Congressional Childhood Cancer Caucus Hosts its 12th Annual Summit

Last week, Representatives G.K. Butterfield (D-NC), Mike Kelly (R-PA), Jackie Speier (D-CA) and I virtually hosted the 12th Annual Childhood Cancer Summit where we gathered with advocates, doctors, and survivors to raise awareness for the pediatric cancer community.

Each year, we gather with members of Congress, advocates, survivors and health care professionals to raise awareness for childhood cancer. When this caucus first begun, there were only two treatments for pediatric cancer. Now, there are 22 treatments because of legislation we passed in Congress. I am proud to be a voice for children battling this disease - letting them know they are not alone in their fight.

“No family should ever have to experience the horrific pain of losing a child. Pediatric cancer is the leading cause of death by disease among children, and it is critical that we discover new, innovative treatments and cures,” said Congressman Butterfield. 

“No parent should ever have to hear the words, ‘Your child has cancer.’ Every day, families, child advocates, scientists, and members of Congress work in a bipartisan way to make this dream a reality,” said Congressman Kelly. “I was honored to join my fellow colleagues for the Childhood Cancer Summit to thank the tireless men and women dedicated to this noble fight. More funding is needed at every level, but I’m confident we’ll someday see a world without childhood cancer. Together we can beat cancer.”

“The Childhood Cancer Summit is a chance to celebrate and reflect on the incredible advancements in pediatric cancer care thanks to years of hard work by childhood cancer patients, their families, and advocates,” said Congresswoman Speier. “It’s also a wonderful reminder that bipartisanship is still possible in Congress and that we can make monumental change together. The STAR Act of 2018 has generated an estimated $90 million in its first three years alone, which will help expand pediatric cancer research and improve the quality life of for survivors. Now, we must use this momentum to continue raising awareness around childhood cancer and support even greater investments in this worthy cause.”

Since its inception, the Childhood Cancer Caucus has had four landmark pieces of legislation signed into law: the Star Act, Race for Children Act, the Creating Hope Act and the Global Hope Act.

In addition to members of the Caucus, the speakers included Gavin Lindberg, a pediatric cancer advocate, Rene Marsh, a CNN reporter who recently lost her son to cancer, and two oncologists, Dr. Gregory Reaman and Dr. Doug Hawkins.