Whereas childhood cancer is the leading cause of death in
children under the age of 20, killing more children than asthma, diabetes,
cystic fibrosis, and AIDS combined;
Whereas more than 12,400 children are diagnosed with
childhood cancer each year and 35 children are diagnosed each day;
Whereas 2,500 children a year will not survive their
illness;
Whereas studies and drug development specific to childhood
cancers remain underfunded;
Whereas for every $6 in Federal research per AIDS patient
and every $1 per patient with breast cancer, a child with cancer receives only
30 cents;
Whereas since 1980, only one new drug has been approved
for the treatment of childhood cancer, compared with 50 that have been approved
for adults;
Whereas 3 out of 5 survivors will suffer life-long side
effects, including heart damage, second cancers, lung damage, infertility,
cognitive impairment, growth deficits, hearing loss, and more;
Whereas the American Childhood Cancer Organization is
recognized for its advocacy of childhood cancer awareness;
Whereas the St. Baldrick’s Foundation is recognized for
its endless efforts to raise money for childhood cancer research;
Whereas Curesearch is recognized for its advocacy and
research for childhood cancer;
Whereas the Make a Wish Foundation is recognized for its
efforts in providing support through granting wishes to children suffering from
childhood cancer and other diseases;
Whereas Friends of Kids With Cancer is recognized for its
efforts in providing support to childhood cancer patients and their families in
St. Louis, Missouri;
Whereas there is a need for greater awareness for
childhood cancer on part of the public, including awareness of symptoms,
treatment options, research, and public policy implications; and
Whereas September would be an appropriate month to
designate as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month: Now, therefore, be it
That the House of
Representatives—
(1)supports the designation of Childhood
Cancer Awareness Month; and
(2)applauds the
actions of medical professionals and other caregivers, researchers, patients
and their families, and others who strive to combat and raise public awareness
of childhood cancer.