AGENDA ITEM #7.j
Proclamation in Recognition of
CHILDHOOD CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
WHEREAS, childhood cancer is the leading cause of death by disease in children, and; WHEREAS, 1 in 264 children in the United States will be diagnosed by their 20th birthday, and; WHEREAS, 41 children per day or 15,500 children per year are diagnosed with cancer in the U.S., and;
WHEREAS, the average age of diagnosis is 8 years old, and; WHEREAS, the prognosis for many types of childhood cancer has not improved in decades, and; WHEREAS, 1 out of 6 children with cancer in America do not survive five years, and; WHEREAS, 73% of childhood cancer patients will have chronic health conditions as a result of their treatment toxicity, with 42% being classified as severe to life-threatening, and; WHEREAS, approximately one half of childhood cancer families rate the associated financial toxicity due to out-of-pocket expenses as considerable to severe, and; WHEREAS, in the last 30 years only seven 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 including the American Childhood Cancer Organization 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.
AGENDA ITEM #7.j
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Council of the Town of Fairfax, California hereby proclaims September 2026 as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.
Signed on this 2nd day of September 2026
Stephanie Hellman
Mayor of Fairfax