HARRISBURG – Senator Camera Bartolotta (R-46) issued the following statement today in response to the Wolf Administration’s announcement of a forthcoming study of childhood cancer rates in southwestern Pennsylvania:
“I am encouraged by the Governor’s announcement made today that the Pennsylvania Department of Health will begin a thorough three-year study examining the childhood cancer rates in Southwestern Pennsylvania.
“In recent months, I have repeatedly called upon the Department for transparency and clarity relating to the agency’s previously issued report highlighting cancer findings in Pennsylvania.
“As the Senator who represents many of these communities where a concern of a concentration of cancer cases exists, I have been actively involved in this issue since first learning of it. I have personally met with many of the family members impacted by Ewing Sarcoma who reside in the 46th Senatorial District and have heard firsthand from those who have lost loved ones to this rare disease. Having lost my late husband to Lymphoma, I can empathize how truly heart wrenching it can be to watch cancer take the life of someone you love.
“For this reason, I helped arrange a meeting earlier this year for many of the families impacted by Ewing Sarcoma to speak with leading experts who have dedicated their lives to researching and treating rare childhood cancers. Additionally, I joined some of my colleagues to request and support additional state funding for Ewing Sarcoma research, which will be beneficial not only to the residents of southwestern Pennsylvania but to the entire Commonwealth. I am hopeful this will help improve the outcome for individuals diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma, as well as identify potential causes and areas of concentration.
“As a mother who raised two children in this community and who has lost her late husband to cancer, my priority is ensuring the safety and general wellbeing of my constituency. I welcome the Governor’s announcement and appreciate his commitment to focusing on this issue.”
CONTACT: Katrina Hanna (717) 787-1463