September 2019: Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

WHEREAS, childhood cancer is the leading cause of death by disease in children; and,

 

WHEREAS, 15,700 children and adolescents under 20 years of age are diagnosed with cancer each year in the United States; and,

 

WHEREAS, one in eight of our nation’s children loses his or her battle with cancer, and many infants, children, and teens will suffer from the long-term effects of comprehensive treatment, including secondary cancers; and,

 

WHEREAS, 95 percent 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, in the United States, cancer is one of the most expensive medical conditions to treat, and, as a result, childhood cancer families experience financial hardship many years after the diagnosis; and,

 

WHEREAS, 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, the National Cancer Institute recognizes the unique research needs of childhood cancer and the associated need for increased funding to carry out this effort; and,

 

WHEREAS, as a result of these research efforts and improvements in health care, childhood cancer death rate in Michigan has decreased by 25 percent in the past two decades; and,
 

WHEREAS, we should continue to raise awareness of childhood cancer in our state, recognize child patients’ determination and bravery to fight the battle, and improve childhood health care to enhance the quality of life for the future leaders of our state;

 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim September 2019 as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in Michigan.