Mayor Dana Ralph read two proclamations on Sept. 2 recognizing September 2025 as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Awareness Month.

In the Childhood Cancer proclamation, the mayor read statistics and declarations noting declines in childhood cancer death rates over five decades and urging continued support for research and clinical trials. Jeff and Claire (parents) and Gemma, a childhood cancer survivor, accepted the proclamation; Gemma said, “Childhood cancer is really hard, but together we are stronger.” A parent speaker described her daughter’s Wilms tumor diagnosis and treatment and said her daughter is now in full remission; she invited the community to a Mary Bridge childhood cancer walk on Sept. 21.

The second proclamation recognized Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). The proclamation described FASD as an umbrella term for disabilities caused by prenatal alcohol exposure and cited Washington-state estimates. Family members whose children have FASD spoke: Clara O'Keefe, age 13, said, “For those who don't know what FASD is, FASD stands for fetal alcohol spectrum disorder,” and described schooling challenges. Alex O'Keefe, also 13, said FASD made learning and social cues difficult and called for continued community education and support: “We need a commitment to making sure all young girls and mothers understand there's no safe amount of alcohol during pregnancy.”

Mayor Ralph and council members lauded the families for advocacy and invited continued community support for awareness and services. No formal council action or funding decision was taken during the proclamations.