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ACS CAN Volunteers Advocate for Childhood Cancer Research

February 26, 2024

ACS CAN volunteers recently traveled to Washington, D.C., from across the nation to join more than 200 other cancer patients, survivors and family members from 32 states and the District of Columbia in the nation’s capital for the 14^th Annual Alliance for Childhood Cancer Action Days, a two-day event organized by the Alliance for Childhood Cancer, of which ACS CAN is a member. The volunteers shared their personal stories and urged lawmakers to fund childhood cancer programs and support legislation to improve access to care. Participants asked lawmakers to:

Fully fund the Childhood Cancer Survivorship, Treatment, Access and Research (STAR) Act and fully fund the Childhood Cancer Data Initiative (CCDI) at $30 million and 50 million, respectively, to improve the quality of life of childhood cancer patients, survivors and their families.
Continue making strong investments in the fight against childhood cancer by providing significant funding increases for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and a proportional increase for the National Cancer Institute (NCI).
Cosponsor the Accelerating Kids’ Access to Care Act, to reduce regulatory burdens to allow children with complex medical needs greater access to out-of-state providers who can best meet their needs.
As step toward mitigating shortages of lifesaving and life-extending childhood cancer drugs, cosponsor the Pediatric Cancer Drug Supply Act to create a pilot program that directs the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish and maintain a 6-month reserve of essential childhood cancer chemotherapy drugs.

ACS CAN volunteers meeting with Representative Suzanne Bonamici and staff.