[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 126, 112th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 8851--AUG. 31, 2012

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


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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.
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.
BARACK OBAMA