Nicholas was a happy two-and-a-half years old when a biopsy revealed a malignant mass in his arm. Nick fought through his cancer treatment with courage, even when it led to chemotherapy, hospitalizations and, most difficult of all, the amputation of his right arm.
Nick braved his treatment with courage and a smile, but for Nick and other childhood cancer survivors, completing treatment is often just the start of a life-long journey.
Over two-thirds of childhood cancer survivors like Nick will face a "late-effect" of their disease -- a complication or disability that persists or develops from cancer or cancer treatments.
Today, Nick is a beacon of hope to his family and cancer survivors everywhere. But we can't abandon him and other survivors to face the ongoing recovery from cancer alone.
Stand up for childhood cancer survivors today: Urge Congress to support for legislation that gives them the support and resources they need to survive and thrive!
Dear [Your Representatives],
I urge you to support the Pediatric, Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Survivorship Research and Quality of Life Act of 2011 (S. 1613 / H.R. 3015), a bipartisan bill that will improve the treatment, care and quality-of-life of childhood cancer survivors.
[Your comment will be added here] The Institute of Medicine's (IOM) report, "Childhood Cancer Survivorship: Improving Care and Quality of Life," demonstrated the need to improve follow-up care for childhood cancer survivors; enrich quality-of-life for childhood cancer survivors, particularly for minority survivors or those from low income families; and ease the transition from pediatric to adult care. The Pediatric, Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Survivorship Research and Quality of Life Act was developed in response to the IOM report.
One goal of the bill is to develop pilot programs that evaluate model systems of care and identify the most effective ways to provide follow-up care to childhood cancer survivors. It also seeks to conduct research and establish clinics to ensure that the late-effects of new therapies can be tracked effectively. Finally, the bill establishes continuing education programs and strengthens the emphasis on psychosocial care for childhood cancer survivors.
Please support this important legislation, and help childhood cancer survivors access the care and support they need to live long and healthy lives.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your name]
