Because our children are more precious than Gold
Our Mission
Childhood Cancer Ireland is a charity founded by and led by parents of children with cancer.
Our mission is to achieve health justice for all children diagnosed with cancer in Ireland.
We want to ensure that more children survive childhood cancer and thrive as adults through early diagnosis, access to less toxic treatments and a holistic approach to support for survivors and their families, who are dealing with the long-term effects.
We provide dedicated support
services & information for…
Parents
If your child has recently been diagnosed with cancer, we understand the fear and powerlessness you are feeling. We have been where you are now, and we know that you are looking for useful information, but we also know that too much information can be overwhelming.
Young People
Adolescents and Young Adults (AYAs) have very specific concerns when they are diagnosed with cancer.
This is a time when you want to meet others and form close relationships. It’s a time when you want to focus on school, careers or starting families.
Survivors
Leaving treatment is a time to celebrate but can also be an anxious time for patients and parents.
Living with childhood cancer is all-consuming – so what now? How do you go forward in this new life as a survivor?
“Supporting Ireland’s fight against childhood cancer”
6 children every week are diagnosed with cancer
Latest News
Nominate Your Unsung Hero in Healthcare
This September, we want to acknowledge the 'unsung heroes' who support children, adolescents, young adults and parents during and after treatment. Along your journey you have no doubt met nurses, doctors, admin support, catering staff, housekeeping /...
Institute of Education Support
The Institute of Education is a nationally and internationally-recognised second level school based in Lower Leeson St, Dublin 2. It offers full-time education to 4th – 6th year students, as well as part-time courses and grinds for 2nd – 6th year...
Peer Supporter Recruitment
Childhood Cancer Ireland is currently recruiting parent peer support volunteers to join our Parent Peer Support Programme. Peer supporters will have had a child diagnosed with childhood, adolescent or young adult cancer. You must be at least three years...
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Who We Are
A helping hand is most appreciated
Your generosity has the power to improve the lives of children, adolescents and young adults with cancer and their families.
We help ease the burden of diagnosis and treatment on children and their families by providing practical and emotional supports for families at a very difficult time.
Upcoming Events
Light it up Gold Walk – 27th September 2025
Every year, we gather for a very special walk, filled with love, remembrance, and light. Families whose children are in treatment, survivors who inspire us with their strength, and those walking in memory of beloved children, all come together as one.
This walk is more than a path we share, it gives us an opportunity to mark the incredible light our children bring into the world. This light connect us, even though our journeys may differ. Their courage, joy, and love leave a mark that changes us forever. Together, we honour their journeys and lift each other up as we reflect and remember as we Light it up Gold.
This year our candlelit walk will take place in Maynooth, Co. Kildare on Saturday 27th September from 6.30pm, bringing families and the community together in solidarity and to shine a light on living with and beyond childhood cancer.
Our short walk (approx 3km) will take place in the beautiful grounds of St. Patrick’s College Maynooth. Refreshments and children’s entertainment will be provided. Register here to attend
27 Sep 2025
We are delighted to announce that our 5th Annual CAYAS (Childhood, Adolescent and Young Adult Cancers & Survivorship) Conference will take place on Saturday 11th October in Croke Park Stadium, hosted by Childhood Cancer Ireland and CanTeen Ireland. Childhood Cancer Ireland and CanTeen Ireland are dedicated to creating and hosting an event that highlights the lived experience of parents, families, patients, and survivors by providing them with a platform to collaborate and connect with medical experts, healthcare researchers, and others. More information coming soon but for now you can register your interest to be kept up to date. Register your interest in CAYAS 2025
11 Oct 2025
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Thursday 16th and Friday 17th October 2025, 9am-6pm
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Ballymascanlon Hotel, Dundalk
- Clinicians and healthcare providers
- Researchers
- Academics
- Patient advocates
- Two days of updates and best practice in children’s cancer across the island of Ireland
- Multi-disciplinary, research and clinical insight sessions
- Networking opportunities
- Discuss the latest issues within the cancer community
- Enjoy a fun evening with friends and colleagues at our Conference Dinner.
- All-Island Networks
- Adolescent & Young Adults
- Precision Oncology
- Supportive Care
- All-Island Children’s Oncology Research Network (ACORN)
16 Oct 2025
Childhood Cancer Ireland brings parents together to connect and learn, alongside our experts as we explore shared experiences and ways to strengthen families after childhood or adolescent cancer. Putting the pieces back together Receiving a diagnosis of childhood, adolescent or young adult cancer pulls the rug from under the entire family without warning. This new world, with its own language and treatment schedule, keeps you so busy that you often don’t have time to breathe until treatment is over. Where do we go from here? How do we put the pieces back together? The parents are the foundations of the family, so we know that looking after you is the first step in looking after your family. Taking steps forward This free, one-day workshop is an opportunity to connect with other parents with a shared experience. You will also learn practical strategies from our experts and hear from a parent peer supporter, as we focus on parenting at different stages and self care, supporting you as you navigate this next phase in your family’s experience of childhood cancer. 2025 workshops:
- Dublin, Sat 14th June
- Cork, Sat 18th October
18 Oct 2025