SR0936 100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0936 LRB100 14795 MST 29615 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Childhood cancer is on the rise; it is a global problem; every two minutes a child is diagnosed with cancer; that equals 300,000 children around the world every year; childhood cancer and adult cancers are not the same, yet treatment options for children continue to rely on downsized adult cancer protocols, many times with devastating effects; there are 16 major types of childhood cancers and over 100 different subtypes; the lack of childhood cancer research and cures has a tremendous impact on children and places a significant cost on society; this will continue until there is a monumental increase in funding for research and cures; and

WHEREAS, Pediatric cancer remains the leading cause of death by disease in children and young adolescents; the incidence of invasive cancer in children is up 29% in the past 20 years; even as the five-year survival rate continues to improve, the incidence of childhood cancer has been steadily increasing over the last few decades; in 80% of children with cancer, the cancer has already spread to other areas of the body by the time it is diagnosed; this is why children need treatment immediately; and

WHEREAS, Despite the need for childhood cancer awareness, financial support has not reached the same national level as other cancer awareness campaigns, many of which are for adults cancers; the Fiscal Year Consolidated Appropriations Act included over five billion dollars for the National Cancer Institute which is an increase of more than 174 million dollars over the fiscal year of 2016; of that over five billion dollars, only approximately 3.8% of that is allocated to childhood cancer research; nationally, childhood cancer is 20 times more prevalent than pediatric aids yet pediatric aids receives four times the funding that childhood cancer receives; and

WHEREAS, Numerous childhood cancer foundations and facilities work on treatments, but since most organizations work independently, no singular umbrella of awareness exists to unite or elevate awareness or provide a call to action that childhood cancer desperately needs and children deserve; and

WHEREAS, In the last 20 years, only three cancer medications have been specifically developed for children; in 25 years, the FDA has initially approved only two drugs for any childhood cancer; half of all chemotherapies used for childhood cancers are over 25 years old; the average age for a child with cancer is eight years old causing a child to lose 69 years of expected life; approximately 20% of all children with cancer will die from their disease, a secondary cancer, or complications from the treatment within five years of the diagnosis; more than 400,000 children will undergo treatment for cancer each year; every day, 43 children are diagnosed with cancer; due to treatments during childhood, by the time the child reaches their 30s to 40s more than 95% of childhood cancer survivors will have chronic health problems, and 80% will have severe or life threatening conditions; and

WHEREAS, More than 35 states have declared the month of September as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month; in 2016, President Obama proclaimed September as National Childhood Cancer Month; and

WHEREAS, As parents and advocates for children, our calling is to protect children, so we are compelled to greatly increase the awareness of childhood cancer and its devastation to children and their family; through this very awareness we can raise the greatly needed funding for research and new cures that are better gauged for children; these children need and deserve a voice to help them reach a greater survival rate and, hopefully someday, a complete cure; and

WHEREAS, Childhood cancer has an international symbol, the Gold Ribbon, and a motto, "Go Gold"; these help increase not only awareness, but the support of the public who need to know how desperately these children need their help; support will also help the child's family not feel alone during this very desperate time; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDREDTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we declare September of 2017 as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in the State of Illinois in honor and memory of all the children that were taken too soon by cancer and in recognition of those children currently fighting the toughest battle of their lives.