WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Mattie Miracle Cancer Foundation is leading a policy roundtable on January 24, 2017 to brainstorm strategies for implementing the evidence-based Psychosocial Standards of Care for Children with Cancer and Their Families.
With leadership and support from the American Cancer Society and the ACS Cancer Action Network, and in partnership with Dominion Consulting, Mattie Miracle is hosting representatives from several professional organizations, health insurers, researchers, clinicians, policy makers, and legislators to discuss implementation and a policy action plan. This all-day event will be held in room 121 of the Cannon House Office Building in cooperation with Senator Chris Van Hollen (MD), Representative Michael McCaul (TX-10), and Representative Jackie Speier (CA-14).
Sen. Van Hollen: “Childhood cancer survivors can face psychological challenges long after they have been declared cancer-free. It has been an honor to work with the Mattie Miracle Cancer Foundation to ensure survivors and their families have access to the support they need to live life to its fullest.”
Rep. McCaul: “When I was first elected to Congress, I founded the Childhood Cancer Caucus to raise awareness about pediatric cancer, advocate in support of measures to prevent the pain, suffering and long-term effects of childhood cancers, and work toward the goal of eliminating cancer as a threat to all children. That is why I continue to applaud the work of Mattie Miracle. Their vision to ensure all children with cancer and their families have access to a minimum level of psychosocial care from the time of diagnosis, through survivorship or end of life and bereavement care, is absolutely necessary for effective comprehensive cancer care.”
Rep. Speier: "We have made great strides in the medical care of children with cancer. However, in the pursuit of a cure we should never forget that psychosocial support is vital in the management of long term consequences and survivorship issues that these children and their families face."
Victoria and Peter Brown, Co-Founders of the Mattie Miracle Cancer Foundation: “Having our child diagnosed with cancer, undergo treatment, experience profound psychosocial issues, and die from this disease, enables us to understand that childhood cancer is not just about the medicine! The psychological impact of childhood cancer is just as real as the physical consequences for children and their families."
David Pugach, VP of Federal Relations for ACS’s Cancer Action Network: “Mattie Miracle’s commitment to drive the development and publication of the Psychosocial Standards of Care for Children with Cancer and Their Families, established the evidence base for addressing the needs of children with cancer and their families. Our responsibility now is to get these Standards implemented and integrated alongside the medical care to improve the quality of life across the cancer trajectory.”
Dan Maguire, President and Co-founder of Dominion Consulting: “We are pleased that our long-term partnership with Mattie Miracle supports its work on both the local and national levels to increase awareness and access to psychosocial care for children with cancer and their families. We are also excited to facilitate this important policy roundtable on Capitol Hill, and look forward to continuing to support these initiatives.”
The Mattie Miracle Cancer Foundation and its international network of over 80 childhood cancer clinicians and researchers will continue to drive the implementation of the Standards in clinical settings throughout the country. Learn more at www.mattiemiracle.com/standards.
