WASHINGTON, DC - In an effort to expand research programs aimed at preventing childhood cancer, the U.S. Senate last night passed S. 911, the Conquer Childhood Cancer Act. Authored by U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), this legislation authorizes $150 million over a five year period to expand childhood cancer research and increase services to patients and families affected by the disease. It also creates a national childhood cancer registry to track pediatric cancer. Researchers would be able to contact patients within weeks, enroll them in research studies, and follow up with them over time.

Each year, over 12,000 American children are diagnosed with cancer and more than 2,000 end up succumbing to this devastating disease.

"Too many young people's lives were cut short by cancer, but their hopes were not. The thousands of kids and their families who battle this disease have inspired us to turn tragedy into hope and we were able to pass this bill because of them," said Reed, a senior member of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee. "We have made great advances in treating cancer, but there is still much more to be done. The Conquer Childhood Cancer Act will deliver much needed hope and support to children and families battling cancer and more resources for vital pediatric cancer research programs."

Reed's legislation will encourage and expand support for pediatric cancer research by authorizing $30 million annually for the next five years for biomedical research programs at the National Cancer Institute. In addition, it will establish a national, population-based childhood cancer registry to evaluate the incidence trends of childhood cancers and research into genetic and environmental causes of the disease.

One of the inspirations for the legislation is the Haight family of Warwick, Rhode Island. Ben Haight, the young son of Nancy and Vince Haight, and brother of Nick, sadly passed away from an aggressive form of childhood cancer in 2003.

Ben's mother, Nancy Haight, stated: "No parent wants to think that their child may be diagnosed with cancer. When I was told that our son, Ben, had a mass in his abdomen, I thought "it can't be cancer; he's only 4 years old." Unfortunately, 2 days later, on February 14, 1999, my worst fears were confirmed; he was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma, a very aggressive pediatric cancer. Ben fought so valiantly and with such spirit. It was inconceivable to us that a better treatment for this disease did not exist; and very little progress has been made since that day. Ben never let cancer interfere with living his life to the fullest, experiencing all the important things in a boy's life. Ben never complained. His courage and strength inspired us and many others. Though Ben ultimately lost his battle, we continue on, trying to bring attention to this problem. Our dream is that when our son, Nick, has children of his own, the diagnosis of cancer will no longer be as devastating as it is today. From the first time that we met with Senator Reed, he has been so supportive. His landmark legislation will go a long way in helping us to realize our dream. We cannot thank him enough for his support."

"The heart-wrenching story of Ben Haight highlights the importance of this legislation. It is my hope that one day Ben's story, and thousands of other children like him, will be one of survival," stated Reed. "I thank the Haights and all of the many families who have struggled with this devastating disease for their commitment to helping the thousands of children facing childhood cancer. Their efforts are heroic and have increased public awareness and helped boost efforts to hopefully one day find a cure."

In addition to providing support for childhood cancer research, Reed's bill also authorizes grants to expand informational programs to ensure early access to the best available therapies and clinical trials and necessary long-term medical and psychological care, and provide services such as support networks, educational teleconferences, and referrals for financial assistance and psychological counseling.

"When a child is diagnosed with cancer, suddenly the whole family's life changes overnight. Often times, parents will have to quit their job to stay home and care for their child. This bill will help more families find the best care possible and at the same time provide some comfort and needed research," concluded Reed.

Reed enlisted the support of 64 cosponsors for the bill from both parties and orchestrated the effort to overcome the objections of a small group of Republican Senators who were holding up passage of the legislation since late last year.

The U.S. House of Representatives passed the bill by a vote of 416-0 on June 12, 2008. Now that it has been approved by the U.S. Senate, it goes to the President's desk to be signed into law.