The ‘Moonshot’ to Cure Cancer: Keeping Kids in the Race

President Obama recently announced a new national effort to conquer cancer. See how St. Baldrick’s is already at work and how you can help.

We fully support this effort, and together, I believe we have the passion, creativity, and energy to help make it happen.

We all know things in Washington can take time, and the St. Baldrick’s Foundation is already at work, collaborating with our leaders in government, the larger childhood cancer community, and the cancer community at large to make this moonshot program a reality.

But our kids can’t wait. Congress has an opportunity right now to create change for kids with cancer with the STAR Act.

Our champions on Capitol Hill, in collaboration with the larger childhood cancer community, introduced the STAR Act (H.R. 3381/S.1833) in July. The STAR Act would expand opportunities for childhood cancer research, improve efforts to identify and track childhood cancer incidences, enhance the quality of life for childhood cancer survivors, and ensure publicly accessible expanded access policies that give hope to patients who have run out of options.

The creativity and passion that put this bill together is a shining example of what can be done when we work together to create change for these kids.

For so many of us, this is personal. And now, our leaders in Washington are ready with their ears open.

Now is the time. Here are three ways you can help ensure that kids are represented in the moonshot to cure cancer:

1. Send a letter to Congress

The STAR Act is quickly gaining momentum on Capitol Hill, where 139 House representatives and 13 Senators have already signed on as cosponsors. Each cosponsor that signs on increases the likelihood that this bill will be signed into law. Email your representatives and let them know you care about kids with cancer and the STAR Act.

Vice President Joe Biden lost his son Beau to a brain tumor last year. He said, “It’s personal for me. But it’s also personal for nearly every American, and millions of people around the world. … If this disease has touched your life, I want to hear your story.” He wants to hear from YOU. Tell him how childhood cancer has touched your life and give a voice to kids with cancer.

As a part of our advocacy action network, Speak Up for Kids’ Cancer, we’ll keep you updated on this “moonshot to cure cancer” and you’ll receive tips and alerts when your help is needed most.

• An Open Letter to My Representatives: Why You Need to Support the Childhood Cancer STAR Act
• What 6-Year-Old Scott Told Congress About Childhood Cancer
• Speak Up for Kids’ Cancer 2015 Advocacy Recap