A new law that took effect on Friday could lead to better treatments for childhood cancer.
That’s a major goal of the Brian Morden Foundation, formed 14 years ago by a local family that lost a son to the disease.
The foundation works to raise awareness of childhood cancer, sends cards and gift packages to young patients, and raises money for pediatric cancer research.
The Race for Children Act will require that new drugs developed for adult cancers, also be considered for development children.
“That’s going to accelerate some research for childhood cancer drugs and that’s one thing that we’ve over the years learned, that childhood cancer gets about 4 percent of the funding nationally from the government and that’s just not acceptable,” said Dawn Morden of the Morden Foundation.
She says she’s encouraged by the new law, but expects it to take years before it results in new treatment.
Right now, the Morden Foundation is focusing on its upcoming local events for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.
They include a Sip and Sing this Friday at the Brookmere Winery in Altoona, a kick-off event at a Curve game, two gold ribbon high school football games, and a wellness walk at Mansion Park, supported by the Altoona Area School District.
More information about upcoming Childhood Cancer Awareness Events
