'I just want them to be seen': Manitoba families push to get Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

There's a month to grow a mustache and a month to wear pink, but some families in Manitoba want the province to make a month to raise awareness for childhood cancer.

When most kids are learning to colour in the lines, Mekena Horbas was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer. The five-year-old girl has already gone through several rounds of chemotherapy and radiation and has a 50 per cent chance of survival, according to her mother, Mary. 

"It's extremely tough. .. It's just extremely hard to balance having other children and taking care of a sick child inside and outside of the hospital," Mary said. "I had to take on being her nurse too and that wasn't easy at all."

The Horbas family joined a number of others at the Legislature Tuesday to push the province to pass a bill that would make September Childhood Cancer awareness month.

Although the Canadian Cancer Society already recognizes September as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, Mary said not many people know what the gold ribbon stands for. She said an increase in visibility would mean more funding for research and early detection.

"We're just asking for awareness, not money from anyone," Mary said.

"We want these kids to be recognized. These kids aren't getting the attention they deserve. They are fighting for their lives I just want them to be seen."

Horbas will be at the legislature next Tuesday in the hopes that Bill 209 will be passed.