Optimist International and the St. Paul Optimist Club support OI efforts for Childhood Cancer Campaign -- "Providing the Care ... Finding the Cure"

Did you know that each year more than 12,000 children and teenagers will be diagnosed with cancer? Did you also know that one in every 330 Americans develops cancer before the age of 20? Due to statistics such as these, Optimist Clubs are encouraged to participate in this program by building awareness of the disease, providing assistance to childhood cancer patients and their families and supporting research to find a cure.

Since 1997, the St. Paul Friend Of Youth Foundation has awarded over $250,000 in scholarships. The Foundation was designed to recogize the principles of optimism and good citizenship in youth. A submission form by teachers and counselors nominates youth; and club volunteers rank and score to select each year's winners.