WHEREAS, Cancer is by far the leading cause of death by disease among children in this country; and

WHEREAS, Many children in California are afflicted with cancer, experiencing enormous pain and suffering, and they and their families require extraordinary levels of information and support in their struggles against this disease; and

WHEREAS, Successful prevention and treatment of many types of childhood cancer has not yet been achieved; and

WHEREAS, The prevention and treatment of cancer requires a high level of commitment in order to provide the necessary resources and research; and

WHEREAS, California has many of the world’s finest medical, academic, and commercial institutions, and must continue as a leader in the fight against this terrible disease; and

WHEREAS, Increased public awareness of this major public health problem is a crucial step toward finding solutions; and

WHEREAS, The American Cancer Fund for Children, Inc., Kids Cancer Connection, Inc., and Lions Clubs International provide a variety of vital psychosocial services to patients undergoing cancer treatment at children’s hospitals throughout California; and

WHEREAS, Childhood Cancer Awareness Month is an important nationwide tool for raising awareness among governmental officials and the public about the nature and scope of this problem; now, therefore, be it