Zoe Pramuck of Decatur was diagnosed with leukemia at age 5. After more than two years of treatment by SIU’s Dr. Gregory Brandt, she is now in remission from the cancer and leading a normal, healthy life of a 9 year old.

On the drive home from Zoe’s treatments in Springfield her mother, Jennifer Pramuck, observed the numerous specialty license plates. “I decided to help create a license plate to help cure childhood cancer,” Pramuck says. “By working with a friend we connected with State Senator Andy Manar, and legislation was passed to create the ‘Curing Childhood Cancer’ plate.” Proceeds from the sale of the plate will be shared by the Children’s Oncology Group and St. Jude’s Research Hospital.

A cancer diagnosis is shocking to anyone who receives it, but it is especially devastating to children and their families. Cancer is the leading cause of death by disease among U.S. children between infancy and age 14. Approximately 11,600 new cases of pediatric cancer were expected to be diagnosed last year, according to the National Cancer Institute.

Dr. Brandt is a member of the Children’s Oncology Group, which sponsors research including national clinical trials that benefit most of his patients. Patients who enroll in a clinical trial have access to newer medications that may have fewer side effects and better outcomes. “Since 2000 the survival rate has increased to about 75% for these children,” said Dr. Brandt.

Under Illinois Secretary of State rules, Illinois residents will need to pre-order 1,500 plates before production can begin. To order the license plate, go to http://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/publications/pdf_publications/vsd702.pdf and complete the form, writing “Curing Childhood Cancer plates” in the first line, and mail it with a check for $50.

For more information:
http://www.siumed.edu/news/ReleasesFY14/PedsOncLicensePlate.html
http://www.cancer.gov/researchandfunding/snapshots/pediatric