Louisiana Senate Bill SR21

Louisiana 2018 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/15/18
• Passed: 3/19/18

Caption

Commends the Geaux for the Gold With Purpose campaign at Loyola University for working to ensure that children with pediatric cancer have access to safe and effective treatment options.

Impact

The resolution raises public awareness regarding the significant challenges faced by children with cancer, particularly related to treatment accessibility and the funding for research. With Purpose organization, associated with the campaign, seeks to change the narrative around pediatric cancer research funding, which currently receives a meager percentage of the National Cancer Institute's budget. This commendation serves as a formal recognition that could help galvanize more community action and potentially influence policymakers to allocate more resources toward childhood cancer research.

Summary

Senate Resolution 21, introduced by Senator Peterson, is a commendation for the 'Geaux for the Gold With Purpose' campaign at Loyola University in New Orleans. This resolution celebrates the campaign's efforts in advocating for children with pediatric cancer, highlighting the pressing need for access to safe and effective treatment options for these vulnerable children. Childhood cancer is noted as a significant health concern, being the leading cause of disease-related death among children in the United States, with inadequate advancements in treatment options since the 1970s. The campaign aims to raise awareness and advocate more research funding for childhood cancer treatments.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SR21 is largely positive, reflecting a supportive community approach towards a critical health issue. Proponents of the resolution, including community members and supporters of the campaign, view the resolution as an essential step towards promoting awareness and advocacy efforts. The enthusiastic participation of students at Loyola University underscores the engagement of younger generations in meaningful causes. However, given the context of limited funding and research for pediatric cancers, there is an underlying urgency that may reveal a more contentious atmosphere related to funding allocations at higher governmental levels.

Contention

While the resolution itself is a non-controversial commendation, it indirectly touches on broader issues regarding funding allocations for childhood cancer research. The disparity in available resources and research between adult and pediatric cancers is particularly noteworthy. Discussions arising from this resolution may raise future questions about how state funding can be geared toward more equitable research financing to ensure that childhood cancer receives the necessary attention it deserves. Initiatives like the Geaux for the Gold campaign challenge the status quo and push for a reevaluation of priorities within the healthcare system.