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Today, February 4, marks national World Cancer Day. It is a day to recognize our power to make a difference in preventing cancer and improving the quality of life for those who have gone through or are currently going through treatment. Together, we can inspire and take action in the fight against cancer.

World Cancer Day was founded on February 4, 2000 by the Paris Chapter at the World Summit for the New Millennium in Paris. The initiative aims to promote cancer prevention and treatment for a cure, as well as inspire global action to end the disease.

The initiative is now led by a three-year campaign by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC). This is the first year of the campaign with the theme, “We Can. I Can.”

Whether it’s a community action that “We Can” take, or an individual action that “I Can” take, our efforts collectively show the strength in numbers when fighting against cancer. Specifically in the pediatric cancer community, everyone can take part in the fight by sharing stories, asking for and providing support, and by raising awareness for improved access to treatment worldwide—especially for breakthrough treatments like immunotherapy, which saved Emily's life.

To show support for this year’s campaign, UICC has encouraged everyone to write “We Can. I Can.” on their hands and take a photo of it to share. The Emily Whitehead Foundation supports this campaign's efforts. We do our best to support this mission through activities that fundraise for pediatric cancer research and raise awareness for immunotherapy treatment. These funds, and those donated to cancer research worldwide, are helping to treat kids like Emily and allow us to remain hopeful for a cure.

It’s important to engage in the conversation on cancer prevention, as lifestyle and environmental changes play an influential role in cancer risk. Education is key in creating awareness of risk factors and detecting early symptoms. The UICC found that “about a third of common cancers can be prevented through a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight and being physically active.”

World Cancer Day also acknowledges the critical need for improved access to cancer care. Precision medicine and immunotherapy treatments like T-Cell therapy are costly, but it is this type of cancer care that improves quality of life for children living with cancer. Together, we can advocate for improved access to quality care and ensure all children are receiving adequate treatment.

Every effort makes a difference in the life of a child. To get involved, please visit our donation page.

Today, and everyday, #WeCanICan. We Believe.