House and Senate Introduce the Conquer Childhood Cancer Act
Bi-partisan effort giving kids with cancer hope through $150 million federal investment for a cure
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| View more photos from the Introduction of the Conquer Childhood Cancer Act of 2007 |
Washington, D.C. – On Thursday March 15, 2007, Representatives Deborah Pryce (R-OH), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Michael McCaul (R-TX), Joe Sestak (D-PA) and Senators Jack Reed (D-RI) and Norm Coleman (R-MN) introduced the Conquer Childhood Cancer Act. This legislation will provide critical resources for the treatment, prevention and cure of childhood cancer. The Conquer Childhood Cancer Act brings hope to the more than 12,500 children who are diagnosed with cancer each year. Over 40,000 children and adolescents currently are being treated for childhood cancers.
“Each day that pediatric cancer research goes under funded, the challenge to discovering new treatments and cures becomes more difficult and the lives of children are unfairly jeopardized,” said Dr. Gregory Reaman, Chairman of the Children’s Oncology Group. “While there have been remarkable breakthroughs in cancer treatments and improvements in survival rates, too many children continue to die.”
The Conquer Childhood Cancer Act is a landmark piece of legislation which authorizes $150 million over a five-year period to expand support for biomedical research programs of the existing National Cancer Institute-designated multi-center national infrastructure for pediatric cancer research, establish a population-based national childhood cancer registry, enable researchers to more accurately study the incidence of childhood cancers and long-term effects of treatments, and provide funding for informational and educational services to families coping with a diagnosis of childhood cancer.
"One child who suffers from cancer is one too many,” said Congresswoman Pryce. “But today, we are introducing legislation that will bring us closer to a goal universally shared by all humanity; the eradication of pediatric cancer. Clearly, a compassionate society and one that is so abundant in its revolutionary research and advancement, can and should place a higher priority on combating childhood cancer – and that is what our bill does.”
“We must launch an all-out battle against pediatric cancer by providing additional resources, improved treatment and more centralized, accessible information – all in the effort to eradicate the number one cause of death by disease for American children,” stated Chris Van Hollen.
“As a parent myself, I can think of nothing more painful than a parent having to helplessly watch their child die. Here in the Congress, we are obligated to prioritize our federal spending and I can think of no greater priority than our children. They are our most valuable and precious resource we have and we must do everything we can to protect them," stated Congressman Michael McCaul.
“When a child is diagnosed with cancer, suddenly the whole family’s life can change overnight. Often times, a parent will have to quit their job to stay home and care for their child,” said Senator Reed. “The Conquer Childhood Cancer Act will deliver much needed hope and support to children and families battling cancer and more resources for vital pediatric cancer research programs.”
“Childhood cancer has tragically claimed far too many lives, but I believe there still is hope,” said Senator Norm Coleman. “Childhood cancer is a unique condition. Although we’re finally making progress on increasing survivorship, we’re finding that there are unique health issues faced by survivors throughout their lifetime. This legislation helps ensure that researchers, physicians and families have the tools they need to confront this disease. By working together, we can hopefully get that much closer to finding a cure to this terrible disease.”
Chase Meacham, a 15-year-old cancer survivor of osteosarcoma, joined other families of children with cancer and childhood cancer advocates to share his story with congressional leaders. “The term cancer danced in and out of my mind, but I dared not utter the word. I was a child and children didn’t get cancer,” said Chase. “We need to find a cure for those lonely children because they may not be around tomorrow. Cancer is their fight, but it is our responsibility. I am here today to ask for your help and support – together, we will find a cure. Thanks to research, I am a survivor.”
“CureSearch is extremely grateful to these dedicated Members of Congress who are shining a national spotlight through the Conquer Childhood Cancer Act,” said Executive Director, Stacy Haller. “We will work together to get this legislation passed. The future of our children is at stake.”
Read the official statements about the Conquer Childhood Cancer Act from:
Congresswoman Deborah Pryce (R-OH)>
Congressman Chris Van Hollen (D-MD)>
Senator Norm Coleman (R-MN)>
Senator Jack Reed (D-RI)>
Read the Bills
Senate 911>
House 1553>
How You Can Help
Send a letter to your members of Congress today! Take this opportunity to let your Members of Congress know how critical it is to invest in a cure for childhood cancer.
It’s easy to send a letter to all of your Members in minutes from our CureSearch website or find out more about the Conquer Childhood Cancer Act. Simply, follow the "Send a letter to Congress" link below and enter your zip code. You may select pre-written messages or compose your own letter. Please add your personal story of childhood cancer so the recipients will know why funding childhood cancer research is important to you.
Thank you for taking action today to help us reach the day when every child with cancer can be guaranteed a cure.
Send a letter to Congress
About CureSearch
National Childhood Cancer Foundation supports the work of the Children’s Oncology Group, the world’s largest cooperative childhood cancer research organization. The Foundation is dedicated to educating the public, increasing awareness and raising funds for childhood cancer research.
The Children's Oncology Group unites the best of the academic and clinical research worlds to move the most promising treatments from the lab into clinical trials. This association of more than 5,000 dedicated experts in childhood cancer research and treatment are located at more than 235 Children's and University hospitals, and Cancer Centers in the United States.
Together, we are committed to conquering childhood cancer through scientific discovery and compassionate care.
CureSearch (www.curesearch.org) is dedicated to reaching the day when every child with cancer can be guaranteed a cure.