Proclamation 9483-National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, 2016
Issued 2016-09-01 by Barack Obama
Plain-English Overview
AI-generated summary explaining what this action does, who it affects, and why it matters
President Obama issued this proclamation to designate September 2016 as National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. More than 10,000 children are diagnosed with cancer each year, making it the leading disease-related cause of death among children. The proclamation honors children fighting cancer and remembers those who have died from the disease, while encouraging Americans to support efforts to find better treatments and cures.
The proclamation does not create new programs or spending, but highlights existing administration initiatives. These include the Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act signed in 2014, which directs millions of dollars annually to childhood cancer research, and the Cancer Moonshot Task Force led by Vice President Biden, which aims to make a decade's worth of cancer progress in just five years. The proclamation also notes that the Affordable Care Act has helped children with cancer by preventing insurance companies from denying coverage for pre-existing conditions and eliminating lifetime coverage limits.
This is a ceremonial proclamation that draws public attention to childhood cancer. It does not impose legal requirements on anyone or change federal law. Presidents have long issued such proclamations to recognize important causes, and they require no congressional approval.
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Constitutional Analysis
How this action fits (or doesn't) within Article II authority and existing law
This proclamation designates "Proclamation 9483-National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, 2016" — a ceremonial observance that brings national attention to childhood cancer. Presidents have issued ceremonial proclamations since George Washington, and they fall squarely within the executive tradition. They do not create new law, direct federal spending, or impose legal obligations on citizens.
Ceremonial proclamations like this one are purely declaratory. They express the sentiment of the President on behalf of the nation, drawing public awareness to causes or communities. They require no congressional approval and face no constitutional challenges.
Official Summary
Administration of Barack Obama, 2016 Proclamation 9483—National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, 2016 September 1, 2016 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation More than 10,000 children are diagnosed with cancer each year. Although rare, pediatric cancer is the leading disease-related cause of death among children. As we invest in cutting-edge research and work to advance medical treatments to beat childhood cancer, each of us can help carry our vision of a cancer-free future forward. Each September, we remember those who lost their lives to cancer far too young and honor the courageous children who bring unwavering strength and optimism to their fight against cancer every single day, and we refocus our efforts on striving to cure cancer once and for all. Cancer affects children of all ages, generally without a known cause. Over the last half-century, as cancer research and treatment has advanced, the outlook for children with cancer has greatly improved. We have witnessed tremendous improvements in overall survival rates, and a larger number of long-term survivors now look forward to longer life expectancies. Unfortunately, many face chronic health challenges or complications after they beat their cancer. As a Nation, we must rec