By Bill Thomas | March 13th
Last month, we reported on a new policy of the National Institute of Health (NIH) that threatened the future of pediatric cancer research. In response to lawsuits from multiple state governments and research institutions, a federal judge issued a temporary restraining order last week blocking the policy from taking effect. Earlier this month, that block was extended with the issuance of nationwide preliminary injunction.
Cuts to federal funding for pediatric cancer research threaten progress in developing new therapies and leave families with fewer options in their most critical moments. Now, more than ever, we must stand together to ensure that pediatric cancer remains a national priority. Every child battling cancer deserves a future shaped by scientific breakthroughs and real opportunities for survival. Investing in research today is the only way to ensure those futures remain within reach.
We would like to take this moment to remind the administration, Congress, and the public that the fight against pediatric cancer is ongoing and that it requires sustained, bold investments to advance pediatric cancer research.
Now is the time to stand together. It’s important that we all take action to make sure federal funding for pediatric cancer research is a priority. To make sure our voices are heard, the AACR website now offers a helpful online tool making it easy to contact your representatives. Click here to let Congress how important NIH funding is for pediatric cancer research.
The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) recently emphasized the critical role of the National Institute of Health in advancing medical research, stating in a news release:
“For decades, NIH has been the nation’s cornerstone of medical research, driving discoveries that have led to groundbreaking treatments, increased survival rates, and enhanced quality of life for patients. The abrupt and indiscriminate dismissals of dedicated public servants within NIH’s scientific workforce, the proposed major cuts to leading research institutions and cancer centers across our nation, and the ongoing disruptions of and restrictions on NIH’s efforts to work in partnership with the broader scientific community are jeopardizing progress and delaying innovations and treatments that are pivotal to improving patient outcomes and saving lives.”
