Children’s of Alabama Raises Awareness for Childhood Cancer and Sickle Cell Awareness Month

Birmingham, Ala. (Sept. 1, 2026) — Thousands of families across the United States are affected by childhood cancer and sickle cell disease. During September, Children’s of Alabama recognizes these patients and their families for their courage and raises awareness of treatment advancements to help those diagnosed with these conditions.

“Children with childhood cancer and sickle cell disease can feel isolated against these diseases,” said Dr. Jeffrey Lebensburger, a pediatric hematologist-oncologist at Children’s of Alabama and the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). “Letting our children know that the community stands with them can boost their morale and let them know the community can be an integral part of their team.”

More than 2,000 patients who have cancer and blood disorders are treated at the Alabama Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders. The center is ranked among the best pediatric cancer programs in the United States. It is a partnership between Children’s of Alabama, the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Division of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Blood and Marrow Transplantation Program, the O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at UAB, UAB Lifespan Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center (UAB LCSCC) and national childhood research entities, including the National Cancer Institute and the Children’s Oncology Group. This team of more than 300 dedicated healthcare professionals works tirelessly to provide patient care and improve patient treatment.

“The services provided by the team ensure that each child receives state-of-the-art specialized care and is treated as an individual while providing support for the whole family,” said Dr. Girish Dhall, Director of the UAB Division of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology, and Blood and Marrow Transplantation.

Sickle cell disease is the most common inherited blood disorder. According to the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, nearly 100,000 people have sickle cell disease in the United States, and between 1,800 and 2,000 babies are born with the condition each year. Children’s and UAB Lifespan Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center work together to care for hundreds of children who have been diagnosed with sickle cell disease in Alabama.

“Our team has vast experience when it comes to caring for patients who have been diagnosed with sickle cell disease,” said Lebensburger. “We look at the patient as a whole instead of looking at each patient as a disease. This level of care and attention is very important for our sickle cell patients.”

Lebensburger says there is a multidisciplinary team that works with the patient and their family. This team includes psychologists, social workers, teachers, and child life specialists.

Children’s will shine a light to raise awareness about childhood cancer. Beginning at dusk on September 1, the hospital will be lit in gold for the month.