Local law enforcement goes gold to support Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month

This September, law enforcement across Illinois is going gold in support of children battling cancer, and Cal’s Angels.

The Kane County Sheriff’s Department is wearing 1,000 gold pins throughout the month, a move ordered by Sheriff Ron Hain to raise awareness for pediatric cancer.

Among those wearing a pin is SWAT team member Brock Larkin, whose daughter, KyLynn, is a pediatric cancer survivor. The Larkins were buoyed by St. Charles-based Cal’s Angels.

In Cook County, Sheriff Tom Dart has taken the effort even further — outfitting 5,000 sheriff’s deputies with gold pins, making a powerful statement of solidarity with children and families impacted by cancer.

Gold is the official color of Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month, a reminder of the urgent need for research and support.

Despite the devastating impact of childhood cancer, federal funding remains at just 4% of the overall cancer research budget. Organizations like Cal’s Angels continue to bridge that gap, granting wishes, funding clinical trials, and bringing hope to thousands of families across Illinois and beyond.

“This show of support from Sheriff Hain, Sheriff Dart, and their departments is more than symbolic,” said Stacey Wahlberg, president and co-founder of Cal’s Angels. “It tells families fighting pediatric cancer that they are not alone — and that their community stands with them. We urge everyone, be the other 96%.”

For more information on getting involved this month, from eating at Culver’s or Jersey Mike’s, to “going gold,” check out Cal’s Angels at calsangels.org. Follow facebook.com/CalsAngels/ or .instagram.com/calsangels/.