Regular Session 2021-2022 Senate Resolution 0342 P.N. 1919

PRINTER'S NO. 1919

THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA

SENATE RESOLUTION

No.

342

Session of

2022

INTRODUCED BY MARTIN, LAUGHLIN, BROWNE, CAPPELLETTI, MENSCH,

GEBHARD, LANGERHOLC, HUGHES, REGAN, BARTOLOTTA, ARGALL, KANE,

DILLON, STREET, BROOKS, FONTANA, ROBINSON, PHILLIPS-HILL,

HUTCHINSON, COMITTA, TARTAGLIONE, STEFANO, DUSH AND COSTA,

SEPTEMBER 19, 2022

REFERRED TO RULES AND EXECUTIVE NOMINATIONS, SEPTEMBER 19, 2022

A RESOLUTION

Designating the month of September 2022 as "Childhood Cancer

Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania.

WHEREAS, Childhood cancer rates have been rising slightly

over the past few decades; and

WHEREAS, Childhood cancer is the second leading cause of

death in children under 15 years of age, exceeded only by

accidents; and

WHEREAS, According to the American Cancer Society,

approximately 1,050 children are expected to die from cancer in

2022; and

WHEREAS, The American Cancer Society estimates that

approximately 10,470 children in the United States under 15

years of age will be diagnosed with cancer in 2022; and

WHEREAS, The potential years of life lost to childhood cancer

and the potential years of life saved by treatment exceed all

other cancers with the exception of breast cancer; and

WHEREAS, Most children cannot be treated at a local hospital

and families must face the disruption of relocating to receive

treatment at a regional cancer center; and

WHEREAS, As a result of major treatment advances in recent

decades, more than 85% of children with cancer now survive five

years or more; and

WHEREAS, The survival rate of children with cancer has

significantly increased since the mid-1970s, when the five-year

survival rate was approximately 58%; and

WHEREAS, Survival rates vary depending on the type of cancer

and other factors; and

WHEREAS, Due to children's bodies still growing and cancer

treatments largely geared toward use on adults, children are

more likely to experience long-term side effects from treatment;

and

WHEREAS, Possible late effects of cancer treatments include,

but are not limited to, heart or lung problems, slowed or

delayed development, changes in sexual development and the

ability to have children, learning disabilities and increased

risk of secondary forms of cancer; and

WHEREAS, Childhood cancer treatment is handled by a team of

pediatric oncologists, pediatric surgeons, radiation

oncologists, pediatric oncology nurses, nurse practitioners and

physician assistants; and

WHEREAS, Other members of the team of health professionals

aiding in the health and well-being of childhood cancer patients

include, but are not limited to, psychologists, social workers,

child life specialists, nutritionists, rehabilitation and

physical therapists and educators; and

WHEREAS, Some of the most important members of a pediatric

20220SR0342PN1919 - 2 -

cancer patient's team are experienced parents who navigate and

advocate on behalf of their children; and

WHEREAS, This Commonwealth is a leader in the fight against

and treatment of childhood cancer with six Children's Oncology

Group hospitals: Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Geisinger

Medical Center, Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest, Penn State

Health Children's Hospital, St. Christopher's Hospital for

Children and The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC)

Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh; and

WHEREAS, Two of only sixteen institutions in the Pediatric

Brain Tumor Consortium are in Pennsylvania: Children's Hospital

of Philadelphia and UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh; and

WHEREAS, Penn State Health Children's Hospital is one of only

ten institutions nationwide participating in the Pediatric

Oncology Experimental Therapeutic Investigators' Consortium; and

WHEREAS, Act 39 of 2017 created the Pediatric Cancer Research

Fund (PCRF) to be used for pediatric cancer research funded by

reductions in personal income tax refunds; and

WHEREAS, Act 73 of 2018 allowed for an additional funding

stream for the PCRF via electronic drivers license, registration

and identification card renewals; and

WHEREAS, As of August 2022, the PCRF collected $2,720,467;

and

WHEREAS, Between fiscal years 2021-2022 and 2022-2023, the

Commonwealth has earmarked approximately $20,000,000 from the

Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement to be allocated to pediatric

cancer research; and

WHEREAS, The Commonwealth has invested in telepresence

educational equipment that childhood cancer patients utilize to

allow for greater remote learning opportunities during long

20220SR0342PN1919 - 3 -

absences and to increase access to needed social supports; and

WHEREAS, Students from The Pennsylvania State University

(PSU), PSU branch campuses and local high schools of this

Commonwealth participate in the largest student-run philanthropy

in the world called Dance MaraTHON (THON); and

WHEREAS, THON is a year-round fundraising effort on behalf of

the Four Diamonds Fund which raises money for pediatric cancer

research, treatments and financial support for families battling

pediatric cancer; and

WHEREAS, Since THON's inception in 1973, the organization has

raised approximately $203,000,000 for the kids; therefore be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate designate the month of September

2022 as "Childhood Cancer Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania; and

be it further

RESOLVED, That the Senate celebrate its progress and the

progress of all related organizations in aiding children

battling pediatric cancer while simultaneously renewing its

commitment to the cause; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Senate encourage young Pennsylvanians who

are fighting cancer, honor young people who have lost their

lives to childhood cancer, express gratitude to the doctors,

nurses and parents who provide special care to patients and

families affected by childhood cancer and encourage all

residents in this Commonwealth to join the fight against

childhood cancer.

20220SR0342PN1919 - 4 -