Chautauqua County proclaims September Childhood Cancer Awareness Month; local parents urge funding and action

Chautauqua County Executive Paula Wendell Jr. and Legislator Martin Proctor on Aug. 27 presented a proclamation declaring September 2025 as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in Chautauqua County.

The proclamation cited national statistics and urged residents and organizations to raise awareness, support research and help affected families. The county read the proclamation in the legislature chamber and presented it to family members and advocates who attended.

Tara, a representative of Kelly's Crusade and mother of a child who died of pediatric cancer, described the personal toll of childhood cancer and urged the county to move beyond symbolic recognition to "real conversations, real commitments, and real hope." She said awareness is important but "it is not enough. Awareness alone doesn't fund research. It doesn't spare the next child." Tara said her daughter was diagnosed at 18 months and died at 3½.

Michael LeBaron, a resident of Kennedy and father of a child treated for leukemia, urged attendees to donate blood and to register for bone marrow donation. He explained the registry process: fill out a form and submit a cheek swab, and volunteered local examples where someone in the registry later became a lifesaving match.

Legislator Proctor and County Executive Wendell signed the proclamation on behalf of the county. County officials and attendees thanked families and local advocacy groups for their work supporting affected children and for attending the event.

The proclamation does not create new county programs or appropriations; it serves as an official recognition urging residents to support existing research, donation and support organizations.

Copies of the proclamation are available from the county clerk's office.