Blog Posts – Page 4

Compassionate Counseling Services are Available for Families Dealing with Pediatric Cancer

December 11, 2023 Bethany Lieberman

A pediatric cancer diagnosis can shatter the world of any family, plunging them into a challenging and emotionally tumultuous journey. Amidst the physical and medical aspects of treatment for the diagnosed child, the psychological toll on the families should not be underestimated. Recognizing the importance of mental health support becomes paramount to helping families cope, heal, and find hope in the face of childhood cancer. The Emotional Impact: Pediatric cancer not only affects the child diagnosed, it reverberates throughout the entire family and primary caregivers. Parents and grandparents often grapple with a rollercoaster of emotions—fear, anxiety, guilt, and helplessness. Siblings […]

CAC2 Member Blog–Fueling the Lifelong Fight Against Childhood Cancer: Nutrition for Patients and Survivors

November 13, 2023 CAC2

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By CAC2 Organizational Member David Achey (Wit You Against Childhood Cancer) Childhood cancer is a challenging experience that affects everyone: the child, their family and their loved ones. Both during and after treatment, nutrition plays a critical role in supporting the health and well-being of childhood cancer survivors and caregivers. Proper nutrition can help manage treatment-related side effects, support healing and recovery, and promote a long, healthy cancer-free life. Per the American Cancer Society[1], proper nutrition can help childhood cancer patients and survivors: Feel better and sleep better; Work better with their healthcare team; Reduce irritability and improve dealing with […]

Remembering Donna “Nana” Marie Carmical: A Fierce Advocate for Childhood Cancer

August 3, 2023 Bethany Lieberman

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By CAC2 Individual Member Joe Baber and Organizational Member Dena Sherwood (Arms Wide Open Childhood Cancer Foundation) On July 18, 2023, the childhood cancer community suffered a heartbreaking loss as they bid farewell to Donna "Nana" Marie Carmical. Known for her unwavering dedication and compassion, Donna was an advocate and a cherished friend to many. Her journey as a fighter began when her beloved grandson, Declan, lost his life to AT/RT brain cancer before his first birthday. In his memory, Donna co-founded the Journey 4 A Cure Foundation (J4AC) to spread awareness, increase funding, and promote more childhood cancer research. [...] Read more

Community News–Update on Federal Childhood Cancer Appropriations Process

July 28, 2023 CAC2

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Update from our colleagues at the Alliance for Childhood Cancer (July 28, 2023): The Senate Appropriations Committee has released its Fiscal Year 2024 Labor-HHS Appropriations bill, and we are excited to report that it included language to fully fund the Childhood Cancer STAR Act and the Childhood Cancer Data Initiative again this year. If you are interested in the details you can find the report language that specifies our Labor-HHS funding priorities is available here. We still have more work to do heading into the fall to make sure our priorities remain in next year’s budget, but the inclusion of STAR and […]

Guest Blog–Molecular Characterization Initiative (MCI) Continues to Enroll

March 6, 2023 CAC2

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In March last year, the CCDI Molecular Characterization Initiative (MCI) launched. Since then, it has opened enrollment to children, adolescents, and young adults newly diagnosed with central nervous system tumors, soft tissue sarcomas, and rare tumors—with plans to expand. Results have been returned to more than 750 participants. Data released from the initiative are searchable through the database of Genotypes and Phenotypes and Seven Bridges’ Cancer Genomics Cloud. See Where Can These Data Be Accessed? on the MCI web page for more information about access. Enrollment continues and participation is free. Potential participants must also be receiving care from a […]

CAC2 Executive Director Position Now Open!

January 22, 2023 CAC2

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The Coalition Against Childhood Cancer (CAC2) is recruiting an Executive Director to join a dynamic, collaborative network of nonprofit organizations, industry partners, and individuals from 39 states and nine countries, supporting and serving the childhood cancer community. The Executive Director reports to the Chair and the CAC2 Board of Directors to oversee the day-to-day operations of CAC2, while working collaboratively with CAC2 member volunteers. The Executive Director will supervise the operations and communications staff, engage with members and external stakeholders, and work in partnership with the Board to evolve the CAC2’s strategic vision to fulfill its mission and objectives. The mission of CAC2 is to effectively […]

Community News–Year-End Legislative Success for Childhood Cancer

December 23, 2022 CAC2

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We'd like to congratulate our colleagues at the Alliance for Childhood Cancer, our members, and all the advocates who have worked so long and hard to continue making a difference for all children and adolescents with cancer, their families, and for survivors. The last legislative week of 2022 has brought many gifts. Both the US Senate and House of Representatives unanimously passed the reauthorization of the Childhood Cancer STAR Act for another five years! In addition, the final omnibus appropriations package contained all of the hoped for funding! This includes full funding for the Childhood Cancer STAR Act [...] Read more

CAC2 Member Blog–Celebrating the Introduction of The Comprehensive Cancer Survivorship Act

December 19, 2022 CAC2

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By CAC2 Member Jess Kean, Children's Cancer Cause. The Comprehensive Cancer Survivorship Act was introduced in Congress on December 14, 2022. As the only childhood cancer organization involved in the drafting of this legislation, CAC2 Member Children's Cancer Cause is pleased to share the details of this bill with other CAC2 members in the hopes that the community will join us as we work toward its passage. The Comprehensive Cancer Survivorship Act addresses care planning, transition, navigation, reimbursement, quality, and so much more. It aims to address gaps in survivorship care and develop desperately needed standards to improve the overall [...] Read more

Save the Date! Action Days 2023 Returns to Washington, D.C.

December 8, 2022 CAC2

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By Guest Blogger Sarah Milberg, Co-Chair of the Alliance for Childhood Cancer and Director of Government Relations and Advocacy for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation Thanks to advocates like you, we have been able to make great progress on important childhood cancer issues before Congress. The Alliance for Childhood Cancer is excited to announce that Action Days 2023 will return back to Washington, D.C. from April 24-25, 2023. Registration will open in early 2023. Action Days gives you an opportunity to speak with your members of Congress and their staff to advocate for important childhood cancer issues before Congress. Sharing your story next […]

Survivorship Matters Blog: Pedmark – Improving Quality of Life for Childhood Cancer Survivors Preventing Chemo-Induced Hearing Loss

November 28, 2022 CAC2

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Survivorship Matters Blog By CAC2 Individual Member Mary Beth Collins “Your child has to be alive to experience side effects” It is heard by every parent of a child with a high-risk pediatric cancer when reviewing treatment protocol: your child must endure and survive all of the therapies first, before a parent can afford to be concerned about side effects. It’s a pragmatic priority; the focus is on keeping your child alive and achieving No Evidence of Disease, or ”NED” as commonly referenced. With the most challenging cancers, it is spoken with earnest and delicate honesty. Today, according to the […]

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