It’s Time to Say Thank you to Our Champions in Congres

In support of future generations of children, I, alongside other families touched by this awful disease, have spent the last four years actively advocating on Capitol Hill for the passage of The Childhood Cancer @STARAct. The STAR Act, which stands for the “Survivorship, Treatment, Access and Research Act,” focuses on increased governmental funding for pediatric cancers, enhanced access to adult drugs, and funding and research for the issues that far too many childhood cancer survivors face later in life as a consequence of their earlier treatments. Indeed, many childhood cancer survivors live with chronic health conditions due to long lasting side effects; some even lose their lives. Our survivors deserve better and I am overjoyed that our government is finally doing something about it.

On May 22, 2018 the world of pediatric cancer achieved a huge milestone. Thank you to @Congress for the bi-partisan passage of The STAR Act. It is now set to go to President Trump’s desk where it is expected be turned into law. I am personally and particularly grateful to all the staffers with whom I met on Capitol Hill, from @Senator ChuckSchumer and @SenatorKirstenGillibrand to House Representative @CarolynMaloney’s, all from the State of New York in which I reside. This could not have been achieved without their support.

There is nothing more precious than our children. All of our children deserve a bright and healthy future. My daughter lost her battle but hopefully many others will go on to live long, productive lives. Bravo to our government for finally taking a stand!The passage of The STAR Act, while profound, is only the first step. There is still work to be done! We need full funding of The STAR Act, which requires an allocation of $30 million dollars per year for five years. The STAR Act could make all the difference to children fighting pediatric cancer.

 

 

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