City of Santa Maria
Santa Maria, California
Proclamation
WHEREAS, more than 10,000 new cases of cancer will be diagnosed among children under 15 years of age in the United States in 2023; and
WHEREAS, the most common childhood cancers are leukemia , brain and central nervous system tumors, and lymphoma accounting for more than half of all cancers diagnosed in children; and
WHEREAS, the cause of most pediatric cancers remains largely unknown; and
WHEREAS, the five-year survival rate for all childh ood cancers has climbed from less than 50 percent to 80 percent for children and adolescents under the age of 21 as a result of clinical trials over the past four decades; and
WHEREAS, families, caregivers, charities, and research groups across the United States observe September as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month to spotlight pediatric cancer and survivor programs , raise awareness and necessary funds for research and family support; and
WHEREAS, it is appropriate to remember the young lives taken to o soon, and their families.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, ALICE M. PATINO, Mayor of the City of Santa Maria , hereby recognize September 2023, as:
“NATIONAL CHILDHOOD CANCER AWARENESS MONTH”
in the City of Santa Maria and urge residents and businesses of the City to support efforts raising awareness about pediatric cancer.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and have caused the Seal of the City of Santa Maria to be affixed hereto this 15th day of August 2023.
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Alice M. Patino, Mayor