Strength, determination of Clermont County family inspires law change
By Senator Joe Uecker
R-Ohio's 14th District
This past Monday, I was able to provide a moment of joy and reassurance to a family whose strength and dedication have been continually tested over the last year.
A year ago, I received a phone call from Sean Hogan, a constituent I have the pleasure of representing in the Ohio Senate. Sean's daughter, Kayleigh, is one of the bravest, most inspiring 9-year-olds I have ever encountered. Kayleigh was diagnosed with a pediatric brain tumor last year which has led to her family's constant battle for her health and happiness.
Sean called my office for assistance after he was unable to purchase a pediatric brain tumor awareness license plate for their family vehicle.
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After undergoing the struggles that face all families battling this terrible disease, the Hogans decided to help raise awareness and funds to support other families in the same situation.
The family wanted to purchase a specialty license plate after they learned about them while at Cincinnati Children's Hospital where Kayleigh receives treatment. Unfortunately, the sponsor organization was unable to sell the minimum number of 500 plates required under state law and the plate was discontinued in January of 2014.
My office immediately began researching the matter and discovered that Ohio's requirements for determining the minimum number of plates that must be sold was not changed after the adoption of new license plate printing technology.
New license plate printers allow unique license plates to be printed without disrupting the production process, even for smaller specialized orders. The law simply failed to keep up with advancing technology and we knew something needed to be done.
We quickly drafted legislation and started the long journey through the legislative process, updating the Hogan family every step of the way.
Finally, after months of testimony, research, phone calls and meetings, our bill to reinstate the pediatric brain tumor license plates was signed into law. For every plate sold, $35 goes to the Children’s Glioma Cancer Foundation to provide research funding and support for kids and families during treatment.
It was my honor to present the Hogans with their very own pediatric brain tumor awareness license plate this past week at the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles office in Batavia and to recognize their dedication to ending pediatric cancer.
The story of the Hogan family's strength and determination is a testament to how we can make our state a better place by engaging in the political process. By shedding light on this issue, we were able to improve the lives of families here in our own community and across Ohio. While we have reason to celebrate this milestone, let us also keep the Hogans and all families battling cancer in our thoughts and prayers.
If you would like for me or my staff to look into an issue important to you or your family, please contact my office by phone at (614) 466-8082 or by email at Uecker@ohiosenate.gov.
Senator Uecker represents the 14th District in the Ohio Senate, which encompasses all of Adams, Brown, Clermont, and Scioto counties as well as a portion of Lawrence County. Learn more at www.OhioSenate.gov/Uecker.