Plus, Chad has been forced to figure out a “new normal” that is loaded with frequent hospital visits, piling up medical bills, and the mere uncertainty of not knowing how much longer his daughter has left.
In turn, these life-changing experiences have opened Chad’s eyes to the lack of funds allocated to cancer research by the federal government.
He believes that the administration’s current funding rate of four percent is an utter disservice to childhood cancer patients and caregivers across the country.
So, he has created a Change.org petition in hopes of doubling that funding figure to eight percent for more substantial cancer research.
“The signing of this petition will facilitate the lobbying and passing of a healthcare policy or law that allocates a higher percentage of national resources to childhood cancer research,” Chad wrote.
“The increased funds would be a much-needed shot in the arm as public healthcare institutions would constantly be actively researching childhood cancer all year round, rather than waiting for September, which is Childhood Cancer Awareness month.”
He also hopes for the funds to be specifically allocated toward allowing researchers to improve the identification of children who are genetically predisposed, shorten the amount of time spent on medications, alleviate post-treatment side effects, and more.
Mia currently has two hundred and sixty days left of her own cancer treatment. Moreover, the petition needs twelve million signatures in order for lobbying to commence.
And so far, it has gained just over one hundred and twenty-seven thousand signatures from Americans across the country.
“I am signing for my twelve-year-old leukemia warrior. They deserve better!” wrote one petitioner, Natalia Ortega.
“No child should have to pay for research for treatment. No parent should have to beg for help to keep their child alive,” wrote another petitioner, Trisha Brazda.