Serving his eighth term in Texas’ 10th Congressional District, Congressman Michael McCaul has achieved significant advancements for the rare disease community. In particular, Congressman McCaul has been a strong supporter of pediatric cancer patients and their families. Over the course of his career, he has spearheaded the effort to ensure that Congress address the needs of pediatric cancer patients. Shortly after being elected to Congress, he founded the Congressional Childhood Cancer Caucus.
In his role as founder of the Congressional Childhood Cancer Caucus, Congressman Michael McCaul has fought for and enacted multiple pieces of critical legislation to help cancer patients and survivors. Most recently, in 2018, the Childhood Cancer Survivorship, Treatment, Access and Research (STAR) Act was signed into law. The STAR Act was the most comprehensive childhood cancer bill ever considered before Congress, as it elevates and prioritizes childhood cancer at the National Institute of Health (NIH). Specifically, it allows for greater pediatric cancer research and surveillance, seeks to improve the quality of life for pediatric cancer survivors, and ensures pediatric expertise at the NIH by requiring that there be at least one pediatric oncologist on the National Cancer Advisory Board.
Additionally, Congressman McCaul was a key voice in drafting and reauthorizing the Creating Hope Act that established the rare pediatric disease priority review voucher incentive program, which aims to further incentivize rare disease drug development, specifically for rare pediatric diseases.
NORD is proud to present Congressman McCaul with a 2019 Rare Impact Award for being a champion for patients and families battling pediatric cancers and other rare diseases.
Join us during NORD’s annual Rare Impact Awards ceremony, presented as part
of the 2019 Living Rare, Living Stronger Patient & Family Forum in Houston, TX.
