The bill would authorize $150 million over five years to develop grants for research fellowships in pediatric cancer, to fund a population-based national childhood cancer database and to award grants to childhood cancer organizations to raise public awareness, ensuring access to the best available therapies for pediatric cancers.

"Too many young people's lives were cut short by cancer, but their hopes were not," said Sen. Jack Reed (D-RI). "We have made great advances in treating cancer, but there is still much more to be done. The Conquer Childhood Cancer Act will deliver much needed hope and support to children and families battling cancer and more resources for vital pediatric cancer research programs."

The bill had been introduced in the House by Rep. Deborah Pryce (R-OH) and in the Senate by Sens. Reed and Norm Coleman (R-MN). During the bill's mark-up in the House, it was renamed after the Ohio representative's daughter, Caroline, who lost her battle with neuroblastoma at age 9.

President Bush held a bill signing ceremony on July 29 with Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Pryce, Reed and Coleman as well as several families and children with pediatric cancer from Ohio, Rhode Island and Texas. With the president's signing of H.R. 1553, the Conquer Childhood Cancer Act is now law!

posted by dan o  # 9:37 AM