South San Francisco Illuminates Hope
Published on August 29, 2024
Industrial City continues tradition of lighting Sign Hill tree in honor of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
The City of South San Francisco is proud to continue the City’s tradition of lighting the iconic Sign Hill tree to honor Childhood Cancer Awareness Month this Thursday, August 29, 2024. The ceremony will commence as the sun begins to set at 7:30 p.m. in the Community Room at the Library | Parks & Recreation Center at 901 Civic Campus Way.
The City invites the entire community to join in this powerful event to shine a light on the challenges faced by children battling cancer and express solidarity with their families.
“Each light on the tree represents a beacon of hope, a symbol of the community’s collective commitment to fighting childhood cancer,” shared South San Francisco Mayor James Coleman. “This tree always serves as a reminder of the children and their families who have been affected by childhood cancer, and the importance of always bringing awareness, education, and much-needed funding to end this disease.”
Installed in 1969, the 90-foot telephone pole with strands of 784 bulbs in the shape of a Christmas tree had traditionally been lit in red and green in December honoring Christmas. The City began lighting the tree in gold in 2013, after the passing of one of their residents, Juliana Peña. The tradition has continued ever since in recognition of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.
It's estimated that 1 in 285 children in the U.S. will be diagnosed with cancer before their 20th birthday and estimated 15,780 children per year – are expected to be diagnosed with cancer. Childhood cancer is not one disease. There are more than 12 major types of pediatric cancers and over 100 subtypes. It is the number one cause of death by disease among children. Worldwide, 300,000 children lose their lives every year to cancer.
In addition to lighting the Sign Hill tree, City Hall will also be adorned in gold in honor and memory of children with cancer.
Learn more about how you can support childhood cancer research:
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About the City of South San Francisco
The City of South San Francisco proudly remains The Industrial City, a reflection of its steel mill and ship building past, redefined to reflect the innovative, entrepreneurial, and industrious spirit which has made South San Francisco the Biotech Capital of the World, with 217 active biotech companies and growing. A vibrant community of 66,185 residents, South San Francisco enjoys a high quality of life with an extensive public parks system, active library and learning programming and a dynamic, engaged community making South San Francisco a great place to live, learn, work, and play.