ATLANTA (September 10, 2013) – Senator John Albers (R –Roswell) recognized several families with children undergoing cancer treatment as part of Child Cancer Awareness Month on Tuesday, September 10 at the Georgia State Capitol. In addition to a senate resolution presented by Senator Albers, the families were honored with a proclamation by Governor Nathan Deal.
“Pediatric Cancer affects children of all ages and socioeconomic backgrounds,” said Senator Albers. “To improve outcomes and early diagnosis, it is vital we work together to raise awareness and support Georgia families battling these life threatening diseases.”
Each year in the United States, almost 13,000 children under the age of 21 are diagnosed with a form of cancer; the leading cause of death by disease for children under the age of 15.
Childhood Cancer Awareness Month seeks to bring attention to the forms of cancer affecting children and their families, along with the fundraising needs for research and family support programs.
“I never thought my child would have cancer, but it happened. We have spent the last 3.5 years seeing our son go through some of the most horrible treatments and side effects for leukemia. We have met other families going through similar journeys and feel that more must be done to bring awareness and support childhood cancer research so we can find better treatment options and ultimately find a cure for cancer. It’s been a difficult journey, and I pray that someday no child or family has to go through what we have with our son. Cancer truly impacts the entire family. I had no idea that cancer is the number one cause of death in children. This is why I will continue to advocate and support funding for our children. If we don’t, who will?” said Heidi Moore, a parent advocate for children with disabilities.
Moore is one of the state’s leading voices in the fight against childhood cancer. Following her son’s Leukemia diagnosis in 2009, Heidi worked tirelessly with elected officials, including Senator John Albers to establish September as Child Cancer Awareness Month in Georgia. A resident of the 56th Senate District, Heidi and her family were present during Tuesday’s commemoration ceremony.
For more information on the Moore Family’s commitment to fighting childhood cancer, please visit: www.teamjacob.org or http://wwww.caringbridge.org/visit/prayforjacobmoore.com.