PRINTER'S NO. 1871

THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA

SENATE RESOLUTION

No.

330

Session of

2024

INTRODUCED BY MARTIN, FONTANA, GEBHARD, ROBINSON, PHILLIPS-HILL,

DUSH, LAUGHLIN, CULVER, TARTAGLIONE, BOSCOLA, BROOKS, REGAN,

CAPPELLETTI, HAYWOOD, HUTCHINSON, COMITTA, VOGEL, BROWN,

WHEREAS, Childhood cancer is the second leading cause of

death in children under 15 years of age, exceeded only by car

accidents; and

WHEREAS, The American Cancer Society estimates that

approximately 9,610 children in the United States under 15 years

of age will be diagnosed with cancer in 2024, a decrease from

9,910 children in 2023; and

WHEREAS, According to the American Cancer Society,

approximately 1,040 children are expected to die from cancer in

2024, a statistic unchanged from the year prior; and

hospitalizations in 2019 and a low of 2,555 hospitalizations in

2022; and

WHEREAS, Leukemia, secondary cancers (metastatic) and cancers

involving bone, connective tissue and skin, respectively, were

the three most prevalent amongst those hospitalized; and

WHEREAS, The potential years of life lost to childhood cancer

and the potential years of life saved by treatment exceed all

other cancers with the exception of breast cancer; and

WHEREAS, Most children cannot be treated at a local hospital,

and families have to face the disruption of relocating to

survival rate was approximately 58%; and

WHEREAS, Survival rates vary depending on the type of cancer

and other factors; and

WHEREAS, Due to children's bodies still growing and cancer

treatments largely geared toward use on adults, children are

more likely to experience long-term side effects from treatment;

and

WHEREAS, Possible late effects of cancer treatments include

heart or lung problems, slowed or delayed development, changes

in sexual development and the ability to have children, learning

oncologists, pediatric oncology nurses, nurse practitioners and

physician assistants; and

WHEREAS, Other members of the team of health professionals

aiding in the health and well-being of childhood cancer patients

include, but are not limited to, psychologists, social workers,

child life specialists, nutritionists, rehabilitation and

physical therapists and educators; and

WHEREAS, Some of the most important members of a pediatric

cancer patient's team are experienced parents who navigate and

advocate on behalf of their children; and

St. Christopher's Hospital for Children and Lehigh Valley's

Reilley Children's Hospital; and

WHEREAS, Several of the institutions participate in national

consortiums committed to bringing clinicians, scientists,

philanthropy and families together to enhance and facilitate

trial development to advance pediatric cancer treatments and

long-term care; and

WHEREAS, The Commonwealth has invested in telepresence

educational equipment that childhood cancer patients utilize to

allow for greater remote learning opportunities during long

refunds; and

WHEREAS, Act 73 of 2018 allowed for an additional funding

stream for the PCRF via electronic driver's license,

registration and identification card renewals; and

WHEREAS, As of August 2024, the PCRF collected $4,005,444.73;

and

WHEREAS, Beginning with fiscal year 2021-2022 through fiscal

year 2024-2025, the Commonwealth has earmarked approximately $40

million from the Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement to be

allocated to pediatric cancer research; therefore be it

cause; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Senate encourage young Pennsylvanians who

are fighting cancer, honor young people who have lost their

lives to childhood cancer, express gratitude to the doctors,

nurses and parents who provide special care to patients and

families affected by childhood cancer and encourage all

residents in this Commonwealth to join the fight against

childhood cancer.