Cropsey resolution commemorates September 2009 as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
Monday, September 14, 2009
LANSING - Prompted by the heartfelt suggestion of a local family, Sen. Alan Cropsey has introduced a resolution commemorating September 2009 as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.
"More attention must be paid to this important matter," said Cropsey, R-DeWitt. "Childhood cancer forever changes the lives of children and families throughout Michigan."
That has certainly been true for Shawn and Sandy Smith of DeWitt. Their son Andrew Wayne Smith was diagnosed with a diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (inoperable brainstem cancer) in October 2007, just days after Sandy was diagnosed with breast cancer.
"This family is a profile in courage," Cropsey said. "They are an example of faith, hope and love. Andrew's bravery has been an inspiration to many. The Smiths are working hard to raise awareness about childhood cancer and I encourage everyone to join in this effort."
Andrew, along with his parents and two siblings, met with Cropsey in the Senate chambers on Sept. 10 and watched session from the gallery.
Currently, there are an estimated 270,000 survivors of childhood cancer in the United States. Although the five-year survival rate is steadily increasing, one quarter of children diagnosed with cancer will die within five years.
"Cancer is the number one killer of children by disease," Cropsey said. "While great improvements have been made, some childhood cancers still have a grim prognosis. Each year, more than 12,500 children are diagnosed in the U.S. We must remember the Smiths and other families that confront cancer as part of their everyday lives."
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