KALAMAZOO (WKZO-AM) — Dozens of families from Kalamazoo who have lost a child to cancer, or are battling to save one, attended a vigil on the Downtown Mall on Wednesday.
Mary Kay Pederson with Cancer Families United said the battle is getting tougher because, despite a 24 percent increase in the number of diagnosed cases in the last two years, funding for research is dropping.
“We need this to be a national priority — to make childhood cancer as funded as adult cancers are,” Pederson said.
At least 44 new cases are diagnosed each day, according to the agency.
“Each community across our county can raise more awareness,” she said. “More awareness will equal more money to fund more more research, will will equal more cures.”
Families with young victims wrapped trees downtown with gold ribbons and posted pictures. Wednesday marked the last day of Cancer Awareness Month.
– John McNeill
