Rep. Tom Reed (R-N.Y.) recently wrote an editorial with Gary Mervis, the director of Camp Good Days and Special Times, about Congress’ role in addressing the health needs of children.
“We’re excited to be joining forces again in support of another important initiative for children’s health: the Kids First Research Act of 2013,” Reed and Mervis said. “The bill invests $130 million in scientific research for pediatric diseases and disorders like autism, juvenile diabetes and children’s cancer.”
Reed’s bill would fund the research by eliminating taxpayer financing of presidential campaigns and party conventions and expanding pediatric research through the National Institutes of Health. The legislation has drawn significant support from both sides of the aisle.
“Kids First is a great example of bipartisanship in the House, with more than 100 co-sponsors adding their name and committing to put our children above political parties and conventions,” Reed and Mervis said. “We also have a host of organizations that have voiced their strong support for the Kids First Research Act, organizations like Autism Speaks, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, National Fragile X Foundation, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, the National Down Syndrome Society and Camp Good Days and Special Times.”
Founded more than 30 years ago, Camp Good Days and Special Times is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for children, adults and families whose lives have been touched by cancer and other life challenges