September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, and the Iola community is invited to “Paint the Town Gold” in recognition of children and families affected by childhood cancer.
Throughout the month, residents, businesses and organizations are encouraged to add a little gold around town and help raise awareness for the cause. Community members can participate by decorating their businesses with gold, wearing gold, sharing information about childhood cancer or simply helping spread the message that our kids deserve better.
The initiative is especially meaningful to Luke’s Legacy Foundation, which was created in memory of Luke Atte Smith. Luke lost his life to leukemia at just three years old, and his story continues to inspire efforts to support children and families whose lives have been impacted by childhood cancer.
Roughly one in five children with cancer will not be cured, highlighting the importance of continued awareness, research and support for childhood cancer families. Organizers hope the gold displayed throughout the community will serve as a reminder of the lives, hopes and futures of children affected by the disease.
Luke’s Legacy Foundation is partnering with the Phoenix Foundation to bring the Paint the Town Gold initiative to the community. Organizers expressed gratitude to the Phoenix Foundation for helping make the awareness campaign possible and supporting its mission.
Everyone is encouraged to take part throughout September and help make childhood cancer visible in the community. Whether through a gold display, a gold shirt, a social media post or simply sharing the message, every effort can help show children and their families that they are not alone.
When you see gold this September, remember what is truly precious: the lives, hopes and futures of our children. 💛
