Events - 2008
Play FOR MAEVE 2008 - We look forward to seeing you all there!
CureSearch Praises Passage of Landmark
"Conquer Childhood Cancer Act"
by Unanimous Consent in the United States Senate
Children with Cancer and Their Families to Benefit from Legislation
July 17, 2008 (Bethesda, MD) - CureSearch National Childhood Cancer Foundation salutes the United States Senate for its passage of the Conquer Childhood Cancer Act, which promises to significantly increase federal investment into childhood cancer research.
The bill, first introduced in the Senate by Senators Jack Reed (D-RI) and Norm Coleman (R-MN), passed by unanimous consent, echoing a similar 416-0 vote June 12th in the U.S. House of Representatives. Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) requested, and received, this unanimous consent on the Senate floor.
The bill authorizes $30 million annually over five years, providing funding for collaborative pediatric cancer clinical trials research, to create a population-based national childhood cancer database, and to further improve public awareness and communication regarding available treatment and research for children with cancer and their families.
"Too many young people's lives were cut short by cancer, but their hopes were not," said Reed. "We have made great advances in treating cancer, but there is still much more to be done. The Conquer Childhood Cancer Act will deliver much needed hope and support to children and families battling cancer and more resources for vital pediatric cancer research programs."
Senator Coleman, an original sponsor, noted that the legislation passed unanimously in both Houses of Congress, and lauded the overwhelming bi-partisan support of the measure, which addresses a critical national health issue that is finally receiving the attention it deserves.
"Passage of the Conquer Childhood Cancer Act in the Senate is a monumental step in the fight against childhood cancer," said Coleman. "I am proud that my colleagues were able to come together and pass legislation that will provide the resources to not only support children and families with childhood cancer, but also find a cure."
CureSearch supports the life-saving research of the Children's Oncology Group, the world's premier cancer research collaborative. Treating 90 percent of children with cancer, the Children's Oncology Group includes more than 5,000 experts in childhood cancer research and treatment, located at more than 200 leading children's and university hospitals across North America.
"The Conquer Childhood Cancer Act allows for translation of the very best research discoveries into clinical evaluation and practice, in order to improve the cure rates for all children with cancer," stated Gregory Reaman, MD, Chair of the Children's Oncology Group.
"On behalf of my colleagues in the Children's Oncology Group and the children with cancer and their families who are our partners in clinical research, we thank our leaders in the Senate. Only research cures childhood cancer."
"We applaud the leadership of Senators Reed and Coleman and their colleagues in the Senate who through the passage of this bill have made finding the cure for childhood cancer an urgent national priority. Together with their colleagues in the House, Congress has given childhood cancer the attention and support that is long overdue and much needed," said Stacy Pagos Haller, Executive Director of CureSearch.
Having passed both the House of Representatives and the Senate unanimously, the bill now heads to the White House, where President Bush is expected to sign it into law.
YOUNG IRISH BENEFICIARY - The Foundation was recently recognized by the Young Irish Fellowship Club of Chicago as one of their 2008-2009 beneficiaries. The YIFC has a great history of philanthropic activity and we are honored to be selected by them this year.
STORY IN HEROES - The spring 2008 edition of Heroes, a publication of Children's Memorial Hospital, featured the Matt, Denise and the Foundation as one of their "Families Making a Difference". You can read the story by clicking on the image below. [PDF format]
MARCH FOR MAEVE 2008 - Although the weather was a bit on the cold side it did not slow down the turnout for the parade this year. The Foundation was well represented with a large group of marchers helping to raise awareness of the Foundation and it efforts. Thank you to all who marched or cheered from the sidelines - it is very much appreciated!
Fundraiser for Jake Schied - Thanks to everyone who turned out to help raise funds for Jake Schied, a 2yr old from the neighborhood, was recently diagnosed with a rare form of cancer affecting both his eyes.
www.jakesjourneyfoundation.org.
Money raised will offset the numerous costs incurred during the course of Jake’s treatment and also support of UIC Hospital, where Jake is being treated.
Maeve's Foundation recognized - We are honored to inform you that the Foundation was recently invited to become an Affiliated Organization of Children’s Memorial Hospital. Of the hundreds of groups and organizations which support the hospital, we are 1 of only 12 who have attained this privileged distinction. They truly appreciate the efforts of the foundation and all of you who make it work.
©2005-2008 Maeve McNicholas Memorial Foundation
