Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

Proclamation
By the Governor of Alabama
WHEREAS, according to the American Childhood Cancer Organization, 43 children per day or 15,780 children are diagnosed with cancer annually in the U.S.; and
WHEREAS, despite its rarity and major advances in treatment and supportive care, cancer is the leading cause of death by disease in children; and
WHEREAS, the types of cancers that occur most often in children differ from those seen in adults; the most common types being Leukemia, brain and other nervous system tumors, Neuroblastoma, Wilms tumor, Lymphoma, Rhabdomyosarcoma, Retinoblastoma and bone cancer; and
WHEREAS, childhood cancers are often the results of DNA changes in cells that take place very early in life, sometimes even before birth; and unlike many cancers in adults, childhood cancers are not strongly linked to lifestyle or environmental risk factors; and
WHEREAS, because of major advances in treatment, more children treated for cancer are now surviving to adulthood; though doctors have learned that treatment may affect a child’s health later in life; and
WHEREAS, late effects of cancer treatment can include heart or lung problems, due to certain chemotherapy drugs or radiation therapy; slowed or decreased growth and development; changes in sexual development and ability to have children; changes in intellectual function and development of second cancers later in life; and
WHEREAS, too many families and communities have been touched by childhood cancer and its consequences, and only by increasing awareness will it be possible to control and ultimately defeat this disease; and
WHEREAS, Childhood Cancer Awareness Month offers all Alabamians the opportunity to remember the young lives taken too soon, honor the survivors and celebrate progress made in treatment and recovery:
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Kay Ivey, Governor of Alabama, do hereby proclaim the month of September 2017, as
Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
in the State of Alabama.
Given Under My Hand and the Great Seal of the Office of the Governor at the State Capitol in the City of Montgomery on the 10th day of August 2017.
Kay Ivey
Governor