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Angel 34 and our national and regional advocate supporters play a vital role in keeping the issues of childhood cancer in the forefront of our nation's decision makers and influencers. It is through their unwavering support and action that we continue to make inroads in legislation, advancements in research, funding and in the minds of our nation.

Childhood Cancer remains the number one disease killer of children, yet there has not been a new drug developed specifically for pediatric cancer treatment in nearly 20 years and survival rates for pediatric cancers continue to lag behind most adult cancers.

At Angel 34 we have made it our life's work to change these statistics and with your help, we can.

National News

Pediatric Cancer Caucus
Chaired by Representative Joe Sestak and Representative Michael McCaul

Congressman Sestak Co-Sponsors House-Passed Bill that aims to Conquer Childhood Cancer, Announces Establishment of Pediatric Cancer Caucus

June 12, 2008

Washington, D.C. - Today, Congressman Joe Sestak voted in support of the Caroline Pryce Walker Conquer Childhood Cancer Act, of which he is a cosponsor. This legislation will direct $30 million to medical research and treatments into pediatric cancers, ensure patients and families have access to the current treatments and information regarding pediatric cancers, establish a population-based national childhood cancer database, and promote public awareness of pediatric cancers. The measure passed by a resounding vote of 416-0. - In addition, the Congressman announced the establishment of a Pediatric Cancer Caucus - which he will chair - providing a voice for children in this country who are suffering from cancer. The Congressman noted that "this Caucus will protect the interest of the often voiceless victims of cancer who for so long have benefited from the leadership of Representative Deborah Pryce (R-OH) and will be missed when she retires later this year."

"Every day, 46 children - more than two full classrooms of kids - will be diagnosed with cancer. In 2008, an estimated 12,400 children or young people will be diagnosed with cancer, and 2,300 will die from it," said Congressman Sestak. "Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in children under age 15, and this legislation provides funding for pediatric cancer and care. It gives hope to the thousands of children and families who have been touched by this disease, and gives doctors and scientists the tools they need to combat it and find a cure."

Specifically, this legislation provides for:

Centers of Excellence for Childhood Cancer Research:

• 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:

• 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:

• Establishes 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:

• 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