Pennsylvania HR 494: A Resolution designating June 15, 2026, as "Elora Joyce Khan Pediatric Brain Cancer Awareness Day" in Pennsylvania to promote education, compassion, advocacy and research related to pediatric brain cancer.

Bill Text

PRINTER'S NO. 3306
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION
No. 494
Session of
2026
INTRODUCED BY YOUNG, CONKLIN, HILL-EVANS, CEPEDA-FREYTIZ,
WAXMAN, GUZMAN, HOHENSTEIN, MADSEN, SANCHEZ, PASHINSKI,
BELLMON, CURRY AND BRIGGS, APRIL 27, 2026
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON HEALTH, APRIL 29, 2026
A RESOLUTION
Designating June 15, 2026, as "Elora Joyce Khan Pediatric Brain
Cancer Awareness Day" in Pennsylvania to promote education,
compassion, advocacy and research related to pediatric brain
cancer.
WHEREAS, An estimated 5,000 children are diagnosed with a
brain tumor every year; and
WHEREAS, Pediatric brain cancer remains the leading cause of
cancer-related death among children, yet continues to receive
disproportionately low levels of research funding and public
awareness; and
WHEREAS, Elora Joyce Khan was a beloved daughter and young
Pennsylvanian whose life, though far too brief, was marked by
extraordinary courage, faith, compassion and joy; and
WHEREAS, Elora was diagnosed with Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine
Glioma (DIPG), a rare and aggressive pediatric brain cancer with
limited treatment options and devastating outcomes for children
and their families; and
WHEREAS, DIPG is a cancerous tumor that grows in a child's
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brainstem and can also affect the central nervous system, brain
and spinal cord; and
WHEREAS, The disease can lead to headaches, vision problems,
challenges with muscle coordination, weakness in the limbs and
difficulties with eating; and
WHEREAS, A biopsy and magnetic resonance imaging are
currently used to diagnose DIPG in patients; and
WHEREAS, While there is no cure for DIPG, there are forms of
treatment that can extend a child's life; and
WHEREAS, Throughout her seven months of illness, Elora
inspired all who knew her through her strength, hope and
unwavering spirit; and
WHEREAS, Elora's legacy continues through the Elora J. Khan
Foundation, established in her memory to advance pediatric brain
tumor research, provide critical support to families facing
childhood cancer and create moments of hope, healing and
compassion locally and globally; and
WHEREAS, Increasing awareness, advocacy and investment in
pediatric cancer research and family support are essential to
improving outcomes and easing the burdens faced by children and
their loved ones; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives designate June
15, 2026, as "Elora Joyce Khan Pediatric Brain Cancer Awareness
Day" in Pennsylvania to promote education, compassion, advocacy
and research related to pediatric brain cancer; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives honor the life
and legacy of Elora Joyce Khan and recognize the meaningful
impact of the Elora J. Khan Foundation in supporting children
and families affected by pediatric cancer; and be it further
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RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be transmitted to
the family of Elora Joyce Khan as an expression of respect,
remembrance and this Commonwealth's commitment to supporting
children battling pediatric cancer.
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