Dear Colleague,

We are writing to invite you to join us as members of the newly formed Pediatric Cancer Caucus. Pediatric cancer strikes one of our most vulnerable populations, children, with life-altering effects. With nearly 15,000 new cases diagnosed each year, cancer is the #1 cause of death by disease in children, cutting short the lives of more children under the age of 20 than any other disease. While long term survival rates for pediatric cancer are fairly high -- 1 child out of 5 who is diagnosed with cancer dies from it -- 3 out of 5 children suffer from long-term side effects.

The mission of the bipartisan Pediatric Cancer Caucus, co-chaired by Representatives Sestak and McCaul, is to serve as a clearinghouse for information on pediatric cancer and a bipartisan forum to aid Members of Congress in working together to address pediatric cancer. The Caucus will strive to raise awareness about pediatric cancer, advocate in support of measures to prevent the pain, suffering and long-term effects of childhood cancers, and work toward the goal of eliminating cancer as a threat to all children. For more information on the mission and goals of this group, please see the text below.

We are committed to working together in a bi-partisan way on this important issue, and we hope you will join us in addressing these serious matters as a member of the Pediatric Cancer Caucus. To join the caucus, please contact Adam Axler with Congressman Sestak at 5-2011 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or Laura Bunten with Congressman McCaul at 5-2401 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Warmly,

Joe Sestak                                                        Michael McCaul

Member of Congress                                       Member of Congress

Co-Chair                                                          Co-Chair

Christopher Van Hollen

Member of Congress

Founding Member

Pediatric Cancer Caucus

Mission:

The mission of the Pediatric Cancer Caucus is to serve as a clearinghouse for information on pediatric cancer and a bipartisan forum to aid members of Congress in working together to address pediatric cancer. The caucus will strive to raise awareness about pediatric cancer and advocate in support of measures to prevent the pain, suffering and long-term effects of childhood cancers and ultimately eliminate cancer as a threat to all children.

Goals:

• Improve pediatric comprehensive cancer care and the quality of life for children and adolescents with cancer,
• Support increased funding for childhood cancer research through the NIH, the CDC, and other federal research agencies;
• Encourage collaboration between the public sector and private research organizations to further research on pediatric cancer;
• Promote public policies that address the health care needs of the pediatric cancer survivors.
• Support the training of skilled pediatric cancer specialists.