Workshops and Live Music in Alicante to Support the Fight Against Childhood Cancer

On the occasion of International Childhood Cancer Day, the Association of Mothers and Fathers of Children with Cancer of the Valencian Community, ASPANION, has promoted various symbolic festive events to support affected children and their families. Alfàs del Pi, Crevillent, and Alicante will host commemorative celebrations on 16th February, a day after International Childhood Cancer Day.

The main event in our province for this celebration will take place on Sunday, 16th February at Alicante Town Hall Square, from 10 am to 2 pm, featuring a festive day with workshops, live music, food, entertainment, and other surprises. At noon, a manifesto will be read to raise awareness for the cause.

This year, International Day once again aims to highlight the attention and care needed by children and adolescents diagnosed with cancer. Jesús María González Marín, President of ASPANION, emphasises that "cancer in a child is a real shock for the affected children and their families."

"The process is long and complex, and therefore psychological support is essential at all stages of the disease, including bereavement. Similarly, social and bureaucratic support is crucial so that parents can focus solely on the recovery of their children," explain the association.

Under the slogan "The Power of the Golden Ribbon," various awareness actions have been promoted this year. On one hand, a proposal has been launched in schools to make this day visible by having children directly participate in the celebrations. Educational centres have received templates of golden ribbons to print and cut out to form chains of solidarity. Students can write messages of support on the ribbons.

This year, a call has also been made for municipalities across the community to hang golden ribbons and visibly show their support for the group. Lastly, it has been proposed that some iconic public buildings be illuminated in gold.

Each year, around 150 new cases of cancer are diagnosed in children and adolescents in the Valencian Community. Across Spain, the figure rises to 1500, and the five-year survival rate after diagnosis has reached 83.9% in children aged 0 to 14, according to the latest report from the Spanish Registry of Childhood Tumours.