    [United States Statutes at Large, Volume 124, 111th Congress, 2nd Session]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    PROCLAMATION 8556--SEPT. 10, 2010

    Proclamation 8556 of September 10, 2010
    National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, 2010
    By the President of the United States of America
    A Proclamation

    Each year, thousands of children face the battle against cancer with
    inspiring hope and incredible bravery. When a child is diagnosed with
    cancer, an entire family and community are affected. The devotion of
    parents, grandparents, loved ones, and friends creates a treasured
    network of support for these courageous children. During National
    Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, we honor the young lives taken too
    soon and the survivors who face chronic health challenges, we celebrate
    the progress made in treatment and recovery, and we rededicate ourselves
    to fighting this disease so all children may have the chance to live a
    full and healthy life.
    While survival rates for many childhood cancers have risen sharply over
    the past few decades, cancer is still the leading cause of death by
    disease for young Americans between infancy and age 15. Too many
    families have been touched by cancer and its consequences, and we must
    work together to control, and ultimately defeat, this destructive
    disease. I invite all Americans to visit Cancer.gov for more information
    and resources about the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of childhood
    cancers.
    Tragically, the causes of cancer in children are largely unknown. Until
    these illnesses can be cured, my Administration will continue to support
    investments in research and treatment. The National Cancer Institute,
    the Federal Government's principal agency for cancer research, is
    supporting national and international studies examining the risk factors
    and possible causes of childhood cancers.
    The health reforms included in the landmark Affordable Care Act advance
    critical protections for individuals facing cancer. Provisions in the
    law prohibit insurance companies from limiting or denying coverage to
    individuals participating in clinical trials, the cornerstone of cancer
    research. After recovering from cancer, children can no longer be denied
    insurance coverage due to a pre-existing condition. It also requires all
    new plans to provide preventive services without charging copayments,
    deductibles, or coinsurance, increasing access to regular checkups that
    can help detect and treat childhood cancers earlier. The Affordable Care
    Act eliminates annual and lifetime caps on insurance coverage and
    prohibits companies from dropping coverage if someone gets sick, giving
    patients and families the peace of mind that their insurance will cover
    the procedures their doctors recommend.

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    This month, we pay tribute to the health-care professionals,
    researchers, private philanthropies, social support organizations, and
    parent advocacy groups who work together to provide hope and help to
    families and find cures for childhood cancers. Together, we will carry
    on their work toward a future in which cancer no longer threatens the
    lives of our Nation's children.
    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 2010 as
    National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. I also encourage all
    Americans to join me in recognizing and reaffirming our commitment to
    fighting childhood cancer.
    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this tenth day of
    September, in the year of our Lord two thousand ten, and of the
    Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
    fifth.
    BARACK OBAMA