[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 129, 114th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
Proclamation 9310 of August 31, 2015

National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, 2015

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Pediatric cancer affects thousands of young Americans each year. It is
the leading cause of disease-related death for children, and this year,
more than 10,000 of our Nation's youth will be diagnosed with this
tragic disease. Every September, America honors all those who have been
affected by this life-threatening illness: young girls and boys whose
childhoods have been cut short, the loved ones who know the pain
pediatric cancer causes, and the communities across our country that
rally to support their friends and neighbors during difficult times. As
a Nation, we come together to stand with those who have experienced
devastating loss, and we renew our commitment to advance research,
improve treatment, and ensure a brighter, healthier future for all young
Americans.
Over the past 35 years, mortality rates for some types of pediatric
cancer have declined by more than 50 percent, and thanks to major
advancements in research and treatment efforts, our Nation has
significantly improved its understanding and response to this disease.
Today, innovative studies are leading to real breakthroughs--reminding
us of the importance of supporting scientific discovery and moving our
Nation closer to finding cures. Despite these gains, the specific causes
of

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pediatric cancer remain largely unknown, and much work still remains to
be done.
My Administration is committed to advancing the fight against childhood
cancer by supporting the vital studies that will continue to build on
this progress. Last year, I signed the Gabriella Miller Kids First
Research Act, which established the 10-Year Pediatric Research
Initiative Fund, and I will keep urging the Congress to continue
investing the millions of dollars available in this fund to support
medical innovation and life-changing breakthroughs. I was also proud to
appoint a pediatric oncologist to the National Cancer Advisory Board
earlier this year. And this past January, I announced my
Administration's Precision Medicine Initiative, which invests in
research to better understand cancer and other diseases, helping the
United States lead a new era of medicine--one that delivers the right
treatment at the right moment.
Childhood cancer is devastating, and as families face the enormous
burdens it brings, they deserve the security that comes with access to
quality, affordable health care. Under the Affordable Care Act, children
cannot be denied health insurance due to pre-existing conditions such as
cancer. Provisions in the law also eliminate annual and lifetime dollar
limits on coverage and prohibit insurance companies from denying
participation in an approved clinical trial for cancer or another life-
threatening disease.
Pediatric cancer limits the dreams of too many of our Nation's daughters
and sons and deprives our country of their enormous potential. During
National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, we remember the many children
who have been taken from us too soon, and we extend our support to all
those who continue to battle this illness with incredible strength and
courage. Let us honor those on the front lines--the health care
providers, researchers, community organizations, and advocacy groups--
who work tirelessly to ensure our Nation's youth have every opportunity
to grow and thrive, and let us renew our commitment to forging a future
free from cancer in all its forms.
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 2015 as
National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. I encourage all citizens,
government agencies, private businesses, non-profit organizations, and
other groups to join in activities that will increase awareness and
prevention of 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 fifteen, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
fortieth.
BARACK OBAMA