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 deser...
Click here for full text