Pryce Receives “Champion of Women’s Health Award”from Health Care Advocacy Groups
 
Congresswoman Deborah Pryce...Proudly Serving Ohio's 15th District
 
 
 

May 7, 2008

Pryce’s Pediatric Cancer Bill Clears Committee Hurdle, Heads to House Floor

Bill Renamed in Committee “the Caroline Pryce Walker Conquer Childhood Cancer Act of 2008”

Washington , DC – Today, Congresswoman Deborah Pryce’s (R-Columbus) pediatric cancer bill, H.R. 1553, cleared another hurdle, as it was approved by the House Energy and Commerce Committee. During markup of the bill, the legislation was renamed the Caroline Pryce Walker Conquer Childhood Cancer Act of 2008, in honor of the Congresswoman’s daughter, Caroline, who lost her valiant battle against neuroblastoma in 1999 at the age of nine. The bill is now clear for consideration on the House floor.

After the committee’s approval of the legislation, Pryce said, “I am thrilled with the continued progress of this bill. This legislation brings us one step closer to a goal universally shared by all of humanity -- the eradication of pediatric cancer, and an end to the incalculable misery cancer inflicts on so many young lives. I am increasingly optimistic that Congress will soon give pediatric cancer the attention and resources it so desperately needs.”

Of death by disease, cancer is the number one killer of children under the age of fifteen. The bill targets federal resources and research dollars against the cancers afflicting children nationwide, and elevates our nation’s prioritization of pediatric cancer through additional funding, improved treatment, and more centralized, accessible information for researchers and families.

Pryce is a Co-Founder and Co-Chair of the House Cancer Caucus. She is the author of the Compassionate Care for Children Act and the Access to Cancer Clinical Trials Act. In 2006, Pryce was awarded the Distinguished Advocacy Award from the American Cancer Society (ACS) – the ACS’s highest honor --for her efforts and advocacy in the fight against cancer. In 2006, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital honored Pryce with membership into The James Leadership Society, the highest recognition bestowed on supporters of the hospital.

H.R. 1553 has 223 cosponsors in the House, and in November, the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee unanimously approved the companion bill, S. 911, sponsored by Senator Jack Reed (D-RI).

The Caroline Pryce Walker Conquer Childhood Cancer Act of 2008:

Centers of Excellence for Childhood Cancer Research: This legislation enhances and expands biomedical research programs in childhood cancer through an existing National Cancer Institute-designated multi-center national infrastructure.

National Childhood Cancer Research Database: It will establish a population-based childhood cancer database to evaluate the incidence trends of childhood cancers and to enable the investigations of genetic epidemiology in order to identify causes to aid in development and implementation of prevention and treatment strategies.

Outreach and Education for Pediatric Cancer Patients and Families: In addition, the legislation provides for education and information services to patients and families affected by childhood cancer to ensure they are aware of and have access to appropriate clinical treatment as well as the array of needed support services.

Authorization of Appropriations: $30 million annually for 5-fiscal year period.

Back to Home Page

Home | Search | Privacy Statement | SitemapDHS Threat Advisory

Office of Congresswoman Deborah Pryce  |  320 Cannon  |  Washington, DC  20515  |  p: (202) 225-2015