Cancer Kids First is an organization that strives to improve the lives of children impacted by pediatric cancer. The non-profit has chapters across schools in America, with one that is currently operating in Hingham High School. Hingham High School’s chapter was recently required to merge with the service club, causing controversy among the students in the club and school.
I asked a few questions to a current member and also the co-president of the club. To begin, Dee Sweeney is a new member of Cancer Kids First, who when asked about the importance of the club, stated that “the club is important to me since I know multiple people that have suffered from cancer.” While improving the lives of children affected by pediatric cancer, the organization additionally spreads awareness about the numerous people affected by cancer.
Co-president Amelia Byrne states that her goal this year is “to be involved with as many different organizations and have as many fundraising events as possible. Another goal for our future is to help out with the Hingham PMC Kids Ride that was restarted this year.”
Amelia continued that “this club has brought so many people together for games, card making, and drives, and recently it’s been great to see the Hingham community’s support for the preparations of our upcoming Dig Teal game.” At this upcoming event there will be a raffle with tickets sold beforehand. A handful of the items in the raffle are a signed puck from the Boston Bruins, a pilates lesson, and a gift card bag. These are only some of the items and there are more that will be raffled off, and the list will only continue to grow. All proceeds from the raffle tickets will go to Adelia Strong which works to help children with pediatric brain cancer. Adelia Strong is an extremely impactful organization to the Hingham community and has grown to help many others. The cause benefits not only children with pediatric brain cancer but also families who are affected by this devastation. Hingham High School’s Cancer Kids First also worked with Adelia Strong last year, but the raffle is new to this year. If possible, anyone and everyone should support the community by coming to Dig Teal and buying raffle tickets!
Overall, childhood cancer levels are severe but can be decreased through the right support and technology. According to the National Cancer Institute, childhood cancer “is the leading cause of death by disease after infancy among children in the United States.” It is estimated that, in 2024, a total of 14,910 children and adolescents ages 0 to 19 will be diagnosed with cancer and 1,590 will die of the disease in the United States. It is through community, donations, and support that Hingham can join the cause of Cancer Kids First and their effort to help and better the lives of children diagnosed with pediatric cancer.
