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U.S. Representative Deborah Pryce (R-OH-15) led a "Gold Ribbon Rally" in front of the U.S. Capitol calling for unity in the fight against childhood cancer.

Washington D.C., September 14, 2000 —
"Two classrooms or 46 children each school day are diagnosed with cancer," Pryce said. "For the 12,000 kids a year who are diagnosed with cancer, a more unified effort for treatment and greater support for research into childhood cancer are essential in beating this horrible disease.

"I am wearing this gold ribbon today to honor young people like my daughter, Caroline, who have lost their lives to this devastating disease, and to show my support for those kids who have survived through their courageous submission to painful, isolating treatments," Pryce said.

In order to ensure the best possible treatment for children and teens with cancer, Pryce said, we must make it a national a priority that children have access to the experts at childhood cancer centers that produce the best results in treatment. One vitally important step toward that goal is the recent merger of the four main childhood cancer research cooperatives into one, the Children's Oncology Group (C.O.G.), which was announced at the rally.

"This new merger will lead to a single recommended treatment plan for each type of childhood cancer and will ensure that 90 percent of children in North America have access to the best standardized care - no matter where they live," Pryce said. "I am encouraged that 8 Ohio hospitals will be a part of the Children's Oncology Group. This will help kids and nation."

cancer and insights about how the health care system treats pediatric oncology patients. The hearing will be held at 10:00 a.m. in 1310 Longworth House Office Building.

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