President Bush Signs Conquer Childhood Cancer Act

We did it! YOU did it! After years of relentless effort by so many in the childhood cancer community, including thousands of Congressional visits, and tens of thousands of letters, calls and emails to our nation’s leaders, the Caroline Pryce Walker Conquer Childhood Cancer Act has become law! You, the nation’s “champions for a cure,” deserve so much credit for this remarkable achievement.

Shortly after 11 am today in the White House, with key Members of Congress and family members of children with cancer including parent advocates and team leaders for CureSearch present, President George W. Bush signed the historic measure that promises to significantly increase federal investment into finding more cures for childhood cancer.

Congresswoman Deborah Pryce (above, at "Reach the Day" with Eden Adams and Hannah Lewis, both childhood cancer survivors) original sponsor of the legislation in the House, stated that “for any child or family who is embroiled in the fight against pediatric cancer, today is a cause for celebration and renewed hope. At long last, we will be harnessing our nation’s vast resources and expertise to put an end to a scourge that takes the lives of more than 2,300 children every year.”

Throughout the legislative process, the Conquer Childhood Cancer Act enjoyed overwhelming bi-partisan support, passing in the United States House of Representatives on June 12th by a 416-0 vote, and by similar “unanimous consent” in the Senate on July 16th.

This 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.

Check back for the official CureSearch, Congressional, and White House statements shortly, as well as remarks from the CureSearch families who were there.

There are many battles to wage ahead in conquering childhood cancer. Today was a VERY GOOD DAY for all who want to see an end to this terrible disease.