Yesterday, February 15, was the International Childhood Cancer Day, a day that reminds us of all those strong children that are battling this sickness and whose lives have changed completely since their diagnose.

In Costa Rica, the Association Against Childhood Cancer confirmed that 140 new cases are diagnosed every year. These children are cared for at the National Children Hospital, where they receive appropriate treatment with no cost.

The Association also provides complementary support to the children that do not need to be hospitalized, but that travel from distant areas of the country to receive their treatment and therefore require a place to stay with their family during the term of their treatment.

“Our priority is to provide the best treatment possible to each child diagnosed. We work in the follow up of each case, we offer them all the support possible so they can attend their hospital appointments, so they have a comfortable place and a controlled environment to rest in the middle of their treatment, and also for their families, to help them endure the process”, said Mayra Peraza, General Manager of the Association.

As part of the activities to raise awareness of childhood cancer, the Association had its front illuminated with bright gold lights with the help of the company Sylvania; this with the purpose of reminding everyone of the importance of early detection and being alert to any symptoms. The Melico Salazar Theater in downtown San Jose, also lightened up its front with golden lights in commemoration of Childhood Cancer Day. These two buildings and the Sylvania company will show these gold lights for a week, encouraging also all Costa Ricans to donate and help the children and families suffering of this illness.

“When childhood cancer is diagnosed early on and it is treated adequately a 70% success rate is achieved, which is why parents need to pay close attention to their kids, listen to them and follow up on any recurring symptom”, explained Peraza.

“The Association Against Childhood Cancer does a great job, which we wanted to highlight with color and lights in its front. We have to remember that children are the light of the future and we should never skimp on helping them overcome their illness and make their dreams come true”, said Tiago Pereira, General Manager of Sylvania for Central America, Mexico and the Caribbean.