We, the undersigned, join with the DQ Strong Foundation to honor DayQwon (DQ) Jones, a beloved member of the Rock Island community and a victim of Renal Medullary Carcinoma, a rare cancer associated with sickle cell trait. Our aim is to advocate for increased research, education, and awareness relating to risks, prevention, early detection, and optimal treatment, not only in the area, but worldwide. The bill, in DayQwon’s honor, will require hospitals and birth centers in Illinois to provide educational information and annual testing for each newborn baby considered high risk for Renal Medullary Carcinoma.

1. RMC is a rare cancer that predominantly affects young people of African descent who carry the sickle cell trait, and it is twice more likely to occur in men than women.

2. By the time of a diagnosis, RMC has already spread to other organs in more than 90% of patients.

3. Early detection and education are crucial in combating this rare form of cancer.

We urge the Illinois General Assembly to support and pass a bill that would mandate hospitals to provide educational information on Renal Medullary Carcinoma and sickle cell trait to parents of newborns, ensuring early detection and proactive measures against this devastating disease.