The Child Cancer Foundation needs volunteers to collect on Beads of Courage Day (our street collection) on Friday, March 23rd.

The Foundation's goal is to raise $1 million on Beads of Courage Day and throughout Child Cancer Appeal Month in March to help children with cancer and their families. The Foundation aims to reduce the impact of cancer by offering services to ensure children and their families are supported, informed and well cared for on their journey with cancer.

Three children are diagnosed with cancer each week in New Zealand and collectively undergo a total of 100,000 treatments and procedures annually. For each of these they receive a Bead of Courage from the Child Cancer Foundation.

Child ambassador Hannah Lacey is one of the children who has been supported by the Foundation. She has 450 Beads of Courage. Hannah is four years old and lives in Auckland. She was diagnosed with a Wilms Tumour at Christmas, in 2010. Her treatment has included the removal of her right kidney, chemotherapy and radiation. Hannah completed treatment a week after her fourth birthday at the end of August, 2011, but unfortunately her health deteriorated seven weeks later and investigations found a Wilms metastasis in her brain. This was unexpected and very rare. The metastasis was removed and further radiation followed. Hannah has once again completed her treatment and is enjoying resuming normal family life, including preschool.

A dedicated Child Cancer Foundation Family Support Coordinator is available to each child and family from time of diagnosis. The Foundation receives no funding from the government or from any other cancer charities and relies on the generous support of New Zealanders to help fight child cancer.

It's easy to help and just an hour or two spent collecting can make a real difference. Sign up with friends or take ownership of a site with your local club. The Foundation will give you all the support you need.

Each hour spent collecting for the Foundation makes life that little bit easier for families living with child cancer. And you can be sure that 100% of money you help raise will go directly to support much needed Family Support Services.

The Child Cancer Foundation's 2011 Castalia Report showed that the Foundation delivers high value, low cost, effective Child and Family Support services and programmes. This is achieved with the aid of your generosity and time.