CITY OF SEBASTOPOL
Proclamation
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, 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, 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 that I, Mayor Zollman, do hereby proclaim September as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and support this cause that so deeply impacts families in every community across our country.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and the Great Seal of the City of Sebastopol this 16th day of September 2025.
Stephen Zollman
Mayor