In the near future, I will be introducing a resolution designating September 2024 as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in Pennsylvania. 

According to the American Cancer Society over 9,600 new cases will be diagnosed in American's children under the age of 15 this year. Childhood cancer rates have been slightly increasing for the past few decades, but stabilized in 2010.

Eighty-five percent (85%) of children with cancer now survive at least 5 years due to major treatment advances in recent decades.  This is a significant increase since the mid-1970s when the 5-year survival rate was about 58%.  However, survival rates vary depending on the type of cancer and other factors.

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in children ages 1 to 14. Over 1,000 children under the age of 15 are expected to die from cancer in 2024.

This resolution will encourage those young Pennsylvanians still in their fight, honor the young people who have tragically lost their lives to cancer, and thank the medical personnel for their care and commitment. I encourage all to join the fight against childhood cancer.

Thank you for your consideration!