Presidential Documents

56457 

Federal Register 

Vol. 75, No. 178 

Wednesday, September 15, 2010 

Title 3— 

The President 

Proclamation 8556 of September 10, 2010 

National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, 2010 

By the President of the United States of America 

A Proclamation 

Each year, thousands of children face the battle against cancer with inspiring 

hope and incredible bravery. When a child is diagnosed with cancer, an 

entire family and community are affected. The devotion of parents, grandparents, loved ones, and friends creates a treasured network of support 

for these courageous children. During National Childhood Cancer Awareness 

Month, we honor the young lives taken too soon and the survivors who 

face chronic health challenges, we celebrate the progress made in treatment 

and recovery, and we rededicate ourselves to fighting this disease so all 

children may have the chance to live a full and healthy life. 

While survival rates for many childhood cancers have risen sharply over 

the past few decades, cancer is still the leading cause of death by disease 

for young Americans between infancy and age 15. Too many families have 

been touched by cancer and its consequences, and we must work together 

to control, and ultimately defeat, this destructive disease. I invite all Americans to visit Cancer.gov for more information and resources about the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of childhood cancers. 

Tragically, the causes of cancer in children are largely unknown. Until 

these illnesses can be cured, my Administration will continue to support 

investments in research and treatment. The National Cancer Institute, the 

Federal Government’s principal agency for cancer research, is supporting 

national and international studies examining the risk factors and possible 

causes of childhood cancers. 

The health reforms included in the landmark Affordable Care Act advance 

critical protections for individuals facing cancer. Provisions in the law prohibit insurance companies from limiting or denying coverage to individuals 

participating in clinical trials, the cornerstone of cancer research. After recovering from cancer, children can no longer be denied insurance coverage 

due to a pre-existing condition. It also requires all new plans to provide 

preventive services without charging copayments, deductibles, or coinsurance, increasing access to regular checkups that can help detect and treat 

childhood cancers earlier. The Affordable Care Act eliminates annual and 

lifetime caps on insurance coverage and prohibits companies from dropping 

coverage if someone gets sick, giving patients and families the peace of 

mind that their insurance will cover the procedures their doctors recommend. 

This month, we pay tribute to the health-care professionals, researchers, 

private philanthropies, social support organizations, and parent advocacy 

groups who work together to provide hope and help to families and find 

cures for childhood cancers. Together, we will carry on their work toward 

a future in which cancer no longer threatens the lives of our Nation’s 

children. 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States 

of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution 

and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim September 2010 


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56458 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 178 / Wednesday, September 15, 2010 / Presidential Documents 

as National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. I also encourage all Americans to join me in recognizing and reaffirming our commitment to fighting 

childhood cancer. 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this tenth day of 

September, in the year of our Lord two thousand ten, and of the Independence 

of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fifth. 

[FR Doc. 2010–23197 

Filed 9–14–10; 11:15 am] 

Billing code 3195–W0–P 


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