The Colors of Childhood Cancer Ribbons and What They Mean

Ribbons are more than just pieces of fabric. In the fight against childhood cancer, they are powerful symbols. Each color tells a story about the type of cancer it represents and the children it affects. Knowing what these colors mean can help you show support, spread awareness, and inspire hope.

Gold is the most recognized ribbon color for all types of childhood cancer. It was chosen because gold is rare and precious, just like children.

The idea for the gold ribbon started in the 1990s with parents and advocates from a group called the Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation. Today, groups like the American Childhood Cancer Organization (ACCO) and many cities around the world use gold in September for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. You might see buildings or landmarks lit up in gold to honor children and their families.

Gray ribbons are used to raise awareness for brain cancer, including tumors that start in the brain. The color gray represents "gray matter," which is the part of the brain that helps control movement, memory, and emotions.

May is Brain Tumor Awareness Month in the United States, but gray ribbons are used year-round to show support for kids and families affected by brain cancer.

Orange ribbons represent two types of cancer that can affect children.

Leukemia is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow (the soft tissue inside bones that makes blood cells). It is one of the most common cancers in children. Orange ribbons for leukemia are especially seen in September.

Orange is also used for kidney cancer, which includes Wilms tumor, a type of cancer that starts in the kidneys and mainly affects young children.

While gold is for all childhood cancers, other colors are used for specific types of blood cancers:

• Red: All blood cancers
• Violet: Hodgkin lymphoma (a cancer that starts in the lymph system, which helps fight infection)
• Lime Green: Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (another type of cancer that starts in the lymph system)
• Burgundy: Multiple myeloma (a rare cancer of the bone marrow; uncommon in kids but possible)

These colors help people know exactly which type of cancer is being talked about or supported.

The colors are important because they:

• Help unite people to support children with cancer
• Make it easier to talk about different cancer types
• Encourage fundraising for research and family support
• Show love, respect, and hope for children fighting cancer

From gold for all childhood cancers to gray for brain cancer and orange for leukemia and kidney cancer, each ribbon carries meaning. Wearing or sharing these colors can help raise awareness and show children and families that they are not alone.

Even small actions, like learning what the ribbons mean or talking about them with friends, can make a difference.