Advocacy in Action
At Leia’s Kids, we believe every child deserves a voice.
We advocate for increased childhood cancer research, improved access to treatment, stronger survivorship resources, and policies that better support children and families affected by pediatric cancer.
From the White House to the Texas Capitol, Leia’s Kids is committed to raising awareness and advancing meaningful change.
Legislative Priorities
RACE for Children’s Act
The RACE for Children’s Act expands opportunities for children with cancer to benefit from innovative therapies by requiring certain adult cancer drugs to be evaluated for pediatric cancers when appropriate.
Childhood Cancer STAR Act
The Childhood Cancer STAR Act invests in childhood cancer research, improves data collection, strengthens survivorship programs, and expands resources for children and families.
Creating Hope Act
The Creating Hope Act encourages the development of treatments for rare pediatric diseases by providing incentives for pharmaceutical companies to invest in pediatric drug development.
Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Program
The Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Program supports collaborative research to accelerate discoveries in childhood cancer and other rare pediatric diseases.
H. Res. 114 (Moonshot4Kids)
Moonshot4Kids promotes awareness of Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG) and encourages continued investment in pediatric brain cancer research.
National Advocacy
Leia’s Kids proudly participates in national advocacy efforts that advance childhood cancer research and improve the lives of children diagnosed with cancer.
Founder and Executive Director Leia Hunt Toellner was personally invited to the White House Childhood Cancer Forum in 2022, 2023, and 2024 as part of the Cancer Moonshot Initiative, joining advocates, survivors, healthcare leaders, researchers, and policymakers from across the country.
During each of those three years, Leia’s Kids also received official White House recognition during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, highlighting the importance of continued awareness, advocacy, and support for children and families affected by childhood cancer.
Community Advocacy
Beyond national advocacy, Leia’s Kids partners with local, county, state, and federal leaders to raise awareness and advocate for childhood cancer families.
Our advocacy efforts include:
- Childhood Cancer Awareness Month proclamations
- Meetings with local, state, and federal elected officials
- Public awareness campaigns
- Community education and speaking engagements
- Hope in the Kingdom – A Royal Ball
Since 2022, Leia’s Kids has partnered with government leaders to secure official recognitions for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, including proclamations and resolutions from the cities of McKinney, Frisco, Allen, and Aubrey; Collin County and Denton County; the Texas Senate; the Governor of Texas; and the White House.
In 2025, the State of Texas recognized September 2 as Texas Day of Hope, honoring children and families affected by childhood cancer and recognizing the work of Leia’s Kids in bringing hope, support, and awareness to the childhood cancer community.
Advocacy Highlights
Local, State & Federal advocacy efforts
3 White House Childhood Cancer Forum invitations
3 White House Childhood Cancer Awareness Month recognitions
Texas Senate Childhood Cancer Awareness Resolution
Governor of Texas Childhood Cancer Awareness Proclamation
Texas Day of Hope statewide recognition
City and County Childhood Cancer Awareness proclamations