Mayor Teri Johnston and the Key West City Commission have proclaimed the week of September 25 through October 1 as Childhood Cancer Awareness Week.
According to The American Cancer Fund for Children and Kids Cancer Connection report, cancer is the leading cause of death by disease among U.S. children between infancy and the age of 15. This disease is detected in more than 16,000 of our country's young people every year. An estimated 400,000 children and adolescents are diagnosed with cancer globally each year, and one in five loses their battle with cancer.
The American Cancer Fund for Children, Inc., Kids Cancer Connection, Inc., and Lions Clubs International are dedicated to helping these children and their families. They provide vital patient services to children undergoing cancer treatment at participating hospitals throughout Florida and the country, enhancing the quality of life for these children and their families. They sponsor various programs: toy distributions, family sailing programs, pet-assisted therapy, educational programs, and hospital celebrations to honor a child's determination and bravery to fight the battle against childhood cancer.
Scott Pridgen, the executive director of AH Monroe, accepted the proclamation.
"We're all looking for a cure," he said.
In the photo from L to R: Commissioners Gregory Davila and Jimmy Weekley, Mayor Teri Johnston, AH Monroe Executive Director Scott Pridgen, and Commissioners Clayton Lopez, Sam Kaufman, and Billy Wardlow. Commissioner Mary Lou Hoover was in attendance at the dais.
