Maia Laneville, a senior at Pomperaug High School, is leading efforts in Southbury to create awareness for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in September. She is partnering with Circle of Care, a Connecticut-based non-profit that assists families who have a child with cancer. Maia has generated enthusiastic support from hundreds of local residents and businesses by posting on Southbury's community Facebook page. She is even personally delivering yard signs and gold wreaths (gold is the color that represents childhood cancer awareness) to residents and businesses across Southbury to put on display throughout the month of September. 

Maia's work has stirred up so much interest that the Lion’s Club is stepping in to help her deliver signs. She is also coordinating with Pomperaug High School so that players and attendees wear gold at the home football game on September 15. “This has made me feel so grateful,” says Maia, “I’m proud of my town. Proud that so many people are willing to help.” More than 15,000 children are diagnosed with cancer in the U.S. annually including roughly 200+ in Connecticut. 

Survival rates for children are improving, but the families need a lot of support along the way. Often, one parent must leave work to care for the sick child - leaving families without one income while additional expenses pile up like medical costs, travel expenses to and from treatment, child care for siblings, etc. Circle of Care provides practical, emotional, and financial support to children in treatment and their families. Since its inception in 2003, Circle of Care has assisted over 3,200 families, providing over $5 million in services. For more information on how to help or donate, please visit thecircleofcare.org