Page 10 THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, SEpTEMbER 19, 2025 Representative Giannino, Senator O’Connor host Pediatric Cancer Advocacy Day at the Massachusetts State House B OSTON, MA – On Wednesday, September 10th at the State House, Senator O’Connor and Representative Giannino hosted Pediatric Cancer Advocacy Day together with the American Childhood Cancer Organization (ACCO), in the Senate Reading Room at the Massachusetts State House. This event was open to the public and well attended by legislators, legislative staff, advocates, and family members who have been impacted by the effects of childhood cancer. Speakers at the event included healthcare professionals, pediatric cancer survivors, and parents who shared their experiences navigating the healthcare system. Their testimonies underscored the urgency of passing An Act improving pediatric cancer research and expanding state-level funding and support for resources. ACCO is a national nonprofit dedicated to securing federal, state, corporate, and private funding for childhood cancer research, while also serving as the largest provider of free educational support materials for children with cancer and their families in the country. Additionally, ACCO is working in conjunction with the legislature to advocate for and spread awareness of this legislation. Senator O’Connor and Representative Giannino have filed S.1602/H.2434- An Act improving pediatric cancer research. The participants at the Pediatric Cancer Advocacy Day This legislation will establish a Pediatric Cancer Research and Resource Project Trust Fund. The fund will support grants which will be allocated towards research and resources related to pediatric cancer in Massachusetts. This bill will mandate a scientific study focusing on the causes, prevention, treatment, and cure of pediatric cancer. It will also go towards community-based projects with the purpose of educating and supporting those individuals affected by pediatric cancer. “Events promoting awareness such as Pediatric Cancer Advocacy Day remind us of the real stories and real families behind grim statistics,” said State Senator Patrick M. O’Connor (RWeymouth.) “I have long been advocating for this legislation beside families who live on the South Shore who have been impacted by this terrible disease. This bill would guarantee those suffering from pediatric cancer and their families their right of more resources, more awareness, and ultimately, more hope across the Commonwealth.” “As the co-host of Pediatric Cancer Advocacy Day and cosponsor of this legislation, along with Senator O’Connor, I am deeply committed to ensuring that children and families facing pediatric cancer have the support, resources, and hope they deserve,” said Representative Jessica Ann Giannino (D-Revere.) “This day brings together advocates, survivors, and caregivers to amplify their voicBe prepared before the next power outage. State Rep. Giannino, Senator Patrick O’Connor, Ruth Hoffman (CEO of ACCO), and three mothers of affected families at the Pediatric Cancer Advocacy Day in the Senate Reading Room at the Mass. State House. es and push for policies that will advance research, improve access to care, and ease the burden on families. I am honored to stand with them in this fight and to continue working on legislation that makes a meaningful difference in their lives.” “The American Childhood Receive a free 5-year warranty with qualifying purchase* - valued at $535. Call 866-852-0221 to schedule your free quote! Cancer Organization (ACCO) is deeply grateful for the committed leadership of Senator Patrick O’Connor and Representative Jessica Giannino in championing support for urgently needed childhood cancer research in Massachusetts. Cancer remains the leading cause of disease-related death among children, and far too many families face diagnoses with no curative treatment options. This legislation brings renewed hope to families - hope for breakthroughs, for better treatments, and ultimately, for cures,” said Ruth Hoffman, CEO of ACCO. This initiative will spearhead the movement for further research and investment pertaining to further research for treatment options and public health strategies that directly beneState Rep. Jessica Giannino is shown addressing the attendees at the Pediatric Cancer Advocacy Day together with the American Childhood Cancer Organization (ACCO), in the Senate Reading Room at the Mass. State House. fit children and families facing a pediatric cancer diagnosis. It aims to foster stronger collaboration between hospitals, academic institutions, and advocacy organizations to ensure that Massachusetts remains a leader in pediatric healthcare. For additional information about the bill or to learn how to support its passage, please contact Senator O’Connor or Representative Giannino’s office.
11 Publizr Home