BUCKHANNON — Childhood Cancer Awareness Month is recognized every September by childhood cancer organizations around the world. About 10,500 children in the United States under the age of 15 will be diagnosed with cancer in 2021.

Because of major treatment advances in recent decades, survival rates have increased from 58% to 84% in recent years. 

Upshur County Relay for Life, Upshur County Schools, and FORTIFY Private Wealth Management are joining forces to help raise awareness and funds for childhood cancer research. During the month of September, Upshur County Elementary Schools will be participating in COINS FOR CANCER. Students will be encouraged to bring in coins of any denomination to fill a fishbowl to see which elementary school raises the most money for Childhood Cancer Research. 

Weekly updates will be posted on the Upshur County Schools Facebook page as well as in the window of FORTIFY Private Wealth Management on Main Street in Buckhannon. Two winning schools will be recognized: the school that has collected the most money and the school that has collected the most money per child. Winning schools will be notified October 4, 2021.

If you would like to donate, contact the school in your area or contact Robin Oldaker at robinoldaker@yahoo.com.