Senator Jack Reed has achieved success in getting a bill moved forward that will provide $150 million in funding for pediatric cancer prevention, research, treatment, and tracking. From Reed’s office:

Reed’s Bill to Expand Childhood Cancer Research Clears Major Hurdle

WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee today gave its stamp of approval to Jack Reed’s (D-RI) Conquer Childhood Cancer Act of 2007. This legislation authorizes $150 million over five years to expand childhood cancer research, create a national childhood cancer registry to track pediatric cancer, and increase services to patients and families affected by the disease.

“I am pleased that the HELP Committee approved this critical legislation. While we have made great steps in treating cancer, there is still much more to be done. The Conquer Childhood Cancer Act will deliver much needed hope and support to children and families battling cancer and more resources for vital pediatric cancer research programs,” said Reed, a senior member of the HELP Committee.

Cancer is the leading cause of death by disease among U.S. children. There are about 9,500 new cases of pediatric cancer each year, and the incidence of cancer in children is increasing. The causes of childhood cancer are largely unknown.

Just a few weeks ago, the Director of the National Cancer Institute said that a barrier to fighting cancer is finding the resources to invest adequately in research. Declining funding for pediatric cancer clinical trials has stopped promising clinical trials. At a recent NCI meeting, pediatric cancer researchers were told to expect another 5 percent cut in funding this year.

Also of interest is this video created by parents of children who have suffered from cancer:

The script for the video notes:

Research has improved cure rates, but not enough.

Funding for research has been cut.

This could result in 20 new studies being put on hold.

400 kids will not be able to participate in clinical trials next year… leaving better treatments further from reach.

If it was YOUR child, would this be acceptable?

You can help…

Write your representatives in Congress. Urge them to pass the Conquer Childhood Cancer Act and restore funding.

For the thousands fighting today… and the thousands yet to begin their fight.

One child lost is one too many.

One child saved… can change the world.