September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. That’s why a local organization that supports kids with cancer and raises funds for research,  has put together a special exhibit to teach and inspire you.

The art display at the Altoona Area Public Library features works by local children and their families who have fought or are fighting cancer. Pinky the cat is wearing a necklace that kind of serves as a collar too, according to the artist, Kaylee Kruise of Altoona. She’s  fighting cancer of the brain and spinal cord.

This exhibit is an outreach project of the Brian Morden Foundation, run by Dawn Morden, and named for her son who lost his life to cancer.  

“I’m grateful that there is a month for childhood cancer awareness. I would like people to realize for the families and the children it’s an every day thing,” Dawn says.

You’ll be able to meet some of the children and their family members this Thursday, September 20 at a Meet and Greet at the library exhibit.

Dawn says, “I think it’s a way to get to know the kids and their families. I hope that people will get a chance to talk to some of the survivors and or family members and just realize  these kids are normal kids they want the same thing that everybody else wants.”

Unfortunately, you won’t get to meet Kaylee,. She’s headed to the hospital on Wednesday for the second of her four chemotherapy treatments. She’s already undergone surgery and radiation.

You can see the exhibit during library hours through the end of the month. The art display is free, but the Morden Foundation has other events this month such as Dining Out to Fight Childhood Cancer at area restaurants, to raise money to fight childhood cancer and to continue to support area kids who are battling it.