Imperial County Declares September Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
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-Editorial
The Imperial County Board of Supervisors proclaimed September 2026 as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, recognizing children and families affected by cancer and organizations that support them during treatment and recovery.
The proclamation, adopted Sept. 15, highlights the challenges faced by children diagnosed with cancer, particularly families in Imperial County who must travel outside the region for specialized pediatric cancer treatment.
The county also cited support provided by organizations including the American Cancer Fund for Children and Kids Cancer Connection to families whose children receive treatment at medical facilities in San Diego and elsewhere.
The proclamation recognizes programs ranging from psychosocial support and hospital activities to pet-assisted therapy, art therapy, and other services intended to assist children and their families during treatment.
Locally, the Cancer Resource Center of the Desert provides free assistance to Imperial Valley residents affected by cancer, including adults and children.
Helen Palomino, executive director of the Cancer Resource Center of the Desert, said the lack of pediatric cancer treatment in Imperial County creates additional challenges because children diagnosed with cancer generally must travel to San Diego, Los Angeles, or Orange County for specialized care.
“We are here to support, guide, and provide care to people in the Imperial Valley,” Palomino said. “We are very happy to provide that support because there are many needs here in the valley.”
Palomino also expressed concern about the availability of local oncology services following the loss of two oncologists who provided chemotherapy treatment in the region. She said some patients may need to travel to San Diego for treatment while receiving follow-up services locally.
For families with children undergoing cancer treatment, transportation is among the difficulties created by traveling long distances for care.
Laura Zamora of Calexico, whose child has cancer, said nonprofit organizations have helped her family travel to and from medical appointments.
“Thanks to these organizations, we can take our children to their treatments,” Zamora said. “They have taken us there and brought us back whenever we have treatment.”
Zamora said more information and support are needed locally so families know what resources are available to children with cancer.
Gabriela Farias, director of operations for Ronald McDonald House Charities, said the organization provides Imperial County families with a place to stay. At the same time, their children undergo treatment in San Diego, helping reduce the financial and logistical burden associated with extended medical care away from home.
“For families coming from Imperial who have children needing treatment in San Diego, traveling back and forth for treatments that last weeks or months would require daily transportation, or families would have to pay for a hotel or other lodging,” Farias said.
The Ronald McDonald House has 82 rooms and provides lodging and other services at no cost to families, Farias said. Families have access to rooms, laundry facilities, meals and activities while remaining near children receiving hospital care.
Farias said about 18% of families staying at the house this year have come from Imperial County.
Families generally are referred to the Ronald McDonald House through hospitals, and accommodations are provided as space becomes available, she said.
Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, observed each September, highlights the impact of cancer on children and families and efforts to improve treatment and survival. According to the National Cancer Institute, about 15,000 children and adolescents ages 0 to 19 are diagnosed with cancer annually in the United States.
Advances in research and treatment have increased the overall five-year survival rate to more than 85%, while researchers and advocacy organizations continue to support efforts to develop new treatments and address the long-term needs of survivors.
