Title
Mayor's proclamation declaring September 2011 as National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in the City of Pflugerville.
Summary
Cancer is the leading cause of death by disease in children, and more than 2,500 children under the age of 20 lose their lives to cancer every year. Every school day, 46 young people, or two classrooms of students, are diagnosed with cancer in this country. Currently more than 40,000 American children and adolescents are being treated for childhood cancers, and the incidence of childhood cancer has increased every year for the past 25 years.
Furthermore, the effect of childhood cancer on both the child and the family is devastating and long lasting. After the long battle and treatment, children and families face the fear of recurrence, as well as possible physical, mental and emotional long-term effects. Families often face stresses related to work, school, finances, specialized care, adjusting back to normal life and the strain of the treatment on the family. All of this is made even more difficult when a child fighting cancer loses the battle. For these reasons, it is important to recognize the courage, efforts and grace of childhood cancer patients and their families.
Deadline for City Council Action
No action to be taken.
Fiscal Impact
N/A
Staff Recommendation
Proclamation reading and presentation item.
Drafter
Karen Thompson, City Secretary