SAFFORD — The focus in September is on childhood cancer, both in the Gila Valley and in the Valley of the Sun.
Visitors to Safford’s Downtown will see a large golden banner in Fireman Park in front of Safford City Hall.
“We put it up yesterday,” said Christianna Mingura, founder of Nathaniel’s Childhood Cancer Foundation. “(Safford Mayor) Jason Kouts gave us permission to, once again this year, put up our banner. He’s very supportive of recognizing that September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.”
Mingura said she also reached out to Gov. Doug Ducey, who agreed to once again issue a proclamation declaring September Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in the state, and, in recognition, light up the state Capitol dome in gold each night this month.
Mingura’s son, Nathaniel, was diagnosed with osteosarcoma at age 7. He battled the disease for two years, including losing his right arm to amputation, before succumbing to the cancer.
Christianna formed the foundation to help other families who have a child dealing with a cancer diagnosis.
The foundation provides children with either a Warrior Pack of games and activities, or a Custom Warrior Pack with items for children who have to remain in isolation. The foundation also provides a Protector Pack of items for the siblings of a child diagnosed with cancer.
“Another part of our foundation that we implemented, probably, in the last six months is called ‘Gaming Until a Cure,’ ” she said. “Because kids are stuck in hospital and they need things to do. So until then, we will provide gaming systems to kids that are eligible of course, until there’s a cure. And then they won’t need us anymore and I’ll be completely happy with that.”
The next fund-raising effort will be the Super Smash Brothers Gaming Tournament Saturday, Sept. 24, from 9:55 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Contenders eSports in Gilbert.
Those wishing to support the local effort in other ways can go to Ge Involved — Nathaniel’s Childhood Cancer Foundation (nathanielsccf.org) or find Nathaniel’s Childhood Cancer Foundation on Facebook.
