On Thursday, Mayor Michael Sofranko of Jim Thorpe will declare July 21st Childhood Cancer Awareness Day. This proclamation is in honor of David Formica, a young boy from Jim Thorpe who lost his battle to Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia on July 21, 2006.

Mayor Sofranko stated that David's mother, Pamela Formica, and David's sister, Heather Formica, came to him about getting Jim Thorpe involved in bringing awareness to the area and honoring Cancer victims.The Formica family has worked as advocates in Childhood Cancer over the years. They host fundraising events to aid in Childhood Cancer funding and to also offer awareness."On July 21st, I will read a proclamation stating that this day be Childhood Cancer Awareness Day in Jim Thorpe," said Mayor Sofranko."This day will be about bringing awareness about Childhood Cancer and to honor Cancer victims and their families," he added.The Formica family wishes to bring awareness to Jim Thorpe because Cancer Research is an important part of battling Cancer. Over the past 20 years, more than 49 drugs have been approved to treat Cancer. However, only one of the drugs is specific to Childhood Cancer. Many children with Cancer are being treated with these adult drugs and doses and this can do serious harm to them.Mayor Sofranko stated that it's important for the Borough of Jim Thorpe and all over the country to be aware of the importance of Childhood Cancer Research and the need to fund it. Many towns throughout the United States have also been creating Childhood Cancer Awareness days like Jim Thorpe."This day is about honoring David (Formica) and other children and their families that have been affected by Childhood Cancer. This day is about them," said Mayor Sofranko.Mayor Sofranko will read the proclamation Thursday at Memorial Park at 5 p.m. Along with the proclamation there will be speakers, music by Angela Nardini, food vendors, and more. Representatives from these organizations: The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, American Cancer Society, Angel 34, CureSearch, Bstrong, Make a Wish and more will also be at the event.The citizens of Jim Thorpe are welcome to attend the event and help to bring awareness of Childhood Cancer to the area.