Sept 16 10

Today was the first ever “Childhood Cancer Summit” on Capitol Hill.  I was really excited to attend to see if this was going to be a bunch of back slapping or the beginning of something special.  My impression — it’s a good start.

The Summit was organized by the Congressional Pediatric Cancer Caucus under the leadership of Congressman Mike McCaul (R-TX) and Congressman Joe Sestak (D-PA).  Additional congressional participants included Rep. Jim Moran (D-VA), Rep. Jackie Speier (D-CA), and former Rep. Deborah Pryce (R-OH).  In addition to the elected officials, there were panelists from numerous medical institutions (Children’s Hosp of Philadelphia, MD Anderson, St. Jude, Texas Children’s Cancer Center, Memorial Sloan-Kettering) and a few parents of children who have passed away from cancer.  In the audience were other medical professionals and families who have started foundations as well.  I also had the privilege of sitting with Bob Piniewski (AJ’s Dad — http://curechildhoodcancer.ning.com/), a passionate voice in the fight against childhood cancer.  (See photo to the left.)

While we’re talking about only a handful of the 435 members of the House of Representatives, it was nice to hear what I believe is sincere interest in the cause.  Unfortunately, at least three of elected officials are parents of children who battled cancer.  I wish that never happened to their children, but I admire them for using their position to further our battle. 

There was a bit of ‘preaching to the choir’, but it was good to get a lot of us together and talk about what needs to be done.  The true test of the success of the Congressional Pediatric Cancer Caucus will be whether they can marshall enough support from the other members of Congress to gain critical funding.  The answer to a lot of the questions is - more money! 

Would you believe that only ONE childhood cancer drug has been developed and approved by the FDA in the last 20 YEARS!  Would you believe that 70% of childhood cancer ’survivors’ will experience chronic side effects from their treatment and 42% will suffer life-threatening side effects  including, in some cases, death.

There’s a lot of work to be done, folks.  Please don’t be shy about letting your elected officials know that you don’t think it’s acceptable that our children are being neglected. 

I’ll keep you posted on future developments from the Caucus.

Live Like Andrew - Never give up!

B+

Ali’s & Andrew’s Dad

www.BePositive.org