Rep. Segal offered the following resolution:
House Resolution No. 219.

A resolution to declare September 2013 as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in the

state of Michigan.

Whereas, Thousands of children under the age of 15 are diagnosed with pediatric cancer every year; and

Whereas, Over the past 20 years, there has been some increase in the incidence of children diagnosed with all forms of invasive cancer; and

Whereas, Cancer is still the leading cause of death by disease for American children, despite significant advances in treatment that have resulted in a cure or long-term remission for a substantial proportion of children with cancer; and

            Whereas, Children’s cancer affects all ethnic, gender, and socio-economic groups; and

            Whereas, The causes of childhood cancer are still largely unknown; and

Whereas, Over the past few years, we have made great strides in the fight against pediatric cancer. With significant advances in treatment over the last 30 years, the combined 5-year survival rate for children with cancer increased by more than 20 percentage points; and

Whereas, Increased awareness, support, and study may help to further improve these statistics and further protect our children from these serious diseases; and

            Whereas, We should renew our commitment to curing childhood cancer and offer our support to the brave young people who are fighting this disease; and

            Whereas, To honor the memory of every young person lost to cancer, we must unite behind improved treatment, advanced research, and brighter futures for young people everywhere; and

            Whereas, All children deserve the chance to dream, discover, and realize their full potential; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body declare September 2013 as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in the state of Michigan; and be it further

            Resolved, That this month, and every month, we extend our support to young people fighting for that opportunity and recognize all who commit themselves to advancing toward the goal of a cancer-free world.