September is national Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, and patients, families, researchers and charities including Jeff Gordon Children's Foundation (JGCF) across the United States will rally to bring awareness and raise funds for childhood cancer research, treatment, patient support and survivorship issues during the month.

Founded by four-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jeff Gordon in 1999, JGCF is dedicated to the fight to end pediatric cancer. The inspiration for Gordon's charitable work developed several years earlier when former No. 24 crew chief Ray Evernham's son, Ray J., was diagnosed with leukemia.

Today, JGCF funds a full spectrum of oncology researchers and practitioners including those finding the molecular causes of pediatric cancer, clinical researchers focused on testing the effectiveness and long-term side-effects of treatments, and healthcare professionals charged with ensuring that every patient receives the best possible treatment and care. What started as a small project driven by one special child has grown into an organization that has raised more than $15.5 million for children's health organizations since its establishment 16 years ago.

"Every child battling cancer deserves a future full of limitless potential and the chance to achieve a lifetime of dreams," said Gordon. "Our work won't stop until that day is reached."

Throughout the month of September, JGCF will be hosting multiple opportunities to engage the public in raising awareness and funds for childhood cancer including participation in the coordinated "StepUp: Make Childhood Cancer a National Priority" social media campaign, designed to create a unified community voice through shared messaging around childhood cancer priorities. Gordon is also personally committed to matching all funds raised -- up to $100,000 -- through JGCF Kick-It events held during the month of September. To locate or organize an event in your community, visit www.kick-it.org/jeffgordon.

Every day, 43 children in the United States are diagnosed with cancer. The average age at diagnosis is 6 years old and approximately one-quarter of those diagnosed will not survive the disease.

Jeff Gordon Children's Foundation

Jeff Gordon Children's Foundation supports children battling cancer by funding programs that improve patients' quality of life, treatment programs that increase survivorship and pediatric medical research dedicated to finding a cure. For more information visit www.jeffgordonchildrensfoundation.org.