The Honorable [Full Name]

U.S. House of Representatives

Washington, DC 20515

Dear Representative:

The Childhood Cancer Survivorship Research and Quality of Life Act of 2009 (HR 2109) was recently introduced on April 27, 2009 by Reps. Jackie Speier (D-CA) and Mary Bono Mack (R-CA).  HR 2109 is important bipartisan legislation that will improve and expand the delivery of medical and psychosocial care to survivors of childhood cancer. 

Improvements and advances in the treatment of childhood cancer mean that more than 300,000 children are now living as cancer survivors. In fact, the 5-year cancer survivor rate for children has improved from just 56% in 1974 to almost 80% today. For many of these children, however, the fight does not end with remission. According to the Institute of Medicine (IOM), more than two-thirds of childhood cancer survivors experience 'late effects' of the disease or its treatment as they grow older – such as long-term complications, disabilities, or other adverse outcomes, and up to one-fourth of these late effects are serious or life-threatening.

This Childhood Cancer Survivorship Research and Quality of Life Act adopts may of the IOM recommendations for improving follow-up care for cancer survivors. It expands cancer control programs, including surveillance and comprehensive control programs that will support states' efforts in this area. In addition, it establishes grants at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) so that research can be conducted on disparities in survivorship and the development of systems to monitor and care for cancer survivors. Of particular importance, it creates grants to establish and operate childhood cancer clinics so that comprehensive long-term follow up services are available for a larger number of childhood cancer survivors.

While we are making progress towards the elimination and more effective treatment of childhood cancer, we must focus greater resources towards effectively addressing the long-term effects of these conditions. It is our hope that you will see the value of this legislation and will sign on as a cosponsor. Your time, interest, and support of these key issues surrounding the childhood cancer community is greatly appreciated.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]