Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton and Senator Tim Kaine have achieved a significant milestone with the inclusion of their "Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act 2.0" in the continuing resolution. This bill holds great importance for the fight against childhood cancer and the well-being of countless families.
Uniting for Lifesaving Childhood Cancer Research
Reauthorization of the Gabriella Miller Kids First Pediatric Research Program
The bill reauthorizes federal funding for the National Institutes of Health's Gabriella Miller Kids First Pediatric Research Program. Over the past nine years, this program has been a lifeline, supporting research into treatments and cures for childhood cancer. It has been a source of hope for families facing this devastating disease.Children diagnosed with cancer face unique challenges, and having dedicated research funds is crucial. This reauthorization ensures that the important work of the Kids First program can continue, bringing us closer to understanding, treating, and ultimately curing childhood cancer.In Honor of Gabriella Miller
The bipartisan legislation is named in honor of Gabriella Miller, a young girl from Virginia's 10th District who was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor and passed away at the age of 10. Her passionate advocacy led to the passage of the Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act and the creation of the Ten-Year Pediatric Research Initiative Fund in 2014.Ellyn Miller and the Miller family's remarkable advocacy in honor of Gabriella have been instrumental in building support for this bill. Their dedication shows the power of individual stories in driving change and making a difference in the fight against childhood cancer.The Impact of Cancer on Children
Cancer continues to be a leading cause of death among children in the United States. Over 15,000 children are diagnosed with cancer each year, and this number has been gradually rising in recent decades. It is a heartbreaking reality that no family should have to endure.Current government funding for cancer is not adequately focused on childhood cancer and rare diseases. This lack of specific funding means that children often face barriers in accessing the best possible treatments and care. The reauthorization of the Kids First program is a step towards addressing this critical issue.By providing dedicated funding and support, we can improve the chances of finding effective treatments and cures for childhood cancer. Every child deserves the opportunity to live a healthy life, and this research is essential in making that a reality.READ MORE