2026 Senate Resolution 136

Whereas, According to the American Childhood Cancer Organization, an estimated 15,780 children between the ages of birth through 19 are diagnosed with cancer each year; and

Whereas, In 2026, an estimated 15,340 cases will be diagnosed; and

Whereas, This year in the United States, approximately 1,820 children and adolescents between the ages of birth through 19 are expected to die from cancer, translating to a population mortality rate of roughly 2.1 deaths per 100,000 youth; and

Whereas, Our goal is to increase awareness about childhood cancer which is the leading cause of death by disease for children; and

Whereas, We honor the extraordinary resilience, courage, and strength of those whom this harmful disease has affected; and

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

Whereas, There are more than 13 major types of pediatric cancers and over 200 subtypes; and

Whereas, In the United States, the most common types of cancer diagnosed among children and adolescents were leukemias, malignant brain and other central nervous system (CNS) tumors, lymphomas, epithelial neoplasms and melanomas, soft tissue tumors, malignant germ cell tumors, and bone tumors; and

Whereas, Since the mid-1970s, significant advancements have been made in the fight against childhood cancer. Due to major treatment strides in recent decades, more than 85 percent of children with cancer now survive five years or more; and

Whereas, Childhood cancer survivors have an increased occurrence of additional co-morbidities later in life, including diagnoses of other cancers; and

Whereas, Increased awareness, support, and research will help improve these outcomes and protect children from these serious diseases; and

Whereas, We must renew our commitment to curing cancer and offer our support to the brave, young children who are fighting these diseases every day; and

Whereas, To honor the memory of every young child lost to cancer, we must unite behind improved treatment, advanced research and data, continued research funding, affordable access to treatment, and brighter futures for them; and

Whereas, We recognize the amazing strength, perseverance, and optimism of the families and friends of children who suffer from these devastating diseases; and

Whereas, We acknowledge and praise the medical professionals, researchers, and other helping hands who dedicate their time to search for new, safer treatments and cures; and

Whereas, All children deserve the chance to be healthy, find joy and fulfillment in their childhoods, and realize their full potential as they grow into adults; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate, That the members of this legislative body designate September 2026 as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.