St. Baldrick's Foundation Presents "STAR for Kids with Cancer Award" to Members of Congress

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Jul 25, 2018, 13:12 ET

WASHINGTON, July 25, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The St. Baldrick's Foundation, the largest private funder of childhood cancer research grants, is pleased to present the STAR for Kids with Cancer Award to Senators Jack Reed (D-RI), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and Johnny Isakson (R-GA) along with Representatives Michael McCaul (R-TX), Jackie Speier (D-CA), Mike Kelly (R-PA) and G.K. Butterfield (D-NC) for their support of the Childhood Cancer Survivorship Treatment Access and Research (STAR) Act.

St. Baldrick's CEO, Kathleen Ruddy, met with each member of Congress today to recognize their efforts in leading the charge in the passage of the STAR Act, the most comprehensive childhood cancer bill ever signed into law. President Trump signed this vital legislation on June 5, 2018.

"I'm honored to present the STAR for Kids with Cancer Award to our champions on the Hill and thank them in person for their perseverance and dedication in moving this bill forward," said Ruddy. "We are deeply grateful for their continued commitment to make childhood cancer a national priority and furthering children's cancer research efforts. We look forward to working together to ensure the STAR Act's full funding and implementation."

The Childhood Cancer STAR Act (Public Law No: 115-180) will:

Expand opportunities for childhood cancer research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Improve childhood cancer surveillance through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Help improve quality of life opportunities for childhood cancer survivors through the creation of best practice of care and additional research at the NIH.
Ensure pediatric expertise at the NIH by including at least one expert in pediatric oncology on the National Cancer Advisory Board.

To learn more about St. Baldrick's advocacy action network, Speak Up for Kids' Cancer, visit www.StBaldricks.org/advocacy.

About St. Baldrick's Foundation
As the largest private funder of childhood cancer research grants, the St. Baldrick's Foundation is leading the charge to take childhood back from cancer. St. Baldrick's funds some of the most brilliant childhood cancer research experts who are working to find cures and better treatments for all childhood cancers. Kids need treatments as unique as they are – and that starts with funding research just for them. Join us at StBaldricks.org to help support the best childhood cancer research, no matter where it takes place.

SOURCE St. Baldrick's Foundation