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Senate Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
Senate of Pennsylvania
Session of 2021 - 2022
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | August 31, 2022 10:28 AM |
|---|---|
| From: | Senator Scott Martin |
| To: | All Senate members |
| Subject: | Designating September 2022 as "Childhood Cancer Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania |
| Soon I will be re-introducing a resolution designating September 2022 as "Childhood Cancer Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania to help raise awareness for the ongoing fight too many children and their families face to beat cancer. Children all across Pennsylvania battle pediatric cancer every day with a courage and determination that inspires us all. This inspiration has led to significant steps towards finding a cure and increasing the quality of life for our little warriors. As a result, over the past few years, Pennsylvania has consistently led the way on this issue. Students who are unable to attend school for a variety of reasons but specifically due to extended illness associated with things like cancer treatments now have better access to telepresence technology. The result being less isolation from their social support systems during their respective fights. Pennsylvanians now have the ability to donate to the Pediatric Cancer Research Fund while renewing their licenses, ID’s and registrations with the PA Department of Transportation or when filling out their income tax returns. These options at last check have so far raised nearly $2 million for the kids. I am particularly proud to report that Pennsylvania has also, over the span of the last two years, dedicated an additional $20 million towards pediatric cancer research from the Tobacco Settlement Fund; catapulting our Commonwealth to national leader status on this issue. These funds will go directly to some of the best research hospitals in the nation found right here in Pennsylvania. For more information about donating to the Pediatric Cancer Research Fund you can visit the Pennsylvania Department of Health website here. In addition, not only is Pennsylvania leading on this issue with regard to our government’s priorities, our schools and our research institutions/hospitals, but we are also home to The Pennsylvania State University’s Dance MaraTHON. THON is the largest student run philanthropy in the world dedicated to defeating pediatric cancer. Since its inception nearly 50 years ago, it has raised approximately $203 million for the kids. Our Commonwealth’s collective progress on this issue has been invaluable to these children and their families. However, while we have had great successes, we must keep fighting. I am proud to introduce this resolution as a statement that we will not rest on this issue and get comfortable while pediatric cancer families and their children continue to fight for their lives. This resolution will honor their fight, as well as recognize the hard work and dedication of the medical professionals who heal, comfort and support these brave kids. Please join me in cosponsoring this resolution to show our support for our family members, neighbors, friends and colleagues affected by pediatric cancer. |
Introduced as SR342