aTeam rally to raise awareness for childhood cancer

After Aug.15, aTeam Ministries hopes more people know about what gold ribbons stand for. 

“One of the things we hear from patient families is that more people need to know about pediatric cancer,” said aTeam founder and president Andy Thrower. “Everyone knows that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but not near the number know about September being for Childhood Cancer Awareness.” 

For the past three years, aTeam partnered with high schools throughout Jefferson, Blount, Shelby, St. Clair and other counties to paint the high school football fields with a GO GOLD! Ribbon, the symbol for childhood cancer awareness. This year they are adding a new event to their campaign. The event is being sponsored by Murray Building Company, Inc.

aTeam’s first annual #BOLD4gold Rally will be held at Homewood Central Park on Saturday, Aug. 15 from 4:30-8 p.m.

The rally will feature food, including Jim N’ Nick’s, Doodles, cotton candy, popcorn and Heavenly Donuts. The event will also include inflatables, a Cajun band and T-shirts available for $20 each. At one point in the evening, aTeam will recognize pediatric cancer fighters and survivors as well as families who have had a child pass away.

Thrower explained that the mission at aTeam Ministries is to support families emotionally, spiritually and financially. Their focus is on the needs patient families experience throughout the entire journey of cancer treatment, including mortgage payments and utilities bills.

“This rally is one of those emotional ways we can encourage families by helping make others aware of the many life changes children and families deal with when their child is diagnosed with pediatric cancer,” Thrower said. 

aTeam Ministries is located at 2811 Crescent Ave., Suite 211. Call 401-8232 or visit ateamministries.org for more information.