PROCLAMATION
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COTATI
PROCLAIMING SEPTEMBER AS CHILDHOOD CANCER AWARENESS MONTH WHEREAS, childhood cancer is the leading cause of death by disease in children; and WHEREAS, 1 in 285 children in the United States will be diagnosed by their 20th birthday; and
WHEREAS, 46 children per day or 16,790 children per year are diagnosed with cancer in the U.S.; and
WHEREAS, the average age of diagnosis is 6 years old; and WHEREAS, 80% of childhood cancer patients are diagnosed late and with metastatic disease; and
WHEREAS, on average there’s 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, two-thirds of childhood cancer patients will have chronic health conditions as a result of their treatment toxicity, with one quarter being classified as severe to life-threatening; and
WHEREAS, approximately one half of childhood cancer families rate the associated financial stress due to out-of-pocket expenses as considerable to severe; and WHEREAS, in the last 30 years only six new drugs have been approved by the FDA to specifically treat childhood cancer; and
WHEREAS, the National Cancer Institute recognizes the unique research needs of childhood cancer and the associated need for increased funding to carry this out; and WHEREAS, hundreds of non-profit organizations at the local and national level are helping children with cancer and their families cope through educational, emotional and financial support; and
WHEREAS, researchers and healthcare professionals work diligently dedicating their expertise to treat and cure children with cancer; 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, BE IT PROCLAIMED on this day of September 8, 2026, by the City Council of the City of Cotati that September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and encourages the community to support this cause that so deeply impacts families in every community across our country.
Approved:_____________________________
Mayor