors.
- Currently, in the U.S, there are almost half a million childhood cancer survivors.
- Up until 2020, there have only been 6 new FDA-approved drugs specifically developed for childhood cancer.
- Every single day of the year, 42 families learn that their child has cancer.
- About 1 in 285 children in the United States will be diagnosed with cancer before their 20th birthday.
Observing National Bandanna Day
This holiday can be observed in several different ways. People can buy the bright and colorful bandannas that are sold to raise money for programs that help children with cancer and then wear those bandannas. People can also spread the word about this holiday using the hashtag #NationalBandannaDay on social media.