Bipartisan Group of Congressional Leaders Unite in Effort To Eradicate Pediatric Cancer

Press Release

Representative Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) introduced the Conquer Childhood Cancer Act of 2007 today at a press conference on Capitol Hill. He was joined by pediatric cancer survivors and their families, cancer advocates, and a bipartisan group of congressional leaders - Representatives Deborah Pryce (R-OH), Michael McCaul (R-TX) and Joe Sestak (D-PA).

The legislation elevates our nation's prioritization of pediatric cancer by providing additional resources, improved treatment and more centralized, accessible information - all in the effort to eradicate the number one cause of death by disease for American children.

"We must launch an all-out battle against pediatric cancers," said Rep. Van Hollen. "Congress must provide the funding necessary to accelerate the groundbreaking research that will lead to new cures and treatments. This much-needed legislation would strengthen our country's investment in childhood cancer research."

"One child who suffers from cancer is one too many," said Rep. Pryce. "But today, we are introducing legislation that will bring us closer to a goal universally shared by all of humanity: the eradication of pediatric cancer. Clearly, a compassionate society, and one that is so abundant in its revolutionary research and advancement, can and should place a higher priority on combating childhood cancer - and that is what our bill does."

"Cancer kills more American children than any other disease and we in Congress have a responsibility to help not only these children, but their families as well. Here in the Congress, we are obligated to prioritize our federal spending and I can think of no greater priority than our children. They are the most valuable and precious resource we have and we must do everything we can to protect them," stated Rep. McCaul.

"I happened to have the opportunity to live with my daughter in a pediatric cancer ward and it just breaks your heart," noted Rep. Sestak. "We should be doing everything possible to provide these children with the full quality of life. That is why I'm pleased to be joining my colleagues today to pass the bipartisan Conquer Childhood Cancer Act of 2007."

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The Conquer Childhood Cancer Act:

* Centers of Excellence for Childhood Cancer Research: This legislation enhances and expands biomedical research programs in childhood cancer through an existing National Cancer Institute-designated multi-center national infrastructure.

* Childhood Cancer Clinical Research Fellowship Program: The Conquer Childhood Cancer Act establishes a new fellowship program through the National Institutes of Health to help foster the training and development of a new generation of clinical investigators focused on pediatric cancer research.

* National Childhood Cancer Research Database: It will establish a population-based childhood cancer database to evaluate the incidence trends of childhood cancers and to enable the investigations of genetic epidemiology in order to identify causes to aid in development and implementation of prevention and treatment strategies.

* Outreach and Education for Pediatric Cancer Patients and Families: In addition, the legislation provides for education and information services to patients and families affected by childhood cancer to ensure they are aware of and have access to appropriate clinical treatment as well as the array of needed support services.

* Authorization of Appropriations: $30 million annually for 5-fiscal year period.

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