Proclaim September 2023 to be Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
Whereas, the American Cancer Fund for Children and Kids Cancer Connection report cancer is the leading cause of death by disease among U.S. children between infancy and age 15. This tragic disease is detected in more than 16,000 of our country's young people every year. An estimated 400,000 children and adolescents are diagnosed with cancer globally each year; and
Whereas, one in five of our nation's children loses their battle with cancer. Many infants, children and teens will suffer from long-term effects of comprehensive treatment, including secondary cancers; and
Whereas, The early diagnosis of childhood cancer is often hampered by nonspecific symptoms shared by common childhood conditions; and
Whereas, childhood cancer impacts the physical, emotional, and financial health of the entire family for years to come; and
Whereas, founded nearly thirty years ago by Steven Firestein, a member of the philanthropic branch of the Max Factor cosmetics family, the American Cancer Fund for Children, Inc., Kids Cancer Connection, Inc. along with Lions Clubs International are dedicated to helping these children and their families; and
Whereas, the American Cancer Fund for Children and Kids Cancer Connection provide a variety of vital patient psychosocial services to children undergoing cancer treatment at Randall Children's Hospital at Legacy Emanuel, OHSU’s Doernbecher Children's Hospital and Shriners Children's Portland, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Oregon and SW Washington, as well as participating hospitals throughout the country, thereby enhancing the quality of life for these children and their families; and
Whereas, the American Cancer Fund for Children and Kids Cancer Connection also sponsor toy distributions, family sailing programs, KCC Supercar Experience, Laughternoon - Laughter is Healing, pet-assisted therapy, Home and Hospital Instructional programs and hospital celebrations in honor of a child's determination and bravery to fight the battle against childhood cancer; and
Whereas, The state’s academic health center, including OHSU Knight Cancer Institute and Doernbecher Children’s hospital, have distinguished themselves in research and patient care in adult and pediatric cancer cases and have contributed significantly to the overall understanding of these diseases and their management; and
Whereas, too many children are affected by this deadly disease and more must be done to raise awareness and find a cure.
Now, therefore, I, Ted Wheeler, Mayor of the City of Portland, Oregon, the “City of Roses,” do hereby proclaim September 2023, to be
Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
In Portland and encourage all residents to observe this month.