David "Jeremiah" our son is currently 7 yrs old and was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) in August 2021. He has been in treatment for 8 months so far.

No parent should have to watch their child go through this; let alone hold their child down so that they can be accessed (needle inserted into their port in their chest). Some of the hardest things are the nausea that comes from the chemo and watching their weight go down; it is heartbreaking. Our son also has down syndrome. We were informed that they are at a higher risk for leukemia with T 21.

Jeremiah was airlifted to San Antonio where he was diagnosed with ALL & started treatment immediately since Victoria has NO Pediatric oncologist or means to even diagnose it. We were told that he would remain in the hospital for the first 28 days of treatment due to DS. I have stayed with him 24/7 since his verbal communication is limited & I really don't trust his best interest without being his advocate.

 Watching our son grow weaker before getting his strength back was the worst. Isolation at the hospital due to COVID and no emotional support from others that are going through the same thing we’re tough. We are continuously jumping through hoops to get financial help. Being separated from my husband while I was with our son in the hospital was very emotional.

Treatments are inhumane. They have to stand by in case the adverse side effects happen as they put medicine intended for adults into bodies that are still forming. Not knowing the long term effects on their body makes it even worse. Treatments may get rid of one cancer by possibly exposing them to poisons that will cause another cancer.

I have seen far too many kids/ babies pass not due to the disease itself but actually the treatment & complications of. Children deserve better. It has been formally estimated in 2022 that over 15,600 children will be diagnosed with childhood cancer, and 1,780 will die of the disease in the United States.

I am more than willing to stand with Chad in Washington! I don't want another child to go through what he has had to. I am looking to advocate for those that can't speak for themselves. By signing this petition, you will be sending a compelling message to Congress to pass federal laws that mandate relevant federal institutions and agencies to increase their spending on childhood cancer research from 4% to 8%. These children are our future and they deserve a better chance at life with safer treatments and even a cure.

VICTORIA, TEXAS