Chalk Your Walk
September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
We need you to spread hope and inspiration by chalking up your town. We’re asking kids, artists, and anyone with a heart for kids to chalk up their pavement.
Put your art where your heart is!
CHALK YOUR WALK
Chalk Your Walk! Don’t forget to include “chalkyourwalk.org” on your drawings!
TAG KCA!
Post your photos on social media* and tag the KCA on Facebook and Instagram (@kidneycancerassociation) so we can see your inspirational chalk art!
*Get a 10% discount in the KCA store when you tag KCA on your social media posts!
Kidney cancer is one of the most common types of childhood cancer
Learn more by clicking on the below:
Childhood Cancer
The most common types of childhood cancers include kidney cancers, leukemias, brain tumors, lymphomas, neuroblastomas, and sarcomas.
Causes
The exact causes of most childhood cancers are not well understood, but genetic factors, environmental exposures, and sometimes specific genetic syndromes can play a role.
Treatment
Treatment for childhood cancers often includes a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, and in some cases, stem cell transplantation.
Global Impact
Childhood cancer is a global health concern, and efforts to improve diagnosis, treatment, and support for affected children and families extend across the world.
These are some of the kidney cancer types most often found in children and can be discovered as young as infancy:
Translocation RCC
Translocation RCC is subtype of kidney cancer characterized by genetic changes involving translocations of genetic material between chromosomes. This can effect young children and currently has no standard treatment protocol. Learn more at Joey’s Wings Foundation, named in memory of Joey Xu who died of translocation RCC at age 10.
Wilms Tumor
Wilms tumor, also known as nephroblastoma, is a type of kidney cancer that primarily affects children. It is one of the most common types of kidney tumors found in children and is usually diagnosed before the age of 5. Learn more at the Wilms Cancer Foundation.
Hereditary Leiomymatosis and Renal Cell Cancer (HLRCC)
Hereditary leiomyomatosis and renal cell cancer (HLRCC) is a genetic condition that affects multiple organs, including the skin, uterus, and kidneys. HLRCC is caused by mutations in the FH gene and is often first recognized when individuals develop cutaneous leiomyomas (benign skin tumors) or when they present with symptoms related to uterine fibroids or kidney tumors. This can become present in young children and adolescents, which can then lead to an aggressive form of kidney cancer. Learn more at the HLRCC Foundation.
Renal Medullary Carcinoma
Renal Medullary Carcinoma (RMC) is an extremely aggressive form of kidney cancer that primarily affects adolescents and young adults, with some individuals being as young as 8 years old. RMC predominantly affects individuals with sickle hemoglobinopathies such as sickle cell trait and disproportionately affects African American males mroe than females. RMC is characterized by its rapid growth, high propensity for metastasis (spreading to other parts of the body), and resistance to traditional cancer treatments. Learn more at the Chris “CJ” Johnson Foundation.
Learn more about these kidney cancer types through our Affiliate Partners.
Chalk Your Walk
Donate to Research
Kidney cancer can impact children and adolescents, resulting in not only reduced life expectancy but also painful and distressing long- and short-term effects on their physical and emotional well-being. The Kidney Cancer Association wants to change that. This Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, the KCA is committed to creating awareness and raising funds for research to find a cure. Donate and invest in research!
In Partnership With Our Affiliates
