FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Indiana Pediatric Cancer Coalition to Host Pediatric Cancer Advocacy Day at Statehouse
Indianapolis, IN – The Indiana Pediatric Cancer Coalition will host its inaugural Statehouse Day on Thursday, January 16th from 1:00-4:00 PM in the Indiana Statehouse atrium. This event will bring together a diverse group of stakeholders, including families, foundations, scientists, practitioners, and advocates, to raise awareness about the critical need for increased funding and support for pediatric cancer research and treatment in Indiana.
The equivalent of 75 youth basketball teams per year in the Hoosier state are diagnosed with cancer. It is the number one cause of death by disease for Indiana children. The Indiana Pediatric Cancer Coalition was formed to address these and the multitude of additional hugely unacceptable statistics surrounding childhood cancer. The Coalition’s mission is to ensure that all children and families impacted by this devastating disease have access to the highest quality diagnostics, treatments, and survivorship care right here in Indiana.
Key Focus:
- Advocating for the establishment of a dedicated pediatric cancer research and treatment grant program. This program, as recommended by the Indiana Rare Disease Advisory Council (RDAC) in its 2024 annual report, will help advance research and improve outcomes for children with cancer in Indiana.
- Building a strong and united voice for children with cancer and their families in Indiana. By bringing together diverse stakeholders, we aim to amplify our collective impact and advocate for policies that prioritize the needs of this vulnerable population.
Event Highlights:
- Attendance by key stakeholders: The event will include participation from legislative sponsors of HB1201, the bill which established the RDAC, as well as representatives from the scientific, medical, and advocacy communities.
- Focus on legislative action: Attendees will advocate for the passage of new legislation in the 2025 session to establish the funding mechanism for the recommended pediatric cancer research and treatment grant program.
- Raising public awareness: This Advocacy Day will serve to raise awareness about the challenges faced by Hoosier children with cancer and the critical need for increased support and investment in this area.
“The statistics surrounding childhood cancer are unacceptable,” said Robyn Spoon, CEO of Elevate Childhood Cancer Research and Advocacy and IPCC Member. “Our goal is to ensure that every child and young adult impacted by cancer in Indiana has the best possible chance at a healthy outcome. We are grateful for the support of our legislators and the entire childhood cancer community. By working together we can do so much more in this state.”
About the Indiana Pediatric Cancer Coalition: The Indiana Pediatric Cancer Coalition was formed by a group of Hoosier families who have been directly impacted by childhood cancer. It is dedicated to fostering collaboration among advocates, increasing funding, and driving medical advancements. We strive to ensure that the highest quality diagnostics, treatments, and survivorship care are accessible to children and families impacted by pediatric cancer throughout Indiana.
We envision becoming a leading integrative resource for childhood cancer research and advocacy. Our goal is to drive the development of cutting-edge treatments that save lives, provide hope, and ensure a healthier future for Hoosier children and young adults.
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Media Contacts;
Robyn Spoon, robyn@elevatechildhoodcancer.org, 812-350-0482
Dan Leiter, daleiter@gmail.com, 317-502-3738
