September Is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month In Berkeley

BERKELEY, NJ — For the seventh year in a row, Mayor Carmen Amato has proclaimed that September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in Berkeley in honor of Emiliana O'Brien, who died of osteosarcoma at just 13.

Since her death, Emiliana's Hope, a non-profit foundation, was founded by her parents to raise money and awareness as Emiliana's pet peeve was the lack of funding and awareness for childhood cancer, said mother Janet O'Brien.

Emiliana was diagnosed in June 2015 and died on Dec. 1, 2015.

Through the years, Emiliana's Hope has donated thousands towards childhood cancer research.

During the month of September, Berkeley residents are encouraged to "wrap the town in gold" and wear the gold ribbon signifying childhood cancer awareness. Gold ribbons will go up outside of Town Hall, the recreation center, the police department and Veterans Park.

It is especially important this year, Amato said, as another young child in town was recently diagnosed with cancer.

"Together we carry on the work towards a future in which cancer no longer threatens the lives of children," Amato said.

For more information about Emiliana's Hope, visit their website or their Facebook page.