WHEREAS, September is observed as National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month to raise awareness and education about childhood impact; and

WHEREAS, the American Cancer Fund for Children and Kids Cancer Connection reports cancer is the leading cause of death by disease among children in the United States. This tragic disease is detected in more than 16,000 of our nation’s young people every year; and

WHEREAS, one in five of our nation’s children loses his or her battle with cancer. Many infants, children, and teens will suffer from the long-term effects of comprehensive treatment, including secondary cancers. An estimated 400,000 children and adolescents are diagnosed with cancer globally each year; and

WHEREAS, founded nearly 30 years ago by Steven Firestein, a member of the philanthropic Max Factor cosmetics family, the American Cancer Fund for Children, Inc. and Kids Cancer Connection, Inc. along with Lions Clubs International are dedicated to helping these children and their families; and

WHEREAS, these and other local organizations provide a variety of vital patient psychosocial services to children undergoing cancer treatment at the Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital, Shriners Hospitals for Children – Salt Lake City, as well as participating hospitals throughout the country, thereby enhancing the quality of life for these children and their families; and

WHEREAS, these organizations also sponsor toy distributions, family programs, positive appearance programs, educational programs and hospital celebrations in honor of a child’s determination and bravery to fight the battle against childhood cancer; and

WHEREAS, Salt Lake City stands in solidarity with the children and families affected by this disease and applauds the efforts of organizations such as the American Cancer Fund for Children, Inc., Kids Cancer Connection, Primary Children’s Hospital, and the American Childhood Cancer Organization Utah for the positive impact, services, resources and education they provide to patients, survivors and the community-at-large.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Erin Mendenhall, Mayor of Salt Lake City, proclaim September
2023 as:

Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in Salt Lake City

To view the electronically signed copy of the proclamation, click here.