Senator Clinton Introduces Companion Legislation on Childhood Cancer Survivorship

I was tipped off about this from another parent. To read about this proposed legislation, follow the link to read the article. Senator Clinton Introduces Companion Legislation on Childhood Cancer Survivorship

Please write your local senators (click the link to the left to send a quick email) in honor of Kevin's battle with cancer & ask them to support Senator Clinton in companion bill (S 2877) to HR 4450, The Pediatric, Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Survivorship and Quality of Life Act to improve and expand the delivery of medical and psychosocial care to survivors of childhood cancer.

What really hit me hard was what the article said about suvivorship, "By 25 years after diagnosis, 13 percent did not survive, most commonly from recurrent ALL (Acute lymphoblastic leukemia) or from a second cancer, the report indicates. Compared with siblings, ALL survivors were 2.8-3.6 times more likely to experience a chronic medical condition and a severe chronic medical condition, respectively. The study also reports that the mortality rate was higher in subjects treated with radiotherapy than in those who had not: 23.3 percent vs. 13.4 percent.

Additionally, survivors' social and economic outcomes, including rates of marriage, college graduation and health insurance coverage were significantly lower than those of their siblings. The study highlights the importance of practicing clinicians recognizing that because the cancer survivor population is growing and aging, in many instances late complications of therapy will not become evident until many years - even decades after the child has completed therapy."

Side Note: ALL is the most common childhood cancer.

Thank you for supporting us!

Rachel