Agenda 10/14/2025 Item # 4B (Proclamation - Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in Collier County)PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, childhood cancer is the leading cause of death by disease among children and teenagers in
the United States, claiming the lives of one in five children within five years of diagnosis;
and
WHEREAS, one in 264 children will be diagnosed with cancer before the age of 20, with the average
age of death for a child with cancer being just eight years old; and
WHEREAS, childhood cancer diagnoses continue to rise, with approximately 15,500 new cases each
year; and
WHEREAS, early diagnosis is often difficult and most childhood cancers are not detected early, nearly
80% have already spread by the time of diagnosis, making prevention and early detection
critical; and
WHEREAS, survivors of childhood cancer face an increased risk of developing other chronic or severe
health conditions as a result of their disease and its treatment; and
WHEREAS, expensive cancer treatments are not always covered by insurance, leading to devastating
financial impacts, with average costs exceeding $833,000 per child, including medical
expenses and lost wages; and
WHEREAS, the isolation and disruption to a normal childhood can have a profound psychosocial
impact on children, and the physical pain and existential fear can leave deep scars
WHEREAS, environmental factors are increasingly recognized as contributing to childhood cancer,
underscoring the importance of public awareness and preventative action at the local level;
and
WHEREAS, Collier County recognizes the importance of raising awareness, supporting research, and
promoting early detection and safe environments for our youngest residents, standing with
children and families affected by cancer in our community;
NOW, THEREFORE, be it proclaimed by the Board of County Commissioners of Collier County,
Florida, that October 2025 is hereby recognized as
CHILDHOOD CANCER AWARENESS MONTH IN COLLIER COUNTY
DONE AND ORDERED THIS 14th Day of October 2025.
Board of County Commissioners
Collier County, Florida
Burt L. Saunders, Chairman
Page 314 of 6526
COLLIER COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
REQUEST FOR PROCLAMATION
Please complete the form below and email to Proclamations@colliercountyfl.gov along with a draft of the
proclamation (Insert language on the Draft Proclamation From linked on the same webpage as this Request
Form). Forms must be submitted a minimum of 13 days prior to the requested meeting date.
Please note: A Commissioner sponsor is required!
COMMISSIONER(S) AGREEING TO SPONSOR: Commissioner Rick LoCastro
Once the Board agenda is approved by the Chair, staff will contact you to confirm receipt and presentation at an
upcoming Board of County Commissioners meeting. If you have any questions, please email
Proclamations@colliercountyfl.gov or by calling (239) 252-8075.
NAME: Darren Nieves
ADDRESS: 2224 Regal Way, Naples Fl, 34110
PHONE: 239-777-7668
EMAIL: darren@mindsovertumors.org
DATE OF THE COMMISSION MEETING BEING REQUESTED FOR PRESENTATION: October 14th, 2025
TOPIC/REASON FOR THE PROCLAMATION REQUEST: Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
DOES THIS PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZE A SPECIFIC CALENDAR DATE? The Entire Month _
HAS THE PROCLAMATION BEEN PRESENTED BY THE BOARD IN PREVIOUS YEARS? No
NAME OF THE LEAD RECIPIENT AND TITLE (IF APPLICABLE) WHO WILL BE PRESENT AND INTRODUCED AT THE
MEETING TO ACCEPT THE PROCLAMATION: (Other attendees may also participate in the receipt of the
Proclamation but will be announced by the County Manager as “distinguished guests.” Commissioners may opt to
identify others, by name, in any comments they make during or after the presentation of the Proclamation.)
LEAD RECIPIENT NAME: Darren Nieves, President & CEO
Note: A photograph will be taken with the County Commissioners at the meeting when the proclamation is
presented. Other persons present with the recipients may also come forward at the time of the photograph.
Would you like a copy of this photograph sent (circle one): Via email / Via U.S. Mail
Per your delivery selection, please provide a name and email address or physical mailing address if different than
already provided on the form above:
2224 Regal Way, Naples Fl, 34110
FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY:
DATE FORM RECEIVED: RECEIVED BY:
ACCEPTED: DENIED: REASON FOR DENIAL:
APPLICANT NOTIFIED ON (DATE): VIA TELEPHONE / EMAIL / US MAIL
BY: (SIGNATURE) REVISED 2/2023
Page 315 of 6526