Declaration: Pediatric Cancer Must Be Recognized as a National Health Emergency
The Ahmad Butler Foundation formally submitted a declaration calling for pediatric cancer to be recognized as a national health emergency.
A federal advocacy initiative led by the Ahmad Butler Foundation
calling for emergency recognition and increased research funding.
Official Declaration
Declaration of Pediatric Cancer as a National Health Emergency
Submitted January 5, 2026 By The Ahmad Butler Foundation
The declaration asserts that pediatric cancer constitutes a national health emergency due to its scope, severity, and duration, and that the absence of emergency recognition has contributed to systemic failures in research, treatment development, and coordinated federal response.
The complete declaration is available below:
Official Press Release
Ahmad Butler Foundation Confirms Federal Engagement Following Call to Declare Pediatric Cancer a National Health Emergency
Federal Engagement & Legislative Action
The Ahmad Butler Foundation has undertaken coordinated national advocacy and federal engagement efforts to address pediatric cancer funding disparities.
Philadelphia → Washington DC
A 179-mile national advocacy walk elevated awareness and spotlighted pediatric cancer funding disparities.
Petition delivered on Capitol Hill
Following coordinated outreach, a formal congressional proclamation was secured recognizing pediatric cancer disparities and the urgent need for federal policy consideration.
The Foundation engaged with federal legislative offices to initiate dialogue regarding emergency classification mechanisms, research prioritization pathways, and structural funding review.
Correspondence from NIH/NCI
To read the NIH response letter, click here
Submitted materials and proposed action frameworks are currently under review by federal stakeholders and relevant agency representatives.
National Data
The Urgent Reality of Pediatric Cancer in the United States
15,000+ Children Diagnosed Each Year
More than 15,000 children in the United States are diagnosed with cancer annually, representing one of the most serious health challenges affecting young Americans.
Leading Cause of Disease-Related Death
Cancer remains the leading cause of death from disease among children in the United States, surpassing many other childhood illnesses.
Less Than 5% of Federal Funding
Pediatric cancer receives less than 5% of total federal cancer research funding, despite the unique medical challenges facing children.
Outdated Treatment Approaches
Many therapies used for children today were developed decades ago, often leading to long-term health complications for survivors.
Progress Has Slowed
For several pediatric cancers, survival improvements have stalled, highlighting the urgent need for renewed research investment.
Source: National Cancer Institute, CDC, and federal research funding reports.
National Media Attention
The advocacy walk to Washington, DC brought national attention to the urgent need for federal action on pediatric cancer.
National Commentary
Philadelphia Today
Ahmad Butler Foundation Leaders Walking 179 Miles for Children with Cancer
January 5, 2026
What initially started as a peaceful protest to demand that Congress not cut funding for pediatric cancer research and treatment has grown into a bigger movement.
National Coalition Initiative
Join the National Coalition for Pediatric Cancer Emergency Action
The Ahmad Butler Foundation is convening a national coalition of medical institutions, advocacy organizations, research leaders, and policymakers to support federal recognition of pediatric cancer as a national health emergency.
• Foundations
• Children’s hospitals and health systems
• Pediatric oncology research institutions
• National advocacy organizations
• Public health leaders and policymakers
For institutional collaboration inquiries: coalition@yourdomain.org
Contact Us
MEDIA INQUIRIES: All press inquiries, segment requests, or interviews should be directed to: Jason Collins, Director of Communications & External Affairs | jcollins@ahmadbutler.org | Cell: (321) 290-3260
Initiated by: Ahmad Butler Foundation
Founder: Latanya Morrison
Date Initiated: January 5, 2026
Overview
On January 5, 2026, the Ahmad Butler Foundation formally submitted a declaration calling for pediatric cancer to be recognized as a national health emergency. The declaration was delivered via certified mail and email to key executive and congressional leadership.
This document serves as a public reference point documenting the declaration, its purpose, and its current status.
The Declaration
The declaration asserts that pediatric cancer constitutes a national health emergency due to its scope, severity, and duration, and that the absence of emergency recognition has contributed to systemic failures in research, treatment development, and coordinated federal response.
The full text of the declaration is available below:
Declaration of Pediatric Cancer as a National Health Emergency
Ahmad Butler Foundation Confirms Federal Engagement Following Call to Declare Pediatric Cancer a National Health Emergency
The 179-mile advocacy walk
What began as a 179-mile walk from Philadelphia to Washington, DC, was a deliberate act of advocacy in response to a growing crisis. As Congress considered budget proposals that threatened to reduce funding for pediatric cancer research and treatment, leaders of the Ahmad Butler Foundation took action to make clear that children with cancer cannot absorb further cuts, and cannot wait for delayed solutions.
Over the course of the walk, and through scheduled virtual meetings on non-walking days, advocacy continued with congressional offices to oppose proposed FY 2026 budget reductions and to urge increased federal investment in pediatric cancer research, treatment access, and survivorship outcomes.
By the time the walk concluded on Capitol Hill, it had become more than a physical journey. It evolved into a sustained effort to elevate pediatric cancer as a national priority, centering the voices of families, honoring children who are fighting and those we have lost, and reinforcing the urgent need for coordinated federal action.
Congressional Proclamation
Our legislative collaboration
Correspondence from NIH/NCI
To read the NIH response letter, click here
Current federal review
Contact Us
MEDIA INQUIRIES: All press inquiries, segment requests, or interviews should be directed to: Jason Collins Director of Communications | jcollins@ahmadbutler.org | Cell: (321) 290-3260