Mayor Jeff Hall read a proclamation at the Newark City Council meeting on Sept. 1, 2025, declaring September 2025 as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in Newark and urging citizens to support children and families affected by pediatric cancer.

The proclamation, as read by Mayor Hall, said in part: “Childhood cancer affects thousands of young Americans each year and is the leading cause of disease‑related death for children. This year, more than 10,000 of our nation’s youth will be diagnosed with this life‑threatening disease. Approximately 40,000 children are on active treatment at any given time.” The proclamation urged residents to get involved in supporting treatment, research and family services.

Following the proclamation, several residents spoke during the public comment period. A woman who identified herself as Caitlin described her family’s experience and asked the council and community to recognize the scale of pediatric cancer locally; during her remarks she referenced a figure for Ohio of “552 children” diagnosed (as read in her remarks in the public comment record).

Jennifer (surname not specified in the transcript), who introduced herself and spoke about her daughter’s treatment and death, said, “She passed away 07/05/2024 at 7 years old.” A woman who identified herself as the child’s grandmother said, “I was the one that had to witness the pain and the agony that they go through when they have cancer,” and described bringing the child for radiation and the emotional impact on the family.

Mayor Hall and council members offered condolences from the dais; one council member said the family’s advocacy was appreciated and offered prayers and support.

The proclamation and the public comments emphasize both the statistics presented in the proclamation and the personal impacts experienced by Newark families. The transcript does not record specific council actions tied to the proclamation beyond issuing the reading and expressing sympathy; no funding commitments or policy actions were made during the session on this item.