Pryce Introduces Legislation To Eradicate Pediatric Cancer

March 15, 2007

Pryce and bipartisan cancer leaders unveil the
Conquer Childhood Cancer Act

WASHINGTON , DC – Today, Congresswoman Deborah Pryce (R-Columbus, Ohio) was joined by pediatric cancer survivors, their families, cancer advocates, and a bipartisan group of congressional leaders who are actively engaged in the fight against cancer, to introduce the Conquer Childhood Cancer Act of 2007.

The bill targets federal resources and research against the cancers afflicting children nationwide, and elevates our nation’s prioritization of pediatric cancer through additional funding, improved treatment, and more centralized, accessible information-- all in the effort to eradicate the number one cause of death by disease for American children.

Said Pryce upon the bill’s introduction, “One child who suffers from cancer is one too many. But today, we are introducing legislation that will bring us closer to a goal universally shared by all of humanity: the eradication of pediatric cancer. Clearly, a compassionate society, and one that is so abundant in its revolutionary research and advancement, can and should place a higher priority on combating childhood cancer – and that is what our bill does.”

“The legislation recognizes the importance of childhood cancer as a significant health issue and as the leading cause of death from disease in children.” said Dr. Gregory Reaman, Chairman of the Children’s Oncology Group. “More importantly, it provides necessary resources, which if not funded, threaten future progress in childhood cancer research.”

At today’s press conference, Pryce was joined by Chase Meacham, a 15 year old pediatric cancer survivor from Upper Arlington, Ohio, and a student at St. Charles Preparatory School. Chase relayed his personal battle with osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer most commonly found in teenage boys. Chase was diagnosed with cancer in his left knee in February of 2006, and since then has endured rounds of chemotherapy and an array of difficult, painful and invasive procedures.

“Chase is an unbelievably brave and strong young man, and a remarkable advocate for the thousands of other children who day in and day out do battle with this terrible disease,” said Pryce. “Chase is an inspiration to me, and hearing of his pain and struggles against cancer emphatically underscores our mission to conquer pediatric cancer.”

Chase addressed attendees at today’s event and relayed the lessons derived from his battle with osteosarcoma. “We need to find a cure. We need to find a cure for every child who’s ever screamed in pain or wept in sorrow because of this disease. We need to find a cure for the parents of these children, who have no choice but to helplessly watch as their son or daughter fights a battle they would gladly fight in their place. We need to find a cure for the siblings of these kids, who don’t understand why their brother or sister is acting so different; why there is tension in their family, or why their parents are crying. We need to find a cure for the friends and the family, who don’t know what to say or how to act; what to do or how to help. We need to find a cure for those lonely children, sitting in bed today – a bed that is not theirs.”

The Conquer Childhood Cancer Act of 2007 :

Centers of Excellence for Childhood Cancer Research: This legislation enhances and expands biomedical research programs in childhood cancer through an existing National Cancer Institute-designated multi-center national infrastructure.
Childhood Cancer Clinical Research Fellowship Program: The Conquer Childhood Cancer Act establishes a new fellowship program through the National Institutes of Health to help foster the training and development of a new generation of clinical investigators focused on pediatric cancer research.
National Childhood Cancer Research Database: It will establish a population-based childhood cancer database to evaluate the incidence trends of childhood cancers and to enable the investigations of genetic epidemiology in order to identify causes to aid in development and implementation of prevention and treatment strategies.
Outreach and Education for Pediatric Cancer Patients and Families: In addition, the legislation provides for education and information services to patients and families affected by childhood cancer to ensure they are aware of and have access to appropriate clinical treatment as well as the array of needed support services.
Authorization of Appropriations: $30 million annually for 5-fiscal year period.

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