Backup Documents 10/14/2025 Item # 4B 4P
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
Collie County,Florida
Burt L. Saunders,Chairman