Proclamation Language
Whereas, childhood cancer is the leading cause of death by disease in children, and;
Whereas, 1 in 285 children in the United States will be diagnosed by their 20th birthday, and;
Whereas, 46 children per day or 16,790 children per year are diagnosed with cancer in the U.S., and;
Whereas, the average age of diagnosis is 6 years old, and;
Whereas, 80% of childhood cancer patients are diagnosed late and with metastatic disease, and;
Whereas, on average there’s been a 0.6 percent increase in incidence per year since the mid 1970’s resulting in an overall incidence increase of 24 percent over the last 40 years, and;
Whereas, two-thirds of childhood cancer patients will have chronic health conditions as a result of their treatment toxicity, with one quarter being classified as severe to life-threatening, and;
Whereas, approximately one half of childhood cancer families rate the associated financial toxicity due to out-of-pocket expenses as considerable to severe, and;
Whereas, in the last 30 years only six new drugs have been approved by the FDA to specifically treat childhood cancer, and;
Whereas, the National Cancer Institute recognizes the unique research needs of childhood cancer and the associated need for increased funding to carry this out;
Whereas, hundreds of non-profit organizations at the local and national level including the American Childhood Cancer Organization are helping children with cancer and their families cope through educational, emotional and financial support, and;
Whereas, researchers and healthcare professionals work diligently dedicating their expertise to treat and cure children with cancer, and;
Whereas, too many children are affected by this deadly disease and more must be done to raise awareness and find a cure.
Now therefore, I, (name of elected official), Governor of (state), do hereby proclaim September 2024 as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.
I encourage all Americans to observe Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and support this cause that so deeply impacts families in every community across our country.