RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, families, caregivers, charities and research groups across the United States observe September as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month; and
WHEREAS, in the United States, 15,780 children under the age of twenty-one (21) are diagnosed with cancer every year and approximately 1/4 of them will not survive the disease; and
WHEREAS, a diagnosis changes the lives of families as uncertainty takes over and the constant fear of losing a child becomes overwhelming; and
WHEREAS, the objective of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month is to put a spotlight on the types of cancer that largely affect children, survivorship issues, and - importantly - to help raise funds for research and family support; and
WHEREAS, the Children's Cancer Research Fund is a national nonprofit that has contributed $150 million to research, education and awareness, and quality-of-life programs for families affected by childhood cancer; and
WHEREAS, the Children's Cancer Research Fund cited that 42 families in the United States will hear the words "your child has cancer" every day, and every week, 38 kids will lose their battles to cancer; and
WHEREAS, according to a study by the Centers for Disease Control, Illinois has the highest pediatric cancer rate in the Midwest although doctors say it is not clear why; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Stewart Goldman, Division Head at Lurie Children's Hospital's pediatric cancer ward says, "Anything that brings exposure to the incidence and need for better research and better treatment is truly beneficial;" and
WHEREAS, Dr. Goldman further explained that funding for pediatric cancer makes up approximately three percent (3%) of overall cancer funding; and
WHEREAS, the Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation has been a strong supporter and advocate for research funding for pediatric cancer in the Chicago area; and
WHEREAS, their mission is to raise money for cancer research and to provide support to children and their families because they believe every family and child deserves a fighting chance; and
WHEREAS, in May of 2017, the Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation donated $3.5 million to create two endowed funds at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago; and
WHEREAS, the Hope 44 Endowed Fund will provide grants on a case-by-case basis for families facing financial hardship due to unexpected needs resulting from a child's treatment for cancer and the Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation Child Life Endowed Fund, will provide ongoing support for two oncology Child Life specialists; and
WHEREAS, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, formerly Children's Memorial Hospital, provides superior pediatric care in a setting that offers the latest benefits and innovations in medical technology, research and family-friendly design and is the largest pediatric provider in the region with a 130-year legacy of excellence; and
WHEREAS, Melissa Mota and Jorge Negrete credit these fine organizations for helping them with housing, treatment, financial assistance and emotional support after their daughter Abigail Negrete (Abby) was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia at 2.5 months old; and
WHEREAS, Abby endured several months of high dose chemotherapy and needed a lifesaving stem cell transplant, at nine months old she underwent radiation to prepare her for the stem cell transplant, and on October 12, 2016 she received the transplant at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago; and
WHEREAS, September 2018 marks the two year anniversary of Abby's remission, she continues to live the healthy life a toddler should live with her loving family by her side thanks to the amazing work these organizations do; and
WHEREAS, these organizations have served countless families and children, like the Mota-Negrete family, in their time of need and continue their mission to provide a cancer-free world; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED, that we, the Mayor, and members of the Chicago City Council, assembled this 20th day of September, 2018, do hereby reaffirm our recognition and commitment to Childhood Cancer Awareness Month during the month of September throughout the City of Chicago; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a suitable parchment copy of this resolution be presented to the Mota-Negrete family, the Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation and the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago.
Edvbtra M. Burke Alderman, 14th Ward