It is known in the community of pediatric cancer awareness advocates that we are in desperate need of more funding, more resources and more support for childhood cancer research. Pediatric cancer is currently the second leading cause of death among children under the age of 15 in the United States, only to be surpassed by accidents, according to the Center for Disease Control.
That said, we are thrilled to learn that, as of August 31, 2012, President Barack Obama has 
announced that September will be officially known as National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month! President Obama agrees that we have a long road ahead of us in terms of fighting, treating and finding cures for pediatric cancers, but commits to continuing support for the families caring for children with cancer. He also ensures that under current laws, children with cancer will be protected from certain insurance coverage denials and coverage limit caps. President Obama commits to supporting the highest level of cancer research to finding cures.
It is our hope that with our government’s support, the Jessie Rees Foundation, and other wonderful pediatric cancer-focused charities, will be able to increase national awareness of pediatric cancer and continue to expand our resources and funding for care and a cure.
An excerpt from the Presidential Proclamation:
“Every year, thousands of children across America are diagnosed with cancer, an often life threatening illness that remains the leading cause of death by disease for children under the age of 15. The causes of pediatric cancer are still largely unknown, and though new discoveries are resulting in new treatments, this heartbreaking disease continues to scar families and communities in ways that may never fully heal. This month, we remember the young lives taken too soon, stand with the families facing childhood cancer today, and rededicate ourselves to combating this terrible illness.
While much remains to be done, our Nation has come far in the fight to understand, treat, and control childhood cancer. Thanks to ongoing advances in research and treatment, the 5 year survival rate for all childhood cancers has climbed from less than 50 percent to 80 percent over the past several decades. Researchers around the world continue to pioneer new therapies and explore the root causes of the disease, driving progress that could reveal cures or improved outcomes for patients. But despite the gains we have made, help still does not come soon enough for many of our sons and daughters, and too many families suffer pain and devastating loss.
My Administration will continue to support families battling pediatric cancer and work to ease the burdens they face. Under the Affordable Care Act, insurance companies can no longer deny health coverage to children because of pre existing conditions, including cancer, nor can they drop coverage because a child is diagnosed with cancer. The law also bans insurers from placing a lifetime dollar limit on the amount of coverage they provide, giving families peace of mind that their coverage will be there when they need it most. And as we work to ensure all Americans have access to affordable health care, my Administration will continue to invest in the cutting edge cancer research that paves the way for tomorrow’s breakthroughs.”- President Barack Obama
For a complete report, visit the White House Office of Secretary Press Release
Thank you for visiting us. The Jessie Rees Foundation is a pediatric cancer foundation inspired by 
12 year old Jessie Rees. Jessie was a beautiful, athletic, smart and compassionate girl who fought two brain tumors (DIPG) for ten months and two days. On January 5, 2012 Jessie earned her angel wings. During her courageous fight, Jessie focused on spreading hope, joy and love to other kids fighting. She knew having cancer made you feel lonely and limited so she chose to spread love stuffed in her JoyJars®. JoyJars® have now become a recognized symbol of hope, joy and love in over 200 Children’s Hospitals, 175 Ronald McDonald Houses and 11 countries. Jessie also shared her motto to NEGU (Never Ever Give Up) through her Facebook Fan Page that has over 200,00 fans. This message of hope, strength and perseverance has made its way around the world inspiring both young and old to stay strong and reach for their goals. Jessie’s motto to Never Ever Give Up will always be our message to kids and families across the globe.
To join Jessie in supporting courageous kids fighting cancer, donate for JoyJars.