Sweeney Bill to Appropriate $5 Million to the New Jersey Pediatric Cancer Fund is Now Law

Trenton – Bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senate President Steve Sweeney and Senator Anthony M. Bucco to dedicate $5 million to the New Jersey Pediatric Cancer Fund to fund research to fight the growing scourge of childhood cancer was signed into law today.

“New Jersey has the nation’s third highest rate of pediatric cancer, and cases are increasing every year,” said Senator Sweeney (D-Gloucester/Salem/Cumberland). “Cancer is now the leading cause of death by disease for children under 15. That’s why the New Jersey Pediatric Cancer Fund is so important.

“We can be proud that our state is a leader in the fight against cancer, but we know that more research will help to identify ways to prevent and treat pediatric cancers. Additional support for pediatric cancer research is a top priority so that we can continue to make progress to reduce cancer incidence and improve outcomes for young cancer victims,” Senator Sweeney said.

Senate Bill 3724, signed into law by Governor Murphy today, appropriates $5 million for pediatric cancer research projects with a focus on the causes, prevention, education, treatment, or cure of pediatric cancer and its symptoms.

“This funding is critical because less than 5% of federal funding for cancer research is dedicated specifically to seeking cures and treatments for pediatric cancer,” Senator Sweeney noted.