AGENDA ITEM #14
TOWN OF FAIRFAX PROCLAMATION
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 toxicity due to out-ofpocket 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; 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 that the Town Council of the Town of Fairfax, hereby proclaims September as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and supports this cause that so deeply impacts families in every community across our country.
Signed this 4th day of September 2024
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Barbara Coler, Mayor of Fairfax