H.U.G.S. 4 Childhood Cancer is actively engaged in childhood cancer advocacy at both the state and federal levels, working to advance legislation that increases research funding and improves outcomes for children and families. Each September, we partner with Kids v. Cancer to lobby on Capitol Hill in support of critical childhood cancer legislation. Through these efforts, we engage in meetings with members of Congress and participate in ongoing virtual discussions with federal legislators to ensure childhood cancer remains a national priority. Bills and legislation we have advocated for include: Race for Children’s Act, STAR Act, The Reauthorization of Creating Hope Act, Gabriella Miller Kid’s First Research Act 2.0, and the Give Kids a Chance Act.
Our advocacy extends to national leadership conversations, including participation in the annual Congressional Childhood Cancer Summit in Washington, D.C., where we have contributed to discussions alongside representatives from the White House and the National Cancer Institute. At the state level, H.U.G.S. works closely with key stakeholders to ensure childhood cancer families voices are being heard.
Over the past six years, we have collaborated with the Alabama Comprehensive Cancer Control Coalition to formally integrate childhood cancer into Alabama’s State Comprehensive Cancer Control Plan. This CDC-mandated plan provides education and support resources to the public and outlines key goals, including increasing awareness of childhood cancer among families, healthcare professionals, and schools, as well as developing a comprehensive resource guide for childhood cancer survivors and their families.
In addition, H.U.G.S. 4 Childhood Cancer has worked with city and state officials across Alabama to secure official proclamations recognizing September as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month from 2020-2025, further amplifying awareness and advocacy statewide.
On May 19, 2025, the State of Alabama officially recognized a Day of Hope through a State Senate Joint Resolution. In honor of this milestone, we met with Governor Kay Ivey, partnered with local businesses for community giveback events, and donated care packages to patients and families at Children’s of Alabama, bringing advocacy, awareness, and tangible support together in action.
Our advocacy extends to national leadership conversations, including participation in the annual Congressional Childhood Cancer Summit in Washington, D.C., where we have contributed to discussions alongside representatives from the White House and the National Cancer Institute. At the state level, H.U.G.S. works closely with key stakeholders to ensure childhood cancer families voices are being heard.
Over the past six years, we have collaborated with the Alabama Comprehensive Cancer Control Coalition to formally integrate childhood cancer into Alabama’s State Comprehensive Cancer Control Plan. This CDC-mandated plan provides education and support resources to the public and outlines key goals, including increasing awareness of childhood cancer among families, healthcare professionals, and schools, as well as developing a comprehensive resource guide for childhood cancer survivors and their families.
In addition, H.U.G.S. 4 Childhood Cancer has worked with city and state officials across Alabama to secure official proclamations recognizing September as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month from 2020-2025, further amplifying awareness and advocacy statewide.
On May 19, 2025, the State of Alabama officially recognized a Day of Hope through a State Senate Joint Resolution. In honor of this milestone, we met with Governor Kay Ivey, partnered with local businesses for community giveback events, and donated care packages to patients and families at Children’s of Alabama, bringing advocacy, awareness, and tangible support together in action.
|
|
