Tallboyz Hobby & Swap Shop invites community to recognize Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
Travis Tong, the owner of Tallboyz Hobby & Swap Shop and the father of a child with cancer, has a decorated window at the shop, located at 110 South High Street, Hillsboro. (HCP Photo/Caitlin Forsha)
September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, and Tallboyz Hobby & Swap Shop in Hillsboro is recognizing this annual observance by honoring families affected by childhood cancer with a window display.
Travis Tong, the owner of Tallboyz Hobby & Swap Shop and the father of a child with cancer, has a decorated window at the shop, located at 110 South High Street, Hillsboro.
On Saturday, Sept. 16 around 2 p.m., three strong warriors from Highland County will be signing the window: Tong’s daughter, Savannah; Aralyn Slack and family; and Olivia Furbee and family.
Any families who have been affected by childhood cancer in any way are invited to come and honor their loved ones (survivors or lost loved ones) by signing their name on the decorated window. This is open to people of any age who have been impacted by this disease.
The first signature was from a father whose son was diagnosed with leukemia. He came from New Hampshire, so this display is also for anyone from any location.
The goal is to raise awareness of childhood cancer, which has impacted families in the Highland County area and across the world. According to the American Childhood Cancer Organization (www.acco.org), each year in the U.S. alone, an estimated 15,780 children ages 0-10 are diagnosed with cancer, and it is the No. 1 cause of death by disease for children in America. Globally, more than 300,000 children are diagnosed each year, ACCO says.
In addition, Tong pointed out that under four percent of federal funding for cancer research is specific to childhood cancer (see: https://nationalpcf.org/facts-about-childhood-cancer/).
For more information and updates on the display, go to: https://www.facebook.com/tallboyz/.