Tuesday, July 29, 2008 was a day of celebration for all who have been touched by childhood cancer. Surrounded by key leaders of Congress, families of children with cancer, and Dr. Gregory Reaman, Chairman of the Children’s Oncology Group, President Bush signed into law the Caroline Pryce Walker Childhood Cancer Act at a ceremony in the Oval Office.
The historic legislation, named in memory of Caroline Pryce Walker, daughter of Congresswoman Deborah Pryce (R-OH), who succumbed to neuroblastoma in 1999, will dramatically impact childhood cancer research. The law 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.
At the signing, Congresswoman Pryce 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.”
