WHEREAS,  in the United States, 15,780 children under 21 years of age are diagnosed with cancer every year and approximately 1/4 of them will not survive the disease; and

WHEREAS,  the causes of pediatric cancer are still largely unknown and, though new discoveries are resulting in new treatments, this disease continues to harm families and communities with wounds that may never fully heal; and

WHEREAS,  due to ongoing advances in research and treatment, the 5-year survival rate for all childhood cancers has climbed from less than 50% to 80% over the past several decades; and

WHEREAS,  researchers around the world continue to pioneer new therapies and explore the root causes of the disease, driving progress that could provide cures or improved outcomes for patients; and

WHEREAS,  Childhood Cancer Awareness Month will put a spotlight on the survivorship issues that children and families face, the types of cancer that largely affect children, recent gains against the disease and challenges that still lie ahead and will help raise funds for research and family support; now, therefore, be it