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To Recognize September 2023 as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in the City of Columbus
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WHEREAS, childhood cancer is the leading cause of death by disease in children, with 1 in 285 children living in the United States being diagnosed by their 20th birthday; and,
WHEREAS, there are approximately 40,000 children on active treatment at any given time; and,
WHEREAS, the average age of diagnosis is 6 years old, compared to 86 years for adults’ cancer diagnosis, and about 80% of childhood cancer patients are diagnosed late and with metastatic disease; and,
WHEREAS, on average there has been a 0.6 percent increase in incidence per year since the mid-1970’s resulting in an overall incidence increase of 24 percent over the last 40 years; and
WHEREAS, approximately one half of childhood cancer families rate the associated financial burden as considerable to sever; and,
WHEREAS, the National Cancer Institute recognizes the unique research needs of childhood cancer and the associated need for increased funding, though it is noted that over the last 20 years only 4 new drugs have been approved by the FDA to specifically treat childhood cancer; and,
WHEREAS, Whereas, hundreds of non-profit organizations at the local and national level including the Friends of Faith Pruden Foundation are helping children with cancer and their families cope through educational, emotional and financial support; now, therefore;
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS: That this Council recognizes September 2023 as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in the City of Columbus and encourages all residents to observe and support this cause that so deeply impacts families in communities across the country.