HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-09-05 - Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
Proclamation
CHILDHOOD CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
September 2023
WHEREAS, according to the American Childhood Cancer Organization, childhood cancer is the
leading cause of death by disease for children in the United States; and
WHEREAS, according to the American Childhood Cancer Organization, approximately one of
every six children is not expected to live past five years of age; and
WHEREAS, founded thirty years ago by Steven Firestein, the American Cancer Fund for Children,
Inc. and Kids Cancer Connection, Inc. are dedicated to helping these children and their families; and
WHEREAS, the American Cancer Fund for Children and Kids Cancer Connection provide a
variety of vital patient psychosocial services to children undergoing cancer treatment at Lucile Packard
Children's Hospital at Stanford, UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital, Kaiser Permanente Medical
Center, Ronald McDonald House at Stanford, as well as participating hospitals throughout the country,
thereby enhancing the quality of life for these children and their families; and
WHEREAS, the American Cancer Fund for Children and Kids Cancer Connection also sponsor toy
distributions, family sailing programs, pet-assisted therapy, Laughternoon - Laughter is Healing, KCC
Supercar Experience, first responder programs, Home and Hospital Instructional programs, and
hospital celebrations in honor of a child's determination and bravery to fight the battle against
childhood cancer; and
WHEREAS, as a result of major treatment advances in recent decades, more than 85 percent of
children with cancer now survive five years or more, compared to the five-year survival rate of
approximately 58 percent in the mid-1970s.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Lydia Kou, Mayor of the City of Palo Alto on behalf of the entire City
Council, do hereby proclaim September 2023 as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and encourage
individuals, businesses, and organizations throughout Palo Alto to promote awareness of childhood
cancer and support families affected by this devastating disease.
PRESENTED: September 5, 2023
__________________________
Lydia Kou
Mayor