Sphere is working with Kids v Cancer to bring media attention and grassroots support to innovative policy solutions in pediatric cancer.

Despite more than 13,000 children being diagnosed with cancer in the U.S. every year, only 4% of the National Cancer Institute’s budget is dedicated to childhood cancers. To combat the tremendous shortfall in funding for pediatric cancer and rare diseases, Nancy Goodman formed Kids v Cancer and has worked with members of Congress to introduce the Creating Hope Act of 2011.

The legislation, now with over 100 co-sponsors, generates market incentives for drug development through the establishment of a priority review voucher for pediatric rare diseases. This approach would change the landscape of pediatric cancer research funding.

• In order to increase awareness about the Creating Hope Act, Sphere worked with Kids v Cancer to develop materials and target media outlets in critical districts across the country.
• Sphere also worked with a prominent DC publication to bring increased coverage of the “46 Mommas” Shave for the Brave event, which each year aims to raise both awareness and funds for childhood cancer. The inside-the-beltway outlet produced a story on the morning of the event that significantly elevated coverage.
• In addition, Sphere has provided online strategy and social media outreach to maximize the online discussion and expand grassroots support surrounding the legislation.

Read more about Kids v Cancer and the Creating Hope Act at www.kidsvcancer.org or on Facebook.