Legislation sponsored by Senators Anthony Bucco, Joseph Pennacchio, and Holly Schepisi that would support funding for pediatric cancer research has been signed into law by Governor Murphy.
Legislation sponsored by Sens. Tony Bucco, Joe Pennacchio, and Holly Schepisi that would support funding for pediatric cancer research has been signed into law. (©iStock)
“I am pleased that the Governor signed both of these bills into law today. As a survivor of pediatric cancer, I know there are few things that can make a child feel so scared or parents so helpless,” said Bucco (R-25). “I am thankful every day that I was one of the lucky ones who survived. With better-funded research, we can improve treatments and survival rates to ensure that luck is no longer a factor in deciding which children with cancer will have an opportunity to grow up and live full lives.”
The legislation, S-3724, appropriates $5 million to the New Jersey Pediatric Cancer Research Fund. The fund will be created through a separate bill also signed by the Governor, S-1431, which gives taxpayers the opportunity to donate part of their tax refund to pediatric cancer research.
“The voluntary contributions from New Jerseyans will provide support for approved scientific research projects that focus on the numerous different causes of cancer,” added Pennacchio (R-26). “This additional funding and support will allow researchers to investigate new cancer treatments and new ways of preventing this insidious disease that has affected millions of people.”
“It is truly heartbreaking when a child is diagnosed with cancer. And sadly, like adult cancer rates, pediatric cancer rates continue to rise in New Jersey,” said Schepisi (R-39). “These two bills will encourage all New Jerseyans to open their hearts and donate to help children in need. Together, we can help uncover the causes of childhood cancer, find new and improved treatments, and hopefully find a cure.”
The newly created Pediatric Cancer Research Fund would be managed by the New Jersey State Commission on Cancer Research. The commission would be responsible for soliciting, evaluating, and approving applications from qualifying research institutions for grants from the fund to conduct research relating to the causes, prevention, education, screening, treatment, and cure of pediatric cancer.
Cancer remains the leading cause of death from disease among children. This year, the American Cancer Society projects that about 10,500 children in the U.S. under the age of 15 will be diagnosed with cancer. Sadly, an estimated 1,190 children are expected to die from the disease.
Related Facebook Post:
https://www.facebook.com/joepennacchionj/posts/10159049099826348
Related Tweet:
https://twitter.com/HollySchepisi/status/1438640338671964161
Website Post:
https://www.senatenj.com/index.php/pennacchio/bucco-pennacchio-schepisi-legislation-supporting-pediatric-cancer-research-signed-into-law/54431
