Tying a Ribbon to a Lifelong Journey: Stories of Strength and Awareness

It has been truly heartwarming to see so many in our community come together to #TieARibbon for children and families living with cancer. Yellow ribbons have been glistening on trees, tied around dogs’ collars, lining fences, and even displayed in shop windows, draped around mannequins’ necks. It’s a beautiful testament to the strength and unity of our community.

Many of you have reached out to share what #TieARibbon means to you. Whether it’s a story of a supporter, fighter, or survivor, each one is unique, but every single story is powerful.

We’d like to share one story in particular that resonates deeply and underscores the importance of awareness and support:

“A crucial point in raising awareness about childhood cancer is understanding that the journey doesn’t end with treatment or remission or, in the worst case, loss of life. Cancer is an experience that stays with you for life and coming to terms with everything you’ve been through is often a long, challenging process.

During treatment, whether you’re a child or adolescent, you’re often just existing – too exhausted, unaware, or simply waiting for it to be over. You don’t have the emotional tools to fully comprehend what’s happening to you, or those around you. The same goes for the siblings and parents living with a loved one who has cancer. You live day by day, focused on making it to the end of the tunnel. But once you reach that point, the reality of what comes next is different for every individual. For my family, this truth became even more apparent after my remission. My parents separated not long after, and my siblings were profoundly shaped by the experience of having a sibling with cancer, carrying that into the way they interacted with the world and understood themselves.

This is something you continue to process, come to terms with, and eventually weave into your sense of identity. It’s not easy – childhood cancer is an incredibly unique and isolating experience. Being aware of the harsh realities of cancer at such a young age is formative, often too much so. Your perspective on life shifts dramatically, and you find yourself grappling with things that often your peers can’t relate to. Growing up is already a challenge, but growing up with the weight of a life-altering experience intensifies that.

No matter how young you were when you were diagnosed or how old you are now, that understanding eventually hits you – and when it does, it can feel like the ground is suddenly dropping out from beneath you. This is why organisations like Challenge are . They provide a community where, even though every cancer journey is different, you can find connections with others who truly understand. There’s immense relief and clarity in that shared understanding. I will never be able to thank Challenge enough for giving me the space and support that allowed me to grow into the person I am today.”

As Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and our #TieARibbon campaign come to a close, we want to remind you that our support doesn’t end here, and never will. We are here to support you every day, every month, and every year until childhood cancer no longer exists.