Take Action: The Alliance for Childhood Cancer “2014 Childhood Cancer Action Days”

A diagnosis of childhood cancer is devastating and impacts families for many years. While we have seen progress in survival for some types of childhood cancer, it remains the number one cause of death by disease for children in our country. Moreover, of the nearly 380,000 survivors of childhood cancer now living in the U.S., most experience significant and distressing symptoms and conditions – sometimes appearing years after their treatment ends in the form of late effects resulting from their life-saving treatments, causing health challenges that last their lifetime.

As an advocate for all cancer survivors, NCCS is a member of the Alliance for Childhood Cancer — a forum of national patient advocacy groups and medical and scientific organizations which works collaboratively to advance research and policies to prevent cancer, and improve public education, and the diagnosis, treatment, supportive care and survivorship of children and adolescents with cancer. We will be participating in the 2014 Childhood Cancer Action Days on June 23rd and 24th, an event that includes issues and advocacy training and Capitol Hill visits with members of Congress and their staff. The Alliance goal is to provide the childhood cancer community – parents, children, and others – with the opportunity to visit their legislators and advocate for the important childhood cancer issues currently before Congress.

There are many ways for you to help. Check out this blog post from the American Childhood Cancer Organization or this post from Children’s Cause for Cancer Advocacy for more information and details about getting involved.