At their biggest event of National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, the Hawai'i Children's Cancer Foundation asked the public to consider not just the emotional toll exacted when a child is diagnosed with cancer but also the often overlooked financial implications that can be just as devastating.

The foundation, which provides financial relief and other help to families of cancer-stricken children, hosted its daylong, sixth annual Jungle Adventure at the Honolulu Zoo yesterday to raise both money and awareness of childhood cancer.

"Cancer treatment is longer for children than it is for adults — from 12 months to three years, on average," said event chairwoman Lei Bol. "Usually, the child's parents are forced to take time off or quit their jobs to take care of their child, and this can be quite devastating to their finances."

Yesterday's event featured educational games, rides and performances by local youth entertainers.

According to the foundation, families lose more than 50 percent of their household incomes to out-of-pocket costs related to a child's treatment.

The foundation provides assistance of up to $4,000 to help local families cope with this loss. It also provides help with a host of other issues associated with childhood cancer, from socialization problems to school re-entry.

An estimated 200 children in Hawai'i are undergoing treatment for cancer at any given time, according to the foundation.

Kaela Teho was diagnosed with leukemia at age 5 and endured more than two years of surgery, medication and spinal taps.

Now 9, Kaela has been in remission for two years and has bounced back well from her ordeal, said her mother, Kendis.

Despite socialization difficulties and other problems commonly associated with childhood cancer recovery, Kaela enjoys a remarkably normal life now. She collects bugs, loves animals and has a penchant for community service. Kendis describes her daughter as "an eco-friendly kid."

Yet Kaela's battle to overcome her disease required major sacrifices from the rest of the family.

Kendis Teho and her husband, Matt, were both self-employed when Kaela was diagnosed. Both had to spend significant time away from their jobs to be with Kaela during her treatments.

It's a situation in which many families of childhood cancer patients find themselves, Teho said.

"With the loss of income and the increased expenses, many families go from being typical soccer families to being in need of serious financial assistance," said Teho, whose family was able to financially stay afloat thanks to assistance from the foundation. "Their extended family may be very kind-hearted and empathetic yet still not understand what is happening behind the scenes."