For Immediate Release:

September 16, 2014

 

Freeholders support awareness of pediatric cancer

 

FREEHOLD, NJ – Childhood cancer spares no socioeconomic, ethnic, racial or geographic class and every year almost 13,000 children under the age of 21 are diagnosed with cancer.

 

Because of these shocking numbers, the Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders has declared September “Childhood Cancer Awareness Month” in Monmouth County.

 

“In September we pay tribute to the families, friends, professionals, and communities who lend their strength to children fighting pediatric cancer,” said Freeholder Director Lillian G. Burry. “We remember the young lives taken and dedicate our energies to combating pediatric cancer.”

 

A proclamation for “Childhood Cancer Awareness Month” was presented to the American Cancer Fund for Children, Inc. and Kids Cancer Connection, Inc., non-profit charitable organizations committed to bringing smiles to kids fighting cancer.

 

The American Cancer Fund for Children and Kids Cancer Connection enhance the quality of life for these children and their families by providing a variety of vital patient psychosocial services to children undergoing cancer treatment.

 

The month of September is National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, which was created to bring attention to the caregivers, charities and groups, who spotlight the importance of the need for research and awareness to aid in finding cures for pediatric cancer.

 

Although the causes of pediatric cancer are still largely unknown, statistics indicate that a quarter of those diagnosed will not survive the disease.

 

In the last 25 years only two drugs have been specifically developed for children’s cancer, and during the last decade the funding for pediatric cancer has been going down with less than 5% of the federal government’s total funding for cancer research dedicated to pediatric cancer, and only 3% of funds raised on behalf of the National Cancer Institute scheduled to go directly to pediatric cancer research.

 

“We must do everything we can to promote the awareness and research of this disease that is taking the lives of our children,” said Freeholder Deputy Director Gary J. Rich, Sr. “Hearts go out to the families affected by cancer and we sincerely hope that by declaring September as ‘Childhood Cancer Awareness Month’ we can start to raise awareness right here in Monmouth County.”

 

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