[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 159 (Wednesday, September 26, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1310]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                            CHILDHOOD CANCER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MICHAEL CLOUD

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 26, 2018

  Mr. CLOUD. Mr. Speaker, childhood cancer is a horrific illness 
plaguing not only our nation, but all nations of the world. In 2017, 
despite childhood cancer being the No. 1 cause of death by disease in 
the U.S., research funding specifically for childhood cancer was less 
than 4 percent of all national cancer funding. Earlier this year, 
Congress passed legislation that would provide more funding for 
research and development to combat childhood cancer. Yet more must be 
done in our communities. For this reason, I rise today to commend the 
actions of a family dedicated to raising awareness of childhood cancer, 
pushing for more involvement from the community, and highlighting the 
troubling effects this epidemic has on those diagnosed and their 
families. This is a family that has gone through the process of 
diagnosis, treatment, and--in this case--remission themselves.
  Lt. Richard Jankovsky III, a DPS patrol officer and President of the 
Department of Public Safety Officers Association (DPSOA), has worked 
tirelessly to protect those on our highways and enforce the law. Yet 
his biggest challenge came when he experienced the effects of childhood 
cancer firsthand as his daughter Kaitlyn grappled with the disease for 
years.
  Kaitlyn was diagnosed with leukemia in August of 2014 when she was 
only 13 years old. Kaitlyn underwent chemo, countless transfusions, and 
multiple surgeries, including a complete hip replacement, on her path 
to remission. Her last chemo treatment was on November 10, 2016. Now a 
senior at Woodsboro High School, Kaitlyn has challenged high schools 
across the state to wear gold ribbons this month, following Governor 
Greg Abbott's proclamation recognizing September as Childhood Cancer 
Awareness Month.
  A major issue many children like Kaitlyn face is access to blood for 
treatments. Cancer patients often need to replenish the blood lost 
during treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation, which requires 
blood from healthy donors. In fact, the South Texas Blood and Tissue 
Center reports there is less than a two-day supply on shelves, which is 
why the Jankovsky family has helped the DPSOA host blood drives for the 
past few years. They know the importance of having clean blood for 
treatments and have strived to bring their community together to help 
solve this problem.
  The Jankovsky family has exhibited perseverance and selflessness, and 
it is an honor to recognize this extraordinary family and their 
commitment to raise awareness of childhood cancer.

                          ____________________