Most people are aware that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but it is also Liver Cancer Awareness Month. Liver cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death worldwide. While it rarely affects children, awareness campaigns like Liver Cancer Awareness Month can be a great opportunity to teach children more about the healthy choices that can reduce their future cancer risk. Since it is possible for children to develop liver cancer, October is also an important time to learn more about the signs and symptoms of liver cancer in children.

Each year, the Monterey Bay Gala is not only one of Make-A-Wish Greater Bay Area's hottest events, but is one of the ultimate social events on the Monterey Peninsula. Each year, guests enjoy a night of fine dining, silent auctions and world-class entertainment at Clint Eastwood's Tehama Golf Club in Carmel. You'll feel like a celebrity at the Monterey Bay Gala. It's a great party set in a stunning Carmel Valley location, with entertainers that can fill arenas. Every year features a different theme, and this year will sell out - just like it does every year.

Every year has a new, fantastic theme, and this year is no different. Get your sharpest looking black-tie attire for the James Bond Ball, an elegant evening paying homage to all things Bond. This year's event takes place on Nov. 7 - or 11.007.2015!

October is a great time to help raise awareness and support breast cancer research, but you may not know that it's also Liver Cancer Awareness Month. Liver cancer is rare in children, but it is possible. Awareness months like Liver Cancer Awareness Month can also be a great time to learn more about the healthy choices you can make in your children's lives that will impact their future health and cancer risk.

In a town as glamourous as Miami, there is no shortage of can't-miss events on the social scene. For the last 20 years, one of those has been the InterContinental Miami Make-A-Wish Ball, and this year's edition promises to be no different.

This year's event takes place on Saturday, Nov. 7, at the InterContinental Miami (100 Chopin Plaza), beginning with a cocktail reception and silent auction at 7 p.m., and the program beginning at 8:30. The theme this year is Mythology.

In its 20-year history, the Ball has raised more than $16.8 million, enough to grant the heartfelt wishes of more than 3,520 children with critical illnesses. This premier event features dinner, drinks, dancing and the chance to bid on fantasy items and experiences in the famed live and silent suctions.

Actress Gabrielle Anwar serves as the celebrity emcee and host for the evening. Over the years, celebrity guests have included Diana Ross, Paula Abdul, Sharon Stone, Wayne Newton, Pamela Anderson, Mike Piazza, Scottie Pippen, Richie Rich, Christian Slater, Russell and Kimora Lee Simmons, Don King, Venus and Serena Williams, Kim Kardashian, plus many more. This year's entertainer will be announced soon.

Shareef Malnik, Miami restaurateur, is the gala chairman for the 11^th time, and has helped lead the impressive fundraising efforts of the event. Malnik has been inspired to be involved with the organization after his younger brother who was diagnosed with leukemia was granted a wish.

To purchase tickets e-mail Wendy Trouba, or call her at 954-967-9474, ext. 304.

Not Ready To Go Home? Head To The After Party

Not ready to head home or up to your room when the Wish Ball ends? Make-A-Wish Southern Florida has you covered. The InterContinental Miami and Make-A-Wish Southern Florida invite the next generation of contributors and Miami's premier buzz creators in the fashion, arts, music and nightlife industries to the 8th Annual InterContinental Miami Make-A-Wish Starlight Nightclub. Join Gabrielle Anwar, Shareef Malnik and more at this after-hours venue inspired by a mythology-themed culture. The nightclub includes DJ Chuckie, a fashion show and open bar.

Tickets for the nightclub are $100 each. Call at 954-967-9474 ext. 312 to purchase tickets or get more information.

Help Grant Wishes Even If You Can't Attend

Even though the Make-A-Wish InterContinental Wish Ball and Starlight Nightclub will be a magical evening for everyone who attends, it also benefits local kids with critical illnesses and helps to grant their wishes.

If you cannot attend the Wish Ball, you may consider helping out in other ways. Maybe you will make a general donation to Make-A-Wish Southern Florida, or perhaps you will choose to donate a car and put it to better use. To donate a vehicle to Wheels For Wishes, benefiting Make-A-Wish Southern Florida, just call us at [chapter_phone] or fill out our online donation form.

When you donate a car, you will receive free pick up or towing of your vehicle anywhere in Southern Florida, while helping kids in Naples, Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Miami Gardens, Cape Coral and more. Plus, you get a great tax deduction, and you will be helping to grant wishes for local kids. It doesn’t get much better than that!

Child Health Day has been around for quite some time. The federal holiday was introduced to Congress in 1928 and was celebrated for the first time in May 1929. Now it falls on the first Monday of each October, which is Oct. 5 this year.

Cars can be a major pain. Filling the gas tank, paying for insurance, tabs, repairs, oil changes, new tires, and other expenses quickly add up. Plus, dealing with traffic, bad weather, flat tires, and other obstacles on the road all take up so much extra time. Imagine how much time you could save if you decided to ditch your car permanently, or even half of the time. If you live in an area where public transportation, biking, walking, or carpooling is readily available, ditch your car for at least a day and take part in World Car Free Day on Sept. 22. 

If you're looking for a fun way to help out a great cause this October, why not come out to one of two events benefiting Make-A-Wish Southern Florida? You can cheer on a soccer team at Kick It for Wishes on Oct. 10, or grab your clubs for the Key To Wishes Golf Tournament Oct. 18. Both events are fun all on their own, but have the added benefit of helping Make-A-Wish Southern Florida grant more wishes.

This October, there are three fun events for you to participate in that will support Make-A-Wish Philadelphia, Northern Delaware, and Susquehanna Valley. Serving 10 counties within southeastern Pennsylvania and northern Delaware, Make-A-Wish Philadelphia, Northern Delaware, and Susquehanna Valley granted 275 wishes during the 2014 year. This year they hope to grant even more wishes, and your support can help to make this possible. 

Thyroid cancer is one of the few cancers that is becoming more common. In fact, thyroid cancer rates are rising more rapidly than any other type of cancer in the U.S. September is Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month, and you can make a difference by learning more and sharing what you know with others.

Last year, more than 156,000 people in the United States were expected to be diagnosed with a blood cancer such as leukemia or lymphoma. That works out to one new diagnoses every 4 minutes. New cases of leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma was expected to account for 9.4 percent of the estimated 1,665,540 new cancer cases diagnosed in the country last year.

Every September, Leukemia, Lymphoma and Hodgkin's Lymphoma Awareness Months helps raise awareness about these types of blood cancer and to give hope to those affected by the disease. Leukemia, Hodgkin lymphoma, non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), myeloma and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are types of cancer that can affect the bone marrow, the blood cells, the lymph nodes and other parts of the lymphatic system. Learn about which color ribbon to wear this month, as well as other color ribbons associated with each cancer awareness month ribbon.

Improvements in the treatment of these types of blood cancers began during the latter part of the 20^th century largely due to chemotherapy. Research has led to the growing understanding of the many subtypes for each of the blood cancers, and the differences in therapy required based on subtype.

What Is Lymphoma?

Lymphoma is a general term for many blood cancers that originate in the lymphatic system. The two main types are Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Some types of lymphoma are curable, but for other types, many patients are able to keep their disease under control and have a good quality of life with medical treatment. Progress in treating lymphoma gives patients more hope than ever before.

What Is Leukemia?

Leukemia is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow, the spongy center of bones where our blood cells are formed. The disease develops when blood cells produced in the bone marrow grow out of control. The most common types are acute myeloid leukemia, acute lymphoblastic leukemia, chronic myeloid leukemia, and chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Other types of leukemia include hairy cell leukemia, chronic myelomonocytic leukemia and juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia.

Children Affected By These Diseases, Too

Leukemia affects approximately 10 times more adults than children, according to the National Cancer Institute, but it is the most common cancer among children, with acute lymphoblastic leukemia accounting for approximately 75 percent of all childhood leukemias.

The two types of childhood Hodgkin lymphoma are: Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Hodgkin lymphoma is cancer of the blood and bone marrow, and is one of the most curable forms of cancer. Signs and symptoms could include:

• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck, upper chest, armpit, stomach, or groin
• A persistent cough or shortness of breath
• Fever
• Night sweats
• Tiredness, low energy
• Unexplained weight loss
• Itchy skin
• An enlarged spleen

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a diverse group of blood cancers that share a single characteristic in how they develop. It usually develops in the lymph nodes and lymphatic tissues, but sometimes involves bone marrow and blood.

Help To Spread Awareness This Month

Other types of blood cancers include myeloma, myelodysplastic syndromes, and myeloproliferative neoplasms. Most people who are diagnosed with myeloma are over the age of 60. This type of cancer begins in the bone marrow and affects the plasma cells.

Myelodysplastic syndromes is a term used to describe a group of diseases in the blood and bone marrow. No symptoms other than fatigue or shortness of breath may occur, and may be diagnosed due to a routine exam or blood test. 

Myeloproliferative neoplasms are types of blood cancers that begin with an abnormal mutation in a stem cell in the bone marrow. This change leads to an overproduction of white cells, red cells, and platelets.

With this information, you can help to understand the people who are battling these diseases, and you can also help to spread awareness.

Donate A Car To Grant Wishes For Children With Medical Conditions Like These

Survival rates for childhood cancers are continuing to grow, but amongst all of the hospital visits, appointments, treatments, and surgeries, children battling critical illnesses have wishes that they would love to see come true. Wishes could include a family vacation, a shopping trip, or a chance to meet their favorite sports team.  

Thanks to Make-A-Wish, a child between the age of 2 ½ and 18 has their wish granted every 38 minutes, and your car donation to Wheels For Wishes can help to make this possible! Donate a car today and receive a tax deduction for your charitable contribution, plus you will feel great knowing that your donated car has helped to make a wish come true for a local child. Call [chapter_phone] or fill out an online car donation form today.

Whether your idea of fun is relaxing with your friends and enjoying a glass of wine, or you’d rather be out running and competing in a race, Make-A-Wish Illinois has you covered. Their Comparative Wine Tasting event may be for you, or maybe you’d rather run in the Bank of American Chicago Marathon. Whichever event you choose, you will be helping to make wishes come true for kids in Illinois! 

Charity comes in different shapes and sizes. Whether volunteering your time or donating money or goods, charity can make a world of difference for people. That's why the United Nations designated Sept. 5 as the International Day of Charity.

"Charity plays a significant role in the work of the United Nations and its agencies. On this International Day, I call on people everywhere to act on the charitable impulse that resides in every human being -- to start giving and to keep on giving," UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said in last year's International Day of Charity message.

Sept. 5 was chosen by the UN in honor of Mother Teresa of Calcutta who passed away on Sept. 5, 1997. Mother Teresa was renowned for her work as a nun and missionary who devoted herself to helping the poor, sick, orphaned and dying for more than 45 years. She began her works in India and then expanded the order she founded, the Missionaries of Charity of Calcutta, to other countries.

On International Day of Charity, the UN invites its members, all international and regional organizations, non-governmental organizations and individuals, to commemorate the day in an appropriate manner, by encouraging charity, through education and public awareness-raising activities.

How Can I Get Involved?

Many people have non-profits that they are involved with or regularly donate money to. But there are also lots of acts of volunteering that you can take part in to celebrate International Day of Charity. If volunteering is what fits more into your budget, consider these options:

• The faith community in your area is always looking for people to get involved. Synagogues, churches and other local social service providers almost always have a need for volunteers to help plan or run programs or – if you have more time to give – serve on boards or committees.
• Enjoy animals? Most cities have animal shelters that need volunteers to help with walking dogs or feeding animals, to name a few of the chores.
• Know a senior who needs help? Seniors may need help with things like minor work around the house, grocery shopping, or simply having someone to have a cup of coffee with to keep them company.

Donate Your Car On International Day Of Charity

Charity car donation is easy and beneficial, and when you donate your car to Wheels For Wishes, it will help benefit your local Make-A-Wish chapter. Not only will you help to grant the wish of a child in your community, but you also get a great tax deduction for your kind efforts!

We try to make the donation process as hassle-free as possible so your vehicle can be on its way to helping wishes come true. All you need to do to donate a car is follow these three steps:

• Give us a call at [chapter_phone] or take a moment to fill out our online car donation form. Our donation representatives will take care of all the paperwork for you and will be available to help with any questions you may have.
• Next, we'll call to schedule your free vehicle pick-up or tow. All you need to do is clean out your personal items from the vehicle. Don't worry about repairing or washing the vehicle first.
• Finally, wait for your tax-deductible receipt to arrive in the mail. Save this receipt to use for your tax deduction during tax time.

No matter what you are giving to an organization, it should go to a cause you can trust. If you have any suggestions for ways to celebrate International Day of Charity, Please share them with us in the comments or on our Facebook, Twitter or Google+ pages!

Cancer in children is rare – which is obviously a positive – yet it is the leading cause of death by disease past infancy among children in the United States. St. Jude Children's Research Hospital estimates that 16,000 children and adolescents ages 0 to 19 years will be diagnosed with cancer and 1,960 will die of the disease in the United States.

Every September, we observe Childhood Cancer Awareness month to help bring attention to the impact this disease has on children and adolescents. According to St. Baldrick's, almost all kids diagnosed with cancer in the 1950s died. Thanks to advances in research, about 90 percent of kids with the most common type of cancer – acute lymphoblastic leukemia – will live.

Types Of Cancer In Children

According to the National Cancer Institute, environmental causes of childhood cancer have been difficult to identify, partly because cancer in children is rare and because it is difficult to determine what children could have been exposed to early in their development.

Childhood cancer is different from cancer in adults. Typically, the cancers that occur in children are:

• Leukemia
• Brain and spinal cord tumors
• Neuroblastoma
• Wilms Tumor
• Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
• Hodgkin disease
• Rhabdomyocarcoma
• Retinoblastoma
• Osteosarcoma
• Ewing family of tumors

Symptoms To Look For

It can be difficult to recognize cancers in children. The American Cancer Society says that if any of the following symptoms or signs are present, you should seek medical advice as soon as possible.

• An unusual lump or swelling
• Sudden unexplained weight loss
• Unexplained paleness and loss of energy
• Easy bruising
• Limping
• An ongoing pain in one area of the body
• Unexplained fever or illness that doesn’t go away
• Frequent headaches, often with vomiting
• Sudden eye or vision changes

Support Childhood Cancer Awareness Month by wearing a gold ribbon and learn about which color is associated with each cancer awareness month ribbon. By spreading awareness during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, other people can also be made aware of the signs and symptoms associated with childhood cancer. Have you or your family been affected by childhood cancer? Please share your story with us on our Facebook, Twitter or Google+ pages.

Help Kids With Life-Threatening Medical Conditions Find Hope

Make-A-Wish is an amazing organization that helps to grant the wishes of kids between the ages of 2 ½ and 18 who are battling critical illnesses. When you donate a car, truck, boat, or motorcycle to Wheels For Wishes, your vehicle donation will be picked up at no charge to you, nearly anywhere in the United States. Your vehicle will be recycled or auctioned off and the earned proceeds will be donated to your local Make-A-Wish.

When you donate a car, you can help a child with cancer or another medical condition in receiving their greatest wish. Simply call [chapter_phone] or fill out an online car donation form.

Taking place on Saturday, Oct. 3, is the SYNNEX Share the Magic Evening Gala, benefiting local children’s charities such as Make-A-Wish South Carolina. The wish-filled event will be held at the TD Convention Center in Greenville, and will held to bring together partners, customers, and the Upstate community to raise money for four local children’s charities in South Carolina. 

Fans of golf have a great opportunity to come out and support Make-A-Wish Suffolk County this September. The annual Gail Bigler Memorial Golf Outing takes place Sept. 17 at the Huntington Crescent Club (15 Washington Drive) in Huntington. Activities will fill the day from morning until evening, and all of it will support the great work being done by Make-A-Wish Suffolk County. 

This September, lace up your favorite running shoes and get ready for two great Walk For Wishes events benefiting Make-A-Wish Wisconsin. Don’t miss the Appleton Walk For Wishes event taking place on Sept. 12, and the Madison Walk For Wishes event taking place on Sept. 20. Both events are great forms of exercise for the entire family and they help to celebrate Make-A-Wish Wisconsin! 

Whether you live in Vermont, Washington or anywhere in between, September offers you a great opportunity to help grant wishes all over the country. There are several Walks for Wishes in September all over the country that will help benefit your local Make-A-Wish chapter. When you take part, you can help a child with a critical illness.

Walk For Wishes West Michigan

The 2015 Walk for Wishes – West Michigan is taking place Sept. 12 at the John Ball Zoo in Grand Rapids. This fun 1.5-mile walk through the zoo will feature fun activities and food for the participants, as walkers help grant wishes for children with critical illnesses. There is no registration fee to attend the event, and each walk participant is encouraged to raise a minimum on $100.

Registration on-site starts at 7 a.m., the opening ceremony is at 9 a.m. and the walk stats at 9:30. Perks of participating include: Morning refreshments, complimentary lunch following the walk, family-fun entertainment and activities, full access to the John Ball Zoo until 5 p.m., and of course the joy of helping make children's wishes come true. Register today on the event's website.

Vermont Walk For Wishes

Gather friends and families at the beautiful Shelburne Museum (6000 Shelburne Road) in Shelburne on Sept. 13 for the Vermont Walk for Wishes. Get your friends, family, and colleagues to join you and invest in the Make-A-Wish mission. Online registration is $35 for families, $15 for adults, $10 for children aged 12-17, $5 for children 6-11. Kids 5 and under are free. With your registration fee enjoy unlimited access for the day to the Shelburne Museum, a picnic lunch, a commemorative Walk for Wishes t-shirt and all Walk for Wishes activities. For more information, contact Jerica Dziki at 802-585-1009.

Washington Walk For Wishes

The Make-A-Wish Alaska & Washington Walk for Wishes will again be held at Marymoor Park in Redmond (6046 West Lake Sammamish Pkwy NE). When you take part, you can take the first step in making wishes come true for local children battling critical illnesses by joining us at this year’s family-friendly 5K walk and fun run on Sunday, Sept. 13. This includes snacks, kids’ activities, wish inspiration and entertainment with your family and friends. For more information call 800-304-9474.

Walk For Wishes North Jersey

Liberty State Park in Jersey City (76 Audrey Zapp Dr.) hosts the North Jersey Walk for Wishes event on Saturday, Sept. 26. The 5K runners can take part in the USA Track and Field-certified and sanctioned course that winds through the park and onto the promenade that overlooks the Statue of Liberty. Awards are given to 1st, 2nd and 3rd place for Overall Male & Female and Top Male & Female in the following age categories: 14 & Under, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70 and older.

Registration for the 5K run event is $25 for adults before Sept. 25, or $35 the day of the event. Teens or kids running the 5K are $10 each. Walkers 18 and older are $25 and walkers between 5 and 17 years old are $10 each. T-shirts are available for all pre-registered runners and walkers, and t-shirts will be available for day-of registrants on a first come, first serve basis. For more information, contact Danielle Nalbone at 800-252-9474.

Eastern North Carolina Walk For Wishes

Wrightsville Beach Park (1 Bob Sawyer Drive) in Wrightsville Beach, N.C., will host the Eastern North Carolina Walk for Wishes 5K on Sunday, Sept. 27. Day-of event registration and check-in begins at noon with the walk starting at 2 p.m. All participants are asked to arrive between 12 and 1:30 pm. Local children who have either received their wishes or are currently having their wishes scheduled will be recognized during a ceremony beginning at 1:30 pm. Registration is underway at the event website. For additional information regarding the Walk for Wishes, e-mail Janis Netherland at jnetherland@eastnc.wish.org, or you can call her at (910) 399-1375.

Help Make-A-Wish, Even If You Can't Make A Walk

If you don't live near one of these Walks for Wishes but still want to help children in places like Oakland, Miami, Syracuse, Salt Lake City, or almost any other city, we have a way that is a win-win. Wheels for Wishes is a car donation charity that benefits Make-A-Wish chapters around the county. If you have an unwanted vehicle taking up space in your driveway or garage, please donate it to Wheels for Wishes, benefiting Make-A-Wish. Your car donation will be transformed into a magical wish for a child, and you can truly feel great about that.

To donate a vehicle, please call [chapter_phone] or fill out our online donation form. You can also find the Make-A-Wish chapter that Wheels for Wishes supports nearest you. Car donation is easy; even if you aren’t sure how to donate a car, our experienced car donation representatives will walk you through the process and answer any questions you might have. We will pick-up or tow away your vehicle at no cost to you in almost any city in the country. Your car can be out of your garage and on its way to making a difference in the life a Wish Kid. Make the call today!

Make-A-Wish Central New York has two fun events coming up on Sept. 12. If you live near Utica or East Syracuse, you won't want to miss the I 90 Cruisin' Car Show or the Sugarman Law Firm Wish Ball. Both events help to raise money for Make-A-Wish Central New York and help to grant wishes for kids in your community.

It can be tough to find time to spend together as an entire family, but Parent’s Day on July 26 may be one day you’d like to set aside a few hours or more for family time. Instead of searching for the perfect gift for your parent or guardian, consider setting aside some time together to create memories that will last a lifetime. 

The long, warm days of August are perfect for walks and car shows. If you've been meaning to get outside and enjoy the last few weeks of summer, you have two opportunities to do so while also helping Make-A-Wish Northeast New York. The 24^th Annual Dealer Day Car Show is Aug. 22 and the annual Walk For Wishes is Aug. 29. Both events will raise funds for Make-A-Wish Northeast New York.