September 01, 2026
WHEREAS, childhood cancer is the leading cause of death by disease in children; and,
WHEREAS, 1 in 264 children in the United States will be diagnosed by their 20th birthday; and,
WHEREAS, 41 children per day or 15,500 children per year are diagnosed with cancer in the U.S.; and,
WHEREAS, the average age of diagnosis is 8 years old; and,
WHEREAS, the prognosis for many types of childhood cancer has not improved in decades; and,
WHEREAS, 1 out of 6 children with cancer in America do not survive five years; and,
WHEREAS, 73% of childhood cancer patients will have chronic health conditions as a result of their treatment toxicity, with 42% 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 seven 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; and,
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, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim September 2026 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.
