Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) renamed the Give Kids a Chance Act to the Mikaela Naylon Give Kids a Chance Act in honor of Mikaela, an American teenager who tirelessly advocated for Mullin’s bill throughout her brave battle with cancer.

“Mikaela was a fighter and a fierce advocate. Through immense hardship, she showed the world what true strength and courage looks like. She never once wavered in her effort to bring awareness to the importance of patient access to life-changing therapeutics and trials,” said Senator Mullin. “Though we are devastated she is no longer here with us, her mission will live on. It is a privilege to rename this bill in her honor. May we never forget the exceptional life Mikaela Naylon led and may she be an inspiration to us all.”

Earlier this year, Senator Mullin, alongside Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO), introduced the Give Kids a Chance Act, legislation that will improve outcomes for children with cancer by ensuring they have access to essential treatments and can participate in critical trials. The extension of the Pediatric Priority Review Voucher Program incentivizes companies to develop treatments and therapies for pediatric diseases. This bill will also allow children to participate in combination trials that include targeted medicines for pediatric cancer.

Background:

• Mikaela Naylon was diagnosed with osteosarcoma on July 1, 2020, and spent nearly six years traveling across the country pursuing treatment, while also advocating for other children with cancer.
• Mikaela lost her battle on October 29th at 16-years-old. Her final gift was donating her body to science to help find a cure.

Full text of the Mikaela Naylon Give Kids a Chance Act, can be found here.

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