CCCA Partners with National Organizations to Host Cancer Awareness and Advocacy Day on Capitol Hill

Photo Credit: Cerissa Hontiveros/CureSearch

Washington, DC -- Today the Children’s Cause for Cancer Advocacy joined CureSearch, the Association of Pediatric Oncology Social Workers, Kids V Cancer, and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society to lead this year's childhood cancer advocacy day and rally on Capitol Hill.

More than 200 pediatric cancer survivors and their family members - representing 28 states - gathered in the nation’s capital to share their stories with members of Congress and staff, and to advocate for policies that advance pediatric oncology research, improve incentives for childhood cancer drug development, and provide support for childhood cancer patients and survivors. Nearly 150 meetings were held, including over forty where the Congressional Member attended the meeting. CCCA worked closely with key policymakers, including the Pediatric Cancer Caucus, to develop and garner support for the legislative agenda for the 112th Congress.

The two-day event began on Wednesday afternoon with an update on the political and health care policy landscape, and included a training session to familiarize survivors with the legislative agenda and to educate attendees on how to effectively advocate for the pediatric cancer community. Susan L. Weiner, President and Founder of CCCA, spoke to the group about the Childhood Survivorship Research and Quality of Life Act as part of the advocacy training.

The annual advocacy day event provides an important opportunity for patients and their families to seek Congressional support in the fight against pediatric cancer. CCCA has held a Survivors' Lobby Day since 2008, bringing together childhood cancer survivors and family members on Capitol Hill for a day of mobilizing against childhood cancer.

CCCA is a leading national advocacy organization that works to achieve access to less toxic and more effective therapies, expand resources for treatment, and address the needs and challenges of childhood cancer survivors and their families. CCCA works to ensure that these needs and perspectives are integrated into the highest deliberations of cancer policy.