Pryce’s Pediatric Cancer Bill Signed into Law

July 29, 2008

The Caroline Pryce Walker Conquer Childhood Cancer Law Affirms
Federal Commitment to Fighting Pediatric Cancer

Two Central Ohio Pediatric Cancer Patients Attend Signing Ceremony in the Oval Office

Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Deborah Pryce (OH-15) released the following statement after legislation she authored, the Caroline Pryce Walker Conquer Childhood Cancer Act, was signed into law by President George W. Bush. The bill authorizes $150 million over five years for pediatric cancer research and outreach, and reaffirms our nation’s commitment to eradicating the number one cause of death by disease for children.

For any child or family who is embroiled in the fight against pediatric cancer, today is a cause for celebration and renewed hope. While oncologists and researchers continue to break new ground in understanding and treating these diseases, there must be a robust funding partnership between government and the medical and research communities if we are to hasten our search for a cure. At long last, we will be harnessing our nation’s vast resources and expertise to put an end to a scourge that takes the lives of more than 2,300 children every year.

Nine years ago, pediatric cancer took my daughter, Caroline, indiscriminately depriving her of a life of great promise. This law will bring us closer to fulfilling her vision – a world in which no child will ever again have to hear the horrifying words, “you have cancer.”

Among other things, the Caroline Pryce Walker Conquer Childhood Cancer Act authorizes $30 million annually for five years to hasten advancements in pediatric cancer research. It creates a national database on childhood cancers to help researchers detect trends in the diseases, and provides educational and informational services to patients and families to ensure they have access to appropriate clinical treatment and the array of vital support services. During markup of the bill in the House Energy and Commerce Committee, the legislation was renamed the Caroline Pryce Walker Conquer Childhood Cancer Act of 2008, in honor of Pryce’s daughter, Caroline, who lost her valiant battle against neuroblastoma in 1999 at the age of nine.

Pryce was joined today at the signing ceremony by two central Ohio pediatric cancer patients, Eden Adams and Hannah Lewis, both of whom are patients at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus.

*For more information about the bill and a narrative of Congresswoman Pryce’s history and leadership this and other cancer related issues, click here.

About the Children:

Eden Adams – age 8 (Father Rourke Adams, brother Riley Adams). Eden suffers from Neuroblastoma. She is undergoing chemotherapy and may soon undergo spot radiation. Previously, Eden had stem cell transfusions, BMT (bone marrow transplant), surgeries, and radiation. She has lost her hearing because of prior chemotherapy, and must get transfused platelets (she is now platelet dependent).

Hannah Lewis -- age 7 – (Mother Jessica Lewis, brother Duncan Lewis). Hannah suffers from Rhabdomyosarcoma, and over the next year, she will be scanned every three months for treatment. Hannah has undergone both chemotherapy and radiation, but is currently in remission.

Congresswoman Pryce celebrates "Reach the Day: Conquer Childhood Cancer" with Eden Adams and Hannah Lewis

Photo caption: Congresswoman Pryce celebrates "Reach the Day: Conquer Childhood Cancer" with Eden Adams and Hannah Lewis at a June 23 rd CureSearch reception in Washington. Both children are pediatric cancer patients at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, and attended today’s White House bill signing ceremony.

Back to Home Page