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An AWARD scheme recognizing the bravery of children and young people diagnosed with cancer is launching today in the Southwest.
In the Southwest, approximately 120 children are diagnosed with cancer every year.
Nominations for the Cancer Research UK for Children & Young People Star Awards, in partnership with TK Maxx, are now open and families in the South West are being called upon to nominate young cancer patients and survivors in the run up to Christmas.
The Star Awards are open to young people under the age of 18 who have been diagnosed and treated for cancer in the past five years.
There is no jury because Cancer Research UK for Children & Young People believes that every child with cancer deserves special recognition.
All nominees will receive a trophy, £50 TK Maxx gift card, t-shirt and certificate signed by a host of famous faces including Nanny McPhee star Dame Emma Thompson, celebrity chef Jean-Christophe Novelli, TV personalities dr. Ranj and Joe Tasker, TikTok stars Flossie Clegg, Lewys Ball and Olivia Neill, as well as kids’ TV favorite Mister Maker.
Cancer in children and young people differs from cancer in adults, from the types of cancer to the impact of the treatment. That is why Cancer Research UK for Children & Young People supports dedicated research to ensure that more young people survive cancer with a good quality of life.
With the Star Awards, the charity hopes to raise awareness of some of the challenges young people with cancer face, and which scientists are trying to address.
The Royal Hospital for Sick Children in Bristol is one of several centers in the UK participating in groundbreaking clinical trials coordinated by the Children’s Cancer Trials Team at Cancer Research UK. These trials are making innovative new treatments available to children with cancer in Bristol and the South West.
One of the studies is to find out the best possible treatment options for children and young adults with a type of brain tumor called ependymoma.
Another trial is also underway to improve chemotherapy options for children with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). One of the team’s goals is to find a safe dose of a new drug that will be tested in combination with chemotherapy that is already being given as a treatment. The trial, called MyeChild01, will compare a number of treatment plans to find out which one works best to improve patient survival.
Alison Birkett, Cancer Research UK spokesperson for the South West, said: “A cancer diagnosis is heartbreaking at any age, but it can be particularly difficult for a child or young person and their families – especially when many have serious long-term side effects of their treatment. .
“Our Star Awards shed important light on these inspiring individuals, so we urge people to nominate now so we can celebrate their incredible courage.”
The Star Awards are presented in partnership with TK Maxx, the largest corporate supporter of Cancer Research UK’s work on childhood cancer. Since 2004, the retailer has raised more than £40 million for essential research to help improve survival and reduce the long-term side effects of treatments.
To nominate a star, visit cruk.org/starawards.
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