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Special recognition proclaiming September as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.
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SPECIAL RECOGNITION
WHEREAS, one in 285 children in the United States will be diagnosed with cancer by their 20th birthday; and
WHEREAS, the average age a child is diagnosed with cancer is six years old, compared to 66 years for adults’ cancer diagnosis; and
WHEREAS, two-thirds of childhood cancer patients will have chronic health conditions as a result of their treatment toxicity, with one quarter being classified as severe to life-threatening; and
WHEREAS, families, who must focus on treating their child with cancer must also face financial hardships, paying mounting treatment costs out of pocket; and
WHEREAS, in the last 20 years only four new drugs have been approved by the FDA to specifically treat childhood cancer; and
WHEREAS, the National Cancer Institute recognizes the unique research needs of childhood cancer and the need for increased funding to carry this out; 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; and
WHEREAS, researchers and healthcare professionals are working diligently dedicating their expertise to treat children with cancer.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RECOGNIZED, by the Lake County Board, that September be recognized as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, and Lake County residents are encouraged to help raise awareness and support families who are impacted in every community across our county.
DATED, at Waukegan, Lake County, Illinois, on September 14, 2021.