Conquer Childhood Cancer Act of 2007
We interrupt our normally scheduled Steadman family blog for a moment of political awareness.
The Conquer Childhood Cancer Act of 2007 was introduced a few months back, but has been slowing down despite having fairly wide bipartisan support. The bill sets aside $150M for research and education to fight pediatric cancer. It may seem like a huge chunk of money, but it’s less than half of what we spend every week in Iraq.
Most importantly (from my skewed view point focusing on pontine glioma), the bill creates a national database of childhood cancer incidents. I see this as a critical first step for understanding the causes of pediatric cancer. It’s frustrating that many of the regulations that protect our privacy put in place by HIPAA regulations also limit the information available to doctors and researchers. There’s been very little progress made in the fight to prevent or treat several forms of pediatric cancer despite the efforts of oncologists and the pharmaceutical industry. It seems like it’s time to take a step back from trying different combinations of drug that don’t work to gather some data about the children.
Cure Search has a great article on the bill if you’d like additional information.
Just sent the emails to the Senators and the Congressman. Very easy to do,
Laura Morris
PS Our Relay for Life is this weekend. I will thinking of Ben and all of those that childhood cancer touch as I walk.
Just a note to let you know that our thoughts are with you at this difficult time. Please give your dad our love.
Sending love,
Rich & Dot
Dear Steadman’s
Just a quick note to let you know that I still think of your family quite often. I check your blog weekly and pray for you daily. I will never forget the incredible impact Ben had on my life and all the lives of those who were priviledged enough to know him. Though you may not realize it in times of deep grief and sorrow, you have been an inspiration to all who have followed Ben’s journey. Your incredible strength driven by love and determination, is a model for all of us to follow in troubled times.
Thank you for your gift to mankind! You and Ben’s courageous acts and loving hearts will never be forgotten!
I will continue to stay connected… through your blog and my daily prayers for you.
May God Bless Each and Every One of You!!!!
Alisa Meyer
done…it was good to see you this weekend. Thanks for coming over and hanging out with us for a while. Hugs and love always being sent to you.
Love Shan, Abe and Quinn
we have started a grassroots lobbying effort to educate our representatives on the CCCA 2007. Please visit our page
http://www.myspace.com/team_kayla
and join the journbey with us.
Together we WILL make a difference.