WASHINGTON, Feb. 3, 2026 – Today, Congress passed several bipartisan policies in the FY26 funding package that will significantly benefit childhood cancer patients and survivors by reducing bureaucratic delays to specialty care, funding vital research programs and ensuring children with untreatable cancer have access to new life-saving cures. Blood Cancer United (formerly The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society) applauds the enactment of these policies—a major milestone in addressing childhood cancer.
Statement of E. Anders Kolb, MD, president and CEO of Blood Cancer United, in response to the passage of these life-saving pediatric cancer policies:
“Passage of these landmark policies marks an enormous step toward our goal of ensuring that every child with cancer gets the care they need, exactly when they need it. It also gives patients with blood cancer and their families hope for a future where every child with cancer has the best possible chance to survive and thrive. We are deeply grateful to Congress for getting this life-saving legislation across the finish line.”
The policies, which Blood Cancer United and its volunteers have spent years advocating for, now head to the President for signature into law. They include:
- The Accelerating Kids' Access to Care Act, which aims to reduce the paperwork required of providers treating children from out-of-state, and get children with cancer or other complex medical needs the care they need more quickly;
- The Mikaela Naylon Give Kids a Chance Act, which extends vital programs that support research for more effective pediatric treatments and incentivizes pediatric drug development;
- Full funding for the Childhood Cancer Star Act and Childhood Cancer Data Initiative, which support crucial investments in pediatric cancer research and data infrastructure; and
- Full funding for Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPAH), including its recently announced $50 million effort to improve pediatric data and knowledge sharing—an important step toward accelerating breakthroughs for childhood cancer patients.
About Blood Cancer United
Blood Cancer United® (formerly The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society) is the largest global nonprofit focused on blood cancer patient support, research and advocacy. The organization’s mission is to cure blood cancer and improve the quality of life of all patients and their families. To achieve it, Blood Cancer United brings together a community of people—patients and their families, volunteers, healthcare providers, scientists, staff, partners, fundraisers, and philanthropists—who believe all blood cancer patients deserve longer, fuller lives. For support and to learn more, visit www.BloodCancerUnited.org.
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Blood Cancer United Media Contact: Kathy Melley, (617) 791-0708