[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 173 (Thursday, September 6, 2012)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 55091-55092]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-22146]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 77 , No. 173 / Thursday, September 6, 2012 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 55091]]


                Proclamation 8851 of August 31, 2012

                
National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, 2012

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                Every year, thousands of children across America are 
                diagnosed with cancer--an often life-threatening 
                illness that remains the leading cause of death by 
                disease for children under the age of 15. The causes of 
                pediatric cancer are still largely unknown, and though 
                new discoveries are resulting in new treatments, this 
                heartbreaking disease continues to scar families and 
                communities in ways that may never fully heal. This 
                month, we remember the young lives taken too soon, 
                stand with the families facing childhood cancer today, 
                and rededicate ourselves to combating this terrible 
                illness.

                While much remains to be done, our Nation has come far 
                in the fight to understand, treat, and control 
                childhood cancer. Thanks to ongoing advances in 
                research and treatment, the 5-year survival rate for 
                all childhood cancers has climbed from less than 50 
                percent to 80 percent over the past several decades. 
                Researchers around the world continue to pioneer new 
                therapies and explore the root causes of the disease, 
                driving progress that could reveal cures or improved 
                outcomes for patients. But despite the gains we have 
                made, help still does not come soon enough for many of 
                our sons and daughters, and too many families suffer 
                pain and devastating loss.

                My Administration will continue to support families 
                battling pediatric cancer and work to ease the burdens 
                they face. Under the Affordable Care Act, insurance 
                companies can no longer deny health coverage to 
                children because of pre-existing conditions, including 
                cancer, nor can they drop coverage because a child is 
                diagnosed with cancer. The law also bans insurers from 
                placing a lifetime dollar limit on the amount of 
                coverage they provide, giving families peace of mind 
                that their coverage will be there when they need it 
                most. And as we work to ensure all Americans have 
                access to affordable health care, my Administration 
                will continue to invest in the cutting-edge cancer 
                research that paves the way for tomorrow's 
                breakthroughs.

                This month, we pay tribute to the families, friends, 
                professionals, and communities who lend their strength 
                to children fighting pediatric cancer. May their 
                courage and commitment continue to move us toward new 
                cures, healthier outcomes, and a brighter future for 
                America's youth.

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the 
                United States of America, by virtue of the authority 
                vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the 
                United States, do hereby proclaim September 2012 as 
                National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. I encourage 
                all Americans to join me in reaffirming our commitment 
                to fighting childhood cancer.

[[Page 55092]]

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                thirty-first day of August, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand twelve, and of the Independence of the United 
                States of America the two hundred and thirty-seventh.
                
                
                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 2012-22146
Filed 9-5-12; 11:15 am]
Billing code 3295-F2-P