U.s. congressman Rodney davis proudly representing the 13th district of illinois

U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) today spoke in support of pediatric cancer research on behalf of Jonny Wade, an 8-year-old boy from Jerseyville, who has been battling a rare form of brain and spinal cancer since 2014. Davis met with Jonny and his family earlier this year and invited them to Washington, DC to advocate for research funding but unfortunately they have been unable to make the trip due to Jonny’s health. Click here to view Davis’ floor speech.


“Today, I spoke on the House floor on behalf of Jonny, who was unable to make it to Washington to advocate for pediatric cancer research,” said Davis. “I share Jonny’s goal of preventing any kid from going through what he and his family have gone through over the last year. I believe in investing in the NIH to find cures for our deadliest diseases and will continue to advocate for pediatric cancer research so that one day we will have eliminated the threat of cancer to all children.”

Davis is a member of the Congressional Childhood Cancer Caucus, which works to identify and advocate for measures that will prevent the pain, suffering, and long-term effects of childhood cancer and work toward the goal of ending pediatric cancer.

In July, the House passed the 21st Century Cures Act, which increases funding for the National Institute of Health (NIH) and reauthorizes the rare pediatric disease priority review voucher incentive program to incentivize biopharmaceutical companies to develop treatments for rare pediatric diseases. Additionally, Davis continues to advocate for NIH funding within the appropriations process.

Davis is also a co-sponsor of the following bills to help address pediatric cancer issues:

H.R. 3381, the Childhood Cancer STAR Act, focuses on improving efforts to identify and track the incidences of pediatric cancer. It would also work to improve the quality of life for children with cancer, expand opportunities for pediatric cancer research, and ensure there is pediatric cancer expertise on the National Cancer Advisory Board.

H.R. 2313, the Advancing Research for Hydrocephalus Act, which directs agencies to further research on the disease and collect more data about the incidence and prevalence of hydrocephalus. (Hydrocephalus is a condition where excessive amounts of cerebrospinal fluid accumulate in the brain. It is sometimes onset by brain tumors.)

Text of Davis’ prepared remarks is as follows:

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Jonny Wade, an 8-year-old from Jerseyville, Illinois, who is battling a rare form of brain and spinal cancer.

After being diagnosed with cancer on Christmas Day of 2014, Jonny has undergone several surgeries, as well as multiple rounds of radiation and chemotherapy.

Despite the diagnosis, Jonny continues to think of others, and his rallying cry remains, “I don’t want any other kid to have cancer.”

While he was unable to travel to Washington to advocate for cancer research, I will speak out on his behalf.

Cancer is the second leading cause of death for children. Yet, only four percent of cancer research funds go to children.

Jonny and his twin brother Jacky may not be here with me today, but they brought their cause to the Capitol.

Pediatric cancer is a relentless disease, and we cannot waver in our efforts to eradicate it.

For Jonny and the thousands of children who are diagnosed with cancer each year, we must all work together to fully fund pediatric cancer research.

Jonny’s favorite sport is baseball and he is an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan so I want to thank all of my colleagues for signing this baseball in his honor.

Thank you and I yield back.