Shine for a Cure

Childhood cancer is a dark and difficult journey, but no child should ever have to walk it alone. Shine for a Cure is a year-round fundraising and awareness campaign presented by the Arms Wide Open Childhood Cancer Foundation. We are inviting individuals, families, schools, and businesses to become Stars in the fight against childhood cancer.

When you join Shine for a Cure, you are doing more than raising money. You are sending a powerful message of hope, solidarity, and light to children and families who need it most.

How It Works

The gold ribbon is the universal symbol of childhood cancer awareness. Shine for a Cure takes that symbol one step further by introducing the gold star.

Every person who participates becomes a Star. You can raise money and awareness in whatever way inspires you, at any time of year. Whether you want to host a bake sale, organize a "Gold-Out" day at your school, dedicate a sports game, or simply share your fundraising page with friends and family, you have the freedom to shine your way.

Become a Star: Click the "Fundraise" or "Join a Team" button to create your personal fundraising page in seconds.
Choose Your Path: Decide how you want to raise awareness. Host an event, wear gold, or launch a social media challenge.
Share Your Light: Share your custom link with your network and watch your impact grow.
Level Up: As you hit fundraising milestones, you will level up from Bronze Star all the way to Supernova, earning special recognition and prizes along the way!

Join a Team

Are you passionate about funding research for a specific type of childhood cancer? You can join one of our dedicated cancer-type teams! Whether you are shining for Team Blast (Neuroblastoma), Team Liquid Gold (Leukemia), or Team Brainwave (Brain Tumors), your efforts will directly support research and families affected by that specific diagnosis.

You can also create your own team for your school, business, or community group to compete on our national leaderboard.

The Ultimate Prize

While you can fundraise year-round, September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and the peak of our campaign. At the end of the year, our top fundraising Star will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to New York City to be honored on stage at our signature event, Shave for a Cure!

Where the Money Goes

100% of the funds raised through Shine for a Cure go directly to the Arms Wide Open Childhood Cancer Foundation. Your efforts will fund less toxic therapies for children with cancer, provide critical support to families facing financial and emotional hardship, and raise national awareness.

Are you ready to shine a light on childhood cancer? Become a Star today!

Shine for a Cure

Become a Star and Shine a Light on Childhood Cancer!

Team Leaderboard

Team Members