[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