National Tackle Kids Cancer Day – Sep. 15, 2026

National Tackle Kids Cancer Day
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AwarenessDiseasesHealth
Where:
United States
Date change rule:
Every September 15
Holiday emoji:
🎗️

National Tackle Kids Cancer Day, observed every September 15, shines a light on the critical need for pediatric cancer research and support. Despite rising cases, only a fraction of federal funding goes towards childhood cancer. Join the movement to raise awareness, donate to vital research, and support affected families.

Want to sponsor National Tackle Kids Cancer Day? Learn how

Expected National Tackle Kids Cancer Day Deals

While National Tackle Kids Cancer Day isn’t typically marked by commercial deals, it’s a crucial time for fundraising and awareness campaigns. Many organizations and brands partner to amplify the cause. Look for donation matching programs from companies like Target and Bank of America, or special merchandise lines where a portion of proceeds benefits pediatric cancer research, such as those from Alex and Ani or Love Your Melon. Nonprofits like St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the Children’s Cancer Research Fund will host virtual events and drives. We will update this page with confirmed live fundraising events and partnership announcements as September 15 approaches.

Platform Guide for National Tackle Kids Cancer Day

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #TackleKidsCancer. Share stories of strength, research breakthroughs, or ways to contribute to the cause.

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #TackleKidsCancer. Join conversations about pediatric cancer research funding and advocacy efforts.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #TackleKidsCancer. Share fundraisers, educational content, and community support initiatives.

Social Media Tips for National Tackle Kids Cancer Day

Individuals

Wear gold or orange to show your support for childhood cancer awareness. Share facts about the need for research funding and encourage friends and family to donate to reputable organizations.

Creators

Produce a short video highlighting a pediatric cancer survivor's story or interview a researcher about new treatment advancements. Use your platform to drive awareness and encourage donations.

Brands

Launch a limited-time donation matching campaign or create a product where a percentage of sales benefits pediatric cancer research. Partner with a children's hospital or research institute for maximum impact.

Organizations & Brands for National Tackle Kids Cancer Day

  1. Tackle Kids Cancer (Hackensack Meridian Health)

    Founded in 2015 by Hackensack University Medical Center Foundation, Tackle Kids Cancer is a philanthropic initiative raising funds for pediatric cancer research and patient care at the Children's Cancer Institute. It has raised over $10 million from thousands of supporters.

  2. St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

    Established in 1962 by Danny Thomas, St. Jude is a leading pediatric treatment and research facility focused on children's catastrophic diseases, notably cancer. It operates on donations, ensuring families never receive a bill for treatment, travel, housing, or food.

  3. Children's Cancer Research Fund

    Founded in 1979, the Children's Cancer Research Fund invests in breakthrough research and family support programs for childhood cancer. Based in Minneapolis, they have funded over $200 million in research grants since their inception.

  4. Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation

    Inspired by Alexandra 'Alex' Scott, who started a lemonade stand to raise money for childhood cancer research at age four, this foundation was established in 2005. It funds research, supports families, and empowers others to get involved.

  5. Love Your Melon

    Founded in 2012 by two college students, Love Your Melon is an apparel company dedicated to giving a hat to every child battling cancer in America and supporting the fight against pediatric cancer. They donate 50% of net profits to their charitable partners.

  6. Hyundai Hope On Wheels

    Hyundai and its U.S. dealers launched Hope On Wheels in 1998, a nonprofit organization committed to finding a cure for childhood cancer. They have awarded more than $200 million in grants to pediatric cancer research since its inception.

  7. Ronald McDonald House Charities

    Founded in 1974, RMHC creates, finds, and supports programs that directly improve the health and well-being of children. Their network of Houses provides families with a place to stay near their sick child's hospital, including many children undergoing cancer treatment.

National Tackle Kids Cancer Day Hero

Dr. Alfred G. Knudson Jr.

Dr. Alfred G. Knudson Jr. (1922-2016) was an American physician and geneticist whose 'two-hit hypothesis' revolutionized the understanding of cancer, particularly hereditary forms like retinoblastoma in children. His work, published in 1971, explained how multiple genetic mutations are required for cancer to develop, laying the groundwork for modern cancer genetics and targeted therapies. His insights have profoundly impacted pediatric oncology research and treatment strategies.

History of National Tackle Kids Cancer Day

It is estimated that over 15000 children are diagnosed with cancer each year. To put that figure into perspective, 1 in every 285 children in the U.S. is diagnosed with cancer before they turn 20. Unfortunately, the scale of federal response toward finding a treatment has failed to meet the scale of the crisis.

With the worsening numbers and no relief in sight, Hackensack Meridian Health established Tackle Kids Cancer in September 2015. Since then, it has raised funds to support cutting-edge initiatives in pediatric cancer research. Crediting the success of the program, Hackensack University Medical Center Foundation established the National Tackle Kids Cancer Day in 2017 to further raise awareness about the lack of medical and financial infrastructure in pediatric cancer research.

Kids who do survive cancer have a tough life ahead of them. This is why Tackle Kids Cancer also funds the Cure and Beyond Program to help survivors rejoin society.

National Tackle Kids Cancer Day timeline

September 2015
Tackle Kids Cancer is Established

Hackensack Meridian Health establishes Tackle Kids Cancer to support cutting-edge research at the Children’s Cancer Institute (CCI).

December 2016
The Barclays Recognizes Tackle Kids Cancer

The Barclays credits Tackle Kids Cancer for their fight against pediatric cancer and donates $100,000.

September 2017
National Tackle Kids Cancer Day is Declared

Hackensack Meridian Health officially recognizes September 15 as National Tackle Kids Cancer Day.

September 2020
A Groundbreaking Trial

Five years after its inception, the Children’s Cancer Institute launches a groundbreaking trial for patients with brain cancer.

How Businesses Can Celebrate National Tackle Kids Cancer Day

Local businesses can honor National Tackle Kids Cancer Day by organizing fundraising events or dedicating a portion of sales to pediatric cancer research. Restaurants might host a ‘Dine for a Cause’ evening, while retail stores could offer a ’round-up at the register’ option for donations. Partnering with a local children’s hospital or a national foundation like Tackle Kids Cancer or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital ensures donations directly support vital programs and research.

National Tackle Kids Cancer Day FAQs

When is National Tackle Kids Cancer Day?

National Tackle Kids Cancer Day 2026 falls on Tuesday, September 15, urging everyone to unite in the fight against childhood cancer.

What percentage of federal funding goes to pediatric cancer research?

Despite rising cases, only approximately 4% of federal cancer research funding is allocated to pediatric cancer, highlighting a significant disparity that National Tackle Kids Cancer Day aims to address.

How many children are diagnosed with cancer each year?

Globally, over 400,000 children and adolescents aged 0-19 are diagnosed with cancer each year, making it a leading cause of death among children and adolescents worldwide.

What is the significance of the gold ribbon for childhood cancer awareness?

The gold ribbon is the universal symbol for childhood cancer awareness, representing the preciousness of children and the need for greater funding and attention to this devastating disease.

How To Observe National Tackle Kids Cancer Day

  1. Donate to the cause

    Hackensack Meridian Health recognized that the only way we can help the patients is by being aggressive towards finding a cure for cancer. If you believe in the vision of the Children’s Cancer Institute, donate to their cause.

  2. Join #TeamTKC

    Head over to your social media and raise awareness about National Tackle Kids Cancer Day by sharing posts with the hashtag: #TeamTKC.

  3. Educate yourself about pediatric cancer

    Pediatric cancer research has progressed tremendously within the last decade. Over 70% of cancer cases can now be cured through early intervention and medical therapy. Hold sessions and educate yourself and your loved ones about pediatric cancer on September 15.

5 Amazing Facts About Stem Cell Therapy

  1. Stem cell therapy is recovery, not cure

    Stem cell therapy does not work against cancer; it helps you in reproducing healthy stem cells after radiation.

  2. Multiply harder, recover faster

    The quicker the cells multiply to rebuild damaged tissues, the faster a patient recovers.

  3. Your own stem cells can save you

    Healthy stem cells derived from a patient’s body can be used for their healing.

  4. Can’t heal quickly at 70? Blame stem

    A person loses stem cells gradually, which slows down the speed of healing at an older age.

  5. Stem cell therapy: all pros, no cons

    There are virtually no side effects of stem cell therapy.

Why National Tackle Cancer Day is Important

  1. Private fundraising is critical to cancer research

    Over $170 million dollars were raised for pediatric cancer research in 2019, as opposed to the $50 million dollars it received in federal funding. Until the government wakes up to the reality of underfunded research programs, citizens must step up.

  2. The fight against cancer needs global participation

    It is a great way to rally the international community against this fatal disease that claims over 9.6 million lives each year.

  3. It’s a chance to be vocal

    The fight against cancer cannot be won alone. To raise awareness and funds that directly help the affected families, we need to lend our passionate advocacy at every step of the way.

National Tackle Kids Cancer Day dates

Year Date Day
2026 September 15 Tuesday
2027 September 15 Wednesday
2028 September 15 Friday
2029 September 15 Saturday
2030 September 15 Sunday