Undergoing diagnosis and treatment of childhood cancer is one of the toughest things a kid can go through. For childhood cancer patients and their families, completing treatment is a moment of celebration and hope, but not the end of their journey.
Research indicates that over two-thirds of childhood cancer survivors experience at least one "late effect" as a result of their disease or treatment. Late effects, or complications and disabilities that persist or develop from cancer or cancer treatments, mean that for many survivors curing the disease is just the beginning.
New bipartisan legislation in Congress would improve the treatment, care and quality-of-life of childhood cancer survivors. This legislation is vital to ensure these kids have the resources and support necessary to combat late and long-term effects.
Support childhood cancer survivors today! Urge Congress to pass this important legislation and ensure all kids have the ongoing support they need.
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]
