[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 128, 113th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 9155--AUG. 29, 2014

Proclamation 9155 of August 29, 2014

National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, 2014

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Each year, pediatric cancer interrupts the childhood and limits the
potential of thousands of young Americans. It is estimated that almost
16,000 of our daughters and sons under the age of 20 will be diagnosed
with cancer this year, and it remains the leading cause of disease-
related death for children. This month--in honor of these young
patients, their loved ones, and all those who support them--we
rededicate ourselves to combating this devastation.
Critical research has led to real progress in the fight against
pediatric cancer. Improvements in treatment and increased participation
in clinical trials have helped decrease mortality rates for many types
of childhood cancer by more than 50 percent over the past 30 years.
These gains remind us of the importance of supporting scientific
advances, and give us hope for a future free from cancer in all its
forms. My Administration continues to invest in long-term research
efforts that will build on this progress. As part of this commitment,
earlier this year I signed the Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act,
which established

[[Page 4194]]

the 10-Year Pediatric Research Initiative Fund. I continue to call on
the Congress to invest the millions of dollars available in this Fund to
support the urgent medical innovation that could lead to life-changing
breakthroughs.
As we continue to pursue medical advances, the Affordable Care Act is
improving families' access to quality, affordable health coverage.
Childhood cancer can occur suddenly, with no early symptoms, and regular
medical checkups can help detect pediatric cancer at an early stage. The
Affordable Care Act helps millions of families access this essential
medical care, and new protections eliminate annual and lifetime dollar
limits on coverage. Insurance companies are also prohibited from denying
coverage due to a history of cancer, or any other pre-existing
condition, and from denying participation in an approved clinical trial
for any life-threatening disease.
During National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, our Nation comes
together to remember all those whose lives were cut short by pediatric
cancer, to recognize the loved ones who know too well the pain it
causes, and to support every child and every family battling cancer each
day. We join with their loved ones and the researchers, health care
providers, and advocates who support them as we work toward a tomorrow
where all children are able to pursue their full measure of happiness
without the burden of cancer.
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 2014 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 twenty-ninth day of
August, in the year of our Lord two thousand fourteen, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
ninth.
BARACK OBAMA