HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-09-01 Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
CHILDHOOD CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
September 2025
WHEREAS, cancer remains the leading cause of death by disease among children – more than asthma, diabetes,
cystic fibrosis, congenital anomalies, and AIDS combined. Each year, 19.2 in every 100,000 children in our community
will be diagnosed with cancer; and
WHEREAS, hundreds of non-profit organizations at the local and national level are helping children with cancer
and their families cope through educational, emotional, and financial support. Researchers and healthcare professionals
work diligently, dedicating their expertise to treat and cure children with cancer; and
WHEREAS, Jacob’s Heart has been keeping medically fragile children and families housed, fed, and emotionally
supported by steadfastly adhering to the following commitments: 1) Parents of children with cancer and other serious
illnesses will be relieved of financial fears and able to focus attention on their children; 2) No child undergoing intensive
treatment in our community will be homeless; 3) Families of seriously ill children will not experience food insecurity
during and after the pandemic; and 4) No seriously ill child in our community will ever miss a medical appointment
because of a lack of transportation; and
WHEREAS, Jacob’s Heart holds the memories and honors legacies of hundreds of children from our local
community who have been lost to cancer, ensuring that their memories will never be forgotten; and
WHEREAS, the oncology department at Lucile Packard Children's Hospital at Stanford has worked closely with
Jacob's Heart for the past 27 years as a trusted community partner in providing family-centered care that addresses the
emotional, practical, and financial struggles of families of children with cancer in the City of Palo Alto; and
WHEREAS, the character of our community is revealed in how we treat our most vulnerable. It is important to
recognize the impact of pediatric cancer on families within our community and honor the children in our community
whose lives have been cut short by cancer.
NOW, THEREFORE I, Ed Lauing, Mayor of the City of Palo Alto, do hereby declare September 2025 as
Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in the City of Palo Alto, and honor Jacob’s Heart Children’s Cancer Support
Services for its outstanding support to our community.
Presented: September 1, 2025
______________________________ Ed Lauing Mayor
Proclamation