September 2024: Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

WHEREAS, each year in the United States an estimated 14,910 children from birth to 19 years old are diagnosed with cancer, equal to about 41 childhood cancer diagnoses each day; and,

WHEREAS, each year worldwide, there are more than 400,000 new childhood cancer diagnoses; and,

WHEREAS, although the five-year survival rate for childhood cancers has reached 85 percent, an estimated 1,040 American children under the age of fifteen still die each year from cancer; and,

WHEREAS, during this awareness month, advocates, non-profits, health care professionals, researchers, and families impacted want the people of Michigan to know the prevalence and reality that children facing cancer experience each and every day; and,

WHEREAS, two-thirds of survivors will face at least one chronic health condition later on in life – not limited, but including – heart, liver, lung damage, infertility, secondary cancers, and growth deficits; and,

WHEREAS, the causes of childhood cancer are largely unknown, and more studies are needed to understand which treatments work best for children; and,

WHEREAS, there are hundreds of children being treated for cancer in Michigan; and,

WHEREAS, Michigan is a caring state that supports children and families;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim September 2024 as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in Michigan.