A couple weeks ago, I was honored to spend a day in Madison with a small group of fellow childhood cancer parents. We spent the day meeting with representatives, senators, and the governor's policy team advocating for a bill to establish a pediatric cancer research trust fund in the state of Wisconsin. We had meetings scheduled every 30 minutes from 9:30-5:00 where we shared our personal stories, stated facts, and advocated for children.
While I am not new to the world of childhood cancer, I am new to this group led by the American Childhood Cancer Organization with their "What About Kids?" initiative, together with the MACC Fund. Cancer is the leading cause of death by disease in children and I learned that Wisconsin ranks number 8 in the nation for instances of pediatric leukemia, 13th for brain tumors and sarcomas, and 19th for overall occurrence.
The day was emotionally exhausting - telling my girl's story, my family's story many many times over. But then also hearing my peers' stories. ALL of which lost their children to this disease. WE (and WI!) need to do better. I am so proud of this small and mighty team of parents who will continue to passionately advocate for childhood research initiatives.
From American Childhood Cancer Organization's Facebook page:
WAK Update: February 7- ACCO's What About Kids Team and the Midwest Athletes Against Childhood Cancer (MACC) Fund joined forces to passionately advocate for childhood cancer research in Wisconsin. With the leadership of Representative Pat Snyder and a shared commitment to advancing the fight against pediatric cancer, we engaged lawmakers, community leaders, and stakeholders to raise awareness and garner support for critical research initiatives.
