October is a great time to help raise awareness and support breast cancer research, but you may not know that it's also Liver Cancer Awareness Month. Liver cancer is rare in children, but it is possible. Awareness months like Liver Cancer Awareness Month can also be a great time to learn more about the healthy choices you can make in your children's lives that will impact their future health and cancer risk.

In a town as glamourous as Miami, there is no shortage of can't-miss events on the social scene. For the last 20 years, one of those has been the InterContinental Miami Make-A-Wish Ball, and this year's edition promises to be no different.

This year's event takes place on Saturday, Nov. 7, at the InterContinental Miami (100 Chopin Plaza), beginning with a cocktail reception and silent auction at 7 p.m., and the program beginning at 8:30. The theme this year is Mythology.

In its 20-year history, the Ball has raised more than $16.8 million, enough to grant the heartfelt wishes of more than 3,520 children with critical illnesses. This premier event features dinner, drinks, dancing and the chance to bid on fantasy items and experiences in the famed live and silent suctions.

Actress Gabrielle Anwar serves as the celebrity emcee and host for the evening. Over the years, celebrity guests have included Diana Ross, Paula Abdul, Sharon Stone, Wayne Newton, Pamela Anderson, Mike Piazza, Scottie Pippen, Richie Rich, Christian Slater, Russell and Kimora Lee Simmons, Don King, Venus and Serena Williams, Kim Kardashian, plus many more. This year's entertainer will be announced soon.

Shareef Malnik, Miami restaurateur, is the gala chairman for the 11^th time, and has helped lead the impressive fundraising efforts of the event. Malnik has been inspired to be involved with the organization after his younger brother who was diagnosed with leukemia was granted a wish.

To purchase tickets e-mail Wendy Trouba, or call her at 954-967-9474, ext. 304.

Not Ready To Go Home? Head To The After Party

Not ready to head home or up to your room when the Wish Ball ends? Make-A-Wish Southern Florida has you covered. The InterContinental Miami and Make-A-Wish Southern Florida invite the next generation of contributors and Miami's premier buzz creators in the fashion, arts, music and nightlife industries to the 8th Annual InterContinental Miami Make-A-Wish Starlight Nightclub. Join Gabrielle Anwar, Shareef Malnik and more at this after-hours venue inspired by a mythology-themed culture. The nightclub includes DJ Chuckie, a fashion show and open bar.

Tickets for the nightclub are $100 each. Call at 954-967-9474 ext. 312 to purchase tickets or get more information.

Help Grant Wishes Even If You Can't Attend

Even though the Make-A-Wish InterContinental Wish Ball and Starlight Nightclub will be a magical evening for everyone who attends, it also benefits local kids with critical illnesses and helps to grant their wishes.

If you cannot attend the Wish Ball, you may consider helping out in other ways. Maybe you will make a general donation to Make-A-Wish Southern Florida, or perhaps you will choose to donate a car and put it to better use. To donate a vehicle to Wheels For Wishes, benefiting Make-A-Wish Southern Florida, just call us at [chapter_phone] or fill out our online donation form.

When you donate a car, you will receive free pick up or towing of your vehicle anywhere in Southern Florida, while helping kids in Naples, Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Miami Gardens, Cape Coral and more. Plus, you get a great tax deduction, and you will be helping to grant wishes for local kids. It doesn’t get much better than that!

Child Health Day has been around for quite some time. The federal holiday was introduced to Congress in 1928 and was celebrated for the first time in May 1929. Now it falls on the first Monday of each October, which is Oct. 5 this year.

Cars can be a major pain. Filling the gas tank, paying for insurance, tabs, repairs, oil changes, new tires, and other expenses quickly add up. Plus, dealing with traffic, bad weather, flat tires, and other obstacles on the road all take up so much extra time. Imagine how much time you could save if you decided to ditch your car permanently, or even half of the time. If you live in an area where public transportation, biking, walking, or carpooling is readily available, ditch your car for at least a day and take part in World Car Free Day on Sept. 22. 

This October, there are three fun events for you to participate in that will support Make-A-Wish Philadelphia, Northern Delaware, and Susquehanna Valley. Serving 10 counties within southeastern Pennsylvania and northern Delaware, Make-A-Wish Philadelphia, Northern Delaware, and Susquehanna Valley granted 275 wishes during the 2014 year. This year they hope to grant even more wishes, and your support can help to make this possible. 

Last year, more than 156,000 people in the United States were expected to be diagnosed with a blood cancer such as leukemia or lymphoma. That works out to one new diagnoses every 4 minutes. New cases of leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma was expected to account for 9.4 percent of the estimated 1,665,540 new cancer cases diagnosed in the country last year.

Every September, Leukemia, Lymphoma and Hodgkin's Lymphoma Awareness Months helps raise awareness about these types of blood cancer and to give hope to those affected by the disease. Leukemia, Hodgkin lymphoma, non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), myeloma and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are types of cancer that can affect the bone marrow, the blood cells, the lymph nodes and other parts of the lymphatic system. Learn about which color ribbon to wear this month, as well as other color ribbons associated with each cancer awareness month ribbon.

Improvements in the treatment of these types of blood cancers began during the latter part of the 20^th century largely due to chemotherapy. Research has led to the growing understanding of the many subtypes for each of the blood cancers, and the differences in therapy required based on subtype.

What Is Lymphoma?

Lymphoma is a general term for many blood cancers that originate in the lymphatic system. The two main types are Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Some types of lymphoma are curable, but for other types, many patients are able to keep their disease under control and have a good quality of life with medical treatment. Progress in treating lymphoma gives patients more hope than ever before.

What Is Leukemia?

Leukemia is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow, the spongy center of bones where our blood cells are formed. The disease develops when blood cells produced in the bone marrow grow out of control. The most common types are acute myeloid leukemia, acute lymphoblastic leukemia, chronic myeloid leukemia, and chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Other types of leukemia include hairy cell leukemia, chronic myelomonocytic leukemia and juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia.

Children Affected By These Diseases, Too

Leukemia affects approximately 10 times more adults than children, according to the National Cancer Institute, but it is the most common cancer among children, with acute lymphoblastic leukemia accounting for approximately 75 percent of all childhood leukemias.

The two types of childhood Hodgkin lymphoma are: Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Hodgkin lymphoma is cancer of the blood and bone marrow, and is one of the most curable forms of cancer. Signs and symptoms could include:

• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck, upper chest, armpit, stomach, or groin
• A persistent cough or shortness of breath
• Fever
• Night sweats
• Tiredness, low energy
• Unexplained weight loss
• Itchy skin
• An enlarged spleen

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a diverse group of blood cancers that share a single characteristic in how they develop. It usually develops in the lymph nodes and lymphatic tissues, but sometimes involves bone marrow and blood.

Help To Spread Awareness This Month

Other types of blood cancers include myeloma, myelodysplastic syndromes, and myeloproliferative neoplasms. Most people who are diagnosed with myeloma are over the age of 60. This type of cancer begins in the bone marrow and affects the plasma cells.

Myelodysplastic syndromes is a term used to describe a group of diseases in the blood and bone marrow. No symptoms other than fatigue or shortness of breath may occur, and may be diagnosed due to a routine exam or blood test. 

Myeloproliferative neoplasms are types of blood cancers that begin with an abnormal mutation in a stem cell in the bone marrow. This change leads to an overproduction of white cells, red cells, and platelets.

With this information, you can help to understand the people who are battling these diseases, and you can also help to spread awareness.

Donate A Car To Grant Wishes For Children With Medical Conditions Like These

Survival rates for childhood cancers are continuing to grow, but amongst all of the hospital visits, appointments, treatments, and surgeries, children battling critical illnesses have wishes that they would love to see come true. Wishes could include a family vacation, a shopping trip, or a chance to meet their favorite sports team.  

Thanks to Make-A-Wish, a child between the age of 2 ½ and 18 has their wish granted every 38 minutes, and your car donation to Wheels For Wishes can help to make this possible! Donate a car today and receive a tax deduction for your charitable contribution, plus you will feel great knowing that your donated car has helped to make a wish come true for a local child. Call [chapter_phone] or fill out an online car donation form today.

Whether your idea of fun is relaxing with your friends and enjoying a glass of wine, or you’d rather be out running and competing in a race, Make-A-Wish Illinois has you covered. Their Comparative Wine Tasting event may be for you, or maybe you’d rather run in the Bank of American Chicago Marathon. Whichever event you choose, you will be helping to make wishes come true for kids in Illinois! 

Charity comes in different shapes and sizes. Whether volunteering your time or donating money or goods, charity can make a world of difference for people. That's why the United Nations designated Sept. 5 as the International Day of Charity.

"Charity plays a significant role in the work of the United Nations and its agencies. On this International Day, I call on people everywhere to act on the charitable impulse that resides in every human being -- to start giving and to keep on giving," UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said in last year's International Day of Charity message.

Sept. 5 was chosen by the UN in honor of Mother Teresa of Calcutta who passed away on Sept. 5, 1997. Mother Teresa was renowned for her work as a nun and missionary who devoted herself to helping the poor, sick, orphaned and dying for more than 45 years. She began her works in India and then expanded the order she founded, the Missionaries of Charity of Calcutta, to other countries.

On International Day of Charity, the UN invites its members, all international and regional organizations, non-governmental organizations and individuals, to commemorate the day in an appropriate manner, by encouraging charity, through education and public awareness-raising activities.

How Can I Get Involved?

Many people have non-profits that they are involved with or regularly donate money to. But there are also lots of acts of volunteering that you can take part in to celebrate International Day of Charity. If volunteering is what fits more into your budget, consider these options:

• The faith community in your area is always looking for people to get involved. Synagogues, churches and other local social service providers almost always have a need for volunteers to help plan or run programs or – if you have more time to give – serve on boards or committees.
• Enjoy animals? Most cities have animal shelters that need volunteers to help with walking dogs or feeding animals, to name a few of the chores.
• Know a senior who needs help? Seniors may need help with things like minor work around the house, grocery shopping, or simply having someone to have a cup of coffee with to keep them company.

Donate Your Car On International Day Of Charity

Charity car donation is easy and beneficial, and when you donate your car to Wheels For Wishes, it will help benefit your local Make-A-Wish chapter. Not only will you help to grant the wish of a child in your community, but you also get a great tax deduction for your kind efforts!

We try to make the donation process as hassle-free as possible so your vehicle can be on its way to helping wishes come true. All you need to do to donate a car is follow these three steps:

• Give us a call at [chapter_phone] or take a moment to fill out our online car donation form. Our donation representatives will take care of all the paperwork for you and will be available to help with any questions you may have.
• Next, we'll call to schedule your free vehicle pick-up or tow. All you need to do is clean out your personal items from the vehicle. Don't worry about repairing or washing the vehicle first.
• Finally, wait for your tax-deductible receipt to arrive in the mail. Save this receipt to use for your tax deduction during tax time.

No matter what you are giving to an organization, it should go to a cause you can trust. If you have any suggestions for ways to celebrate International Day of Charity, Please share them with us in the comments or on our Facebook, Twitter or Google+ pages!

This September, lace up your favorite running shoes and get ready for two great Walk For Wishes events benefiting Make-A-Wish Wisconsin. Don’t miss the Appleton Walk For Wishes event taking place on Sept. 12, and the Madison Walk For Wishes event taking place on Sept. 20. Both events are great forms of exercise for the entire family and they help to celebrate Make-A-Wish Wisconsin! 

Whether you live in Vermont, Washington or anywhere in between, September offers you a great opportunity to help grant wishes all over the country. There are several Walks for Wishes in September all over the country that will help benefit your local Make-A-Wish chapter. When you take part, you can help a child with a critical illness.

Walk For Wishes West Michigan

The 2015 Walk for Wishes – West Michigan is taking place Sept. 12 at the John Ball Zoo in Grand Rapids. This fun 1.5-mile walk through the zoo will feature fun activities and food for the participants, as walkers help grant wishes for children with critical illnesses. There is no registration fee to attend the event, and each walk participant is encouraged to raise a minimum on $100.

Registration on-site starts at 7 a.m., the opening ceremony is at 9 a.m. and the walk stats at 9:30. Perks of participating include: Morning refreshments, complimentary lunch following the walk, family-fun entertainment and activities, full access to the John Ball Zoo until 5 p.m., and of course the joy of helping make children's wishes come true. Register today on the event's website.

Vermont Walk For Wishes

Gather friends and families at the beautiful Shelburne Museum (6000 Shelburne Road) in Shelburne on Sept. 13 for the Vermont Walk for Wishes. Get your friends, family, and colleagues to join you and invest in the Make-A-Wish mission. Online registration is $35 for families, $15 for adults, $10 for children aged 12-17, $5 for children 6-11. Kids 5 and under are free. With your registration fee enjoy unlimited access for the day to the Shelburne Museum, a picnic lunch, a commemorative Walk for Wishes t-shirt and all Walk for Wishes activities. For more information, contact Jerica Dziki at 802-585-1009.

Washington Walk For Wishes

The Make-A-Wish Alaska & Washington Walk for Wishes will again be held at Marymoor Park in Redmond (6046 West Lake Sammamish Pkwy NE). When you take part, you can take the first step in making wishes come true for local children battling critical illnesses by joining us at this year’s family-friendly 5K walk and fun run on Sunday, Sept. 13. This includes snacks, kids’ activities, wish inspiration and entertainment with your family and friends. For more information call 800-304-9474.

Walk For Wishes North Jersey

Liberty State Park in Jersey City (76 Audrey Zapp Dr.) hosts the North Jersey Walk for Wishes event on Saturday, Sept. 26. The 5K runners can take part in the USA Track and Field-certified and sanctioned course that winds through the park and onto the promenade that overlooks the Statue of Liberty. Awards are given to 1st, 2nd and 3rd place for Overall Male & Female and Top Male & Female in the following age categories: 14 & Under, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70 and older.

Registration for the 5K run event is $25 for adults before Sept. 25, or $35 the day of the event. Teens or kids running the 5K are $10 each. Walkers 18 and older are $25 and walkers between 5 and 17 years old are $10 each. T-shirts are available for all pre-registered runners and walkers, and t-shirts will be available for day-of registrants on a first come, first serve basis. For more information, contact Danielle Nalbone at 800-252-9474.

Eastern North Carolina Walk For Wishes

Wrightsville Beach Park (1 Bob Sawyer Drive) in Wrightsville Beach, N.C., will host the Eastern North Carolina Walk for Wishes 5K on Sunday, Sept. 27. Day-of event registration and check-in begins at noon with the walk starting at 2 p.m. All participants are asked to arrive between 12 and 1:30 pm. Local children who have either received their wishes or are currently having their wishes scheduled will be recognized during a ceremony beginning at 1:30 pm. Registration is underway at the event website. For additional information regarding the Walk for Wishes, e-mail Janis Netherland at jnetherland@eastnc.wish.org, or you can call her at (910) 399-1375.

Help Make-A-Wish, Even If You Can't Make A Walk

If you don't live near one of these Walks for Wishes but still want to help children in places like Oakland, Miami, Syracuse, Salt Lake City, or almost any other city, we have a way that is a win-win. Wheels for Wishes is a car donation charity that benefits Make-A-Wish chapters around the county. If you have an unwanted vehicle taking up space in your driveway or garage, please donate it to Wheels for Wishes, benefiting Make-A-Wish. Your car donation will be transformed into a magical wish for a child, and you can truly feel great about that.

To donate a vehicle, please call [chapter_phone] or fill out our online donation form. You can also find the Make-A-Wish chapter that Wheels for Wishes supports nearest you. Car donation is easy; even if you aren’t sure how to donate a car, our experienced car donation representatives will walk you through the process and answer any questions you might have. We will pick-up or tow away your vehicle at no cost to you in almost any city in the country. Your car can be out of your garage and on its way to making a difference in the life a Wish Kid. Make the call today!

It can be tough to find time to spend together as an entire family, but Parent’s Day on July 26 may be one day you’d like to set aside a few hours or more for family time. Instead of searching for the perfect gift for your parent or guardian, consider setting aside some time together to create memories that will last a lifetime. 

This July, you can make a difference by helping to raise awareness about sarcoma, including its symptoms and risk factors. Sarcoma is a cancer that affects the connective tissues in the body. Approximately 1 percent of adult cancers and 15 to 20 percent of childhood cancers are sarcomas of the bones or soft tissues. Sarcoma is relatively rare, accounting for an estimated 12,000 cases of cancer in 2015. That's why Sarcoma Awareness Month can be the perfect opportunity to learn more about sarcoma and share what you learn with friends and family who might not be aware.

July is not only the hottest month of the year in the United States, it's also UV Safety Month. This month is about helping adults and parents learn about the best ways to stay safe from harmful UV rays. What you might not know is that skin is an organ – and it's the largest one. Skin plays an important role in keeping bacteria out of the body, minimizing water loss and regulating body temperature.

When anyone – adults or children – spend too much time in the sun, the overexposure can cause serious damage to the skin, cause age spots, wrinkles and even increase the risk of skin cancer. One of the challenges of keeping your skin healthy is finding the right sunscreens to use. Your choices aren't only plentiful, they can also be confusing.

According to the Food and Drug Administration's 2015 regulations, sunscreens that pass the broad spectrum test will provide protection against both ultraviolet B radiation (UVB) and ultraviolet A radiation (UVA). Sunburn is primarily caused by UVB, although both UVB and UVA can cause sunburn, skin cancer, and premature skin aging. Under the new regulations, sunscreen products that protect against all types of sun-induced skin damage will be labeled "Broad Spectrum" and “SPF 15” (or higher) on the front.

However just because you're trying to protect children, doesn't mean you need to use a "children's" sunscreen. Consumer Reports says that the FDA doesn't make the distinction between kids' sunscreen and other types of sunscreens. It also doesn't hold kids' sunscreen to higher safety standard because it's for kids.

Know What You're Putting On

According to the Environmental Working Group, several popular chemicals used in many sunscreens can pose problems if inhaled or if it penetrates the skin to reach living tissue. Mineral-based sunscreens can offer protection with more less-harsh ingredients. 

Other Great Reminders For Sun Safety 

Who wants to bother with health reminders before spending a fun day at the beach in the middle of summer? Unfortunately, the reminders really are for your protection. During UV Safety Month, take a moment to learn more about the health risks of UV light, and about ways to protect your skin and eyes.

1. Check the UV index in your area before going outside. This tool from the EPA can help you prepare better if you're spending a day in the sun.
2. The sun is most intense from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. It's best to avoid being in full sun for too long during these hours.
3. Experts recommend wearing sun protection such as long sleeves, sunglasses and sunscreen, even when it's cloudy. UV light can still pass through clouds and haze.
4. If you are outside on the water or near windows, you are at risk of getting sunburned: These surfaces can reflect more UV rays onto you.
5. Use broad-spectrum sunscreen with a SPF of between 30 and 50. Make sure you apply it 15 minutes before heading outside and reapply it every two hours, especially when swimming.
6. You can still get sunburned in winter, especially when it's sunny and reflecting off the snow. If you are skiing, snowboarding, tubing, or just playing outside, take caution.

Protect Your Eyes, Too

Overexposure to UV light can also have negative effects on your eyes. UV light can increase your risk of eye conditions such as cataracts, growths and cancer in the eye. You also have to check your sunglasses carefully because all are not created equally. Make sure to only buy sunglasses labeled "UV400" or "100% UV protection." Darker lenses don't always mean better protection.

Donate A Vehicle To Help Make-A-Wish

Make-A-Wish chapters around the country are dedicated to help children with life-threating medical conditions. If you want to help their goal of granting wishes, please consider making a car donation to Wheels For Wishes, the car donation program benefiting Make-A-Wish. We offer you a great tax deduction, free towing and an easy way to support an important cause. To donate your car, boat, RV, motorcycle or other vehicle, please call [chapter_phone] or fill out our online car donation form. 

The American Cancer Society estimates more than 74,000 people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with bladder cancer this year, with approximately 16,000 deaths. As one of the more common cancers in our country, a lot needs to be done to reduce its prevalence. Researchers are looking at new ways to find and treat bladder cancer, such as urine tests and, potentially, DNA tests. Research is also being done to see if certain foods, vitamins, supplements and drugs can prevent bladder cancer from returning in those who have already had it.

If you like to golf, the Target Corporation Charity Golf Tournament benefiting Make-A-Wish North Dakota is for you. Taking place on Friday, Aug. 1, participants can golf in teams of four to help grant the wishes of kids living in Fargo, Bismarck, and Grand Forks. Register or become an event sponsor to help make wishes come true for kids in your community.

If you're looking for a great way to help wishes come true for Connecticut children this summer, don't miss Sunflowers For Wishes this July. Now in its 12^th year, Sunflowers For Wishes has raised nearly $1 million in donations. If you'd like a beautiful bouquet of sunflowers to brighten your home, be sure to stop by the Buttonwood Farm (473 Shetucket Turnpike) in Griswold July 18-26.

If you're looking for a fun activity that helps a great cause this July, you have seven opportunities through Make-A-Wish South Dakota! With three golf events and several other happenings, there's something for everyone this summer. Get out your golf clubs, your motorcycle, or bring the family out to one of these events to help Make-A-Wish South Dakota grant more wishes to deserving kids this year.

World Environment Day (WED) falls on June 5 of every year and is the biggest day for positive environmental action. Plus, it’s easy to get involved! There are plenty of activities to partake in around the world, and you can even register an event of your own. Help to encourage worldwide environmental awareness on WED and make a difference during this year’s theme of "Seven Billion Dreams. One Planet. Consume with Care." 

Mother’s Day is right around the corner, which means it’s time to come up with the perfect gift ideas to show your mother just how much she means to you. Whether your mother is into jewelry, arts and crafts, baking, or adventure, we’ve got you covered!

Wednesday, May 6 is National Nurses Day, which kicks off the weeklong celebration of nurses, National Nurses Week, from May 6-12. If your life has been touched by a nurse or you have a nurse in the family, you know just how important nurses are in our lives. You can thank a nurse who's made a difference for you any day, but May 6 is an extra special day to show your gratitude!