State
History
Despite significant strides in research over the years, childhood cancer continues to be exceptionally underfunded. Only about 8.7% of the federal government’s cancer budget is directed towards pediatric cancer research. Additionally, in 2011, the American Childhood Cancer Organization (ACCO) found that only two states were allocating state funds to this cause. This prompted the ACCO to pose the critical question, “What About Kids?”
ACCO’s “What About Kids?” advocacy initiative aims to elevate pediatric cancer research as a state priority. This focused effort seeks to secure state funding, addressing the gap between adult and childhood cancer research, treatment, and support. Since 2018, the ACCO has been successful in obtaining state funding in seven states.
Our Partnership
In 2023, the MACC Fund reached out to the ACCO to bring the important work of the “What About Kids?” initiative to Wisconsin. Presently, Wisconsin allocates no funds to childhood cancer research, despite ranking 19th in the nation for pediatric cancer incidence. Additionally, Wisconsin stands at 8th for pediatric leukemia, 13th for pediatric brain and central nervous tumors, and 13th for pediatric sarcomas. The time to act is now!
The ACCO is now leading the effort in Wisconsin to draft, introduce, and pass legislation aimed at establishing a pediatric cancer research trust fund, with an associated state appropriation exclusively dedicated to supporting childhood cancer research within the state. It is our hope that this upcoming legislation will be introduced in the 2025 session. If passed, Wisconsin will become ACCO’s eighth state to enact state-level legislation for childhood cancer research, demonstrating our joint steadfast commitment to our littlest fighters.
There are many ways for you to join this effort! If you are interested in lending your time, resources, voice, or expertise, ACCO and the MACC Fund invite you to sign up for our state working group. Meetings are held virtually, and the time commitment is low; however, the impact of this work will be significant.
Reach out to either Autumn Gentry, MACC Fund, or Jessica Beckstrand, ACCO, with any questions.
