Oroho resolution on childhood cancer passes committee

TRENTON — A bipartisan resolution sponsored by Senator Steve Oroho to promote education and awareness about childhood cancer is one step closer to final passage after it was advanced by the Assembly Health Committee.
The resolution was inspired by Nicholas Da Silva, a Hardyston resident who was diagnosed with a form of cancer called Burkitt’s lymphoma when he was just 5 years old. In the two years since his cancer has gone into remission, he has worked to help other children with the disease. Along with the other members of his family, Nicholas has raised money to help other kids through donations to the Valerie Fund and Alex’s Lemonade Stand.
“Nicholas had to start fighting cancer at a very young age,” Oroho said. “Thankfully he’s never stopped. He and his family have given so much to others battling the disease. They truly are an inspiration. I can’t thank him and his family enough for helping us work on this resolution.”
The bill designates the third week in September as “Go Gold for Kids with Cancer Awareness Week.” While childhood cancer is rare, it’s still the leading cause of death from disease in American children under the age of 19. For kids battling cancer or those who have survived it, adjusting to school and other social settings can be difficult. They often experience anxiety and have concerns about their body image. As part of the special awareness week, schools with be encouraged to have activities that promote a better understand of childhood cancer and build compassion for kids with the disease.
“A cancer diagnosis is very scary for a young kid,” Senator Oroho said. “We need to show the fighters and survivors that they have our support and compassion. We also need to show others how they can get involved and help the same way the DaSilva family has.”