Community Contribution
On Wednesday, September 10th at the State House, Senator O’Connor and Representative Giannino hosted Pediatric Cancer Advocacy Day together with the American Childhood Cancer Organization (ACCO), in the Senate Reading Room at the Massachusetts State House. This event was open to the public and well-attended by legislators, legislative staff, advocates, and family members who have been impacted by the effects of childhood cancer.
Speakers at the event included healthcare professionals, pediatric cancer survivors, and parents who shared their experiences navigating the healthcare system. Their testimonies underscored the urgency of passing An Act improving pediatric cancer research and expanding state-level funding and support for resources.
ACCO is a national nonprofit dedicated to securing federal, state, corporate, and private funding for childhood cancer research, while also serving as the largest provider of free educational support materials for children with cancer and their families in the country. Additionally, ACCO is working in conjunction with the legislature to advocate for and spread awareness of this legislation.
Senator O’Connor and Representative Giannino have filed S.1602/H.2434- An Act improving pediatric cancer research. This legislation will establish a Pediatric Cancer Research and Resource Project Trust Fund. The fund will support grants which will be allocated towards research and resources related to pediatric cancer in Massachusetts. This bill will mandate a scientific study focusing on the causes, prevention, treatment, and cure of pediatric cancer. It will also go towards community-based projects with the purpose of educating and supporting those individuals affected by pediatric cancer.