GONZALES — September proclaimed National Childhood Cancer Awareness month and National Addiction and Recovery month by Gonzales City Council on Sept. 2.
“Forty-two children in the United States are diagnosed with cancer and more than 44,000 children undergo treatment for cancer each year,” said Mayor Pro-Tem Liz Silva. “Cancer remains the leading cause of death by disease among children. More than asthma, diabetes, cystic fibrosis, congenital anomalies and AIDS combined.”
The City Council recognized Jacob’s Heart for providing Gonzales families with essential services. Jacob’s Heart works closely with the Lucille Packard Children’s Hospital at Stanford for the past 19 years to provide family-centered care that addresses the emotional, practical and financial struggles of families with children with cancer in Gonzales.
Accepting the award for Jacob’s was Mariela Medina, the family support specialist at Jacob’s Heart.
The City Council also is recognizing September as National Addiction and Recovery Month.
“Behavioral health is an essential part of health and one’s overall wellness,” said Mayor Maria Orozco. “Prevention of mental and substance abuse disorders works and treatment is effective in people we cover in our area and around the nation.”
According to Orozco, preventing and overcoming substance abuse disorders is essential to achieving healthy lifestyles both physically and emotionally. Approximately 100 people in Gonzales are affected by these conditions.
Accepting the National Addiction and Recovery Month Proclamation was Darlene Acosta from Sun Street Centers. Acosta said Sun Street Centers is rapidly approaching its 50th anniversary.
