SENATE MEMORIAL 78

52nd legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2016

INTRODUCED BY

Michael S. Sanchez

A MEMORIAL

HONORING CANCER PATIENTS, SURVIVORS AND THEIR FAMILIES; REMEMBERING THOSE PEOPLE WHO HAVE BEEN LOST TO CANCER; DECLARING MONDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2016, AS "CREATE HOPE FOR A CANCER-FREE WORLD DAY" IN THE SENATE.

     WHEREAS, nine thousand seven hundred fifty New Mexicans are expected to be newly diagnosed with cancer in 2016; and

     WHEREAS, for over thirty years, the American cancer society relay for life has been celebrating hope, with more than eleven thousand four hundred New Mexicans participating annually, giving a voice to so many touched by cancer; and

     WHEREAS, fifteen years ago, in 2001, many of these voices joined together to form a nationwide grassroots movement called the American cancer society cancer action network, an organization united and relentless in its mission to defeat cancer by working with lawmakers to create hope for those affected by cancer; and

     WHEREAS, cancer patients face countless challenges associated with their diagnoses, including physical, emotional, financial and day-to-day challenges; and

     WHEREAS, people without access to quality, affordable health care are significantly more likely to be diagnosed with advanced-stage cancer, resulting in significantly worse health outcomes for low-income and uninsured cancer patients; and

     WHEREAS, the five-year survival rate for cancer is sixty-nine percent, up from forty-nine percent nearly forty years ago thanks to cancer research as well as lifesaving cancer prevention, screening, early detection and treatment programs; and

     WHEREAS, it is essential to preserve the quality of life and dignity of all people who have struggled with cancer and who often feel isolated, stigmatized and misunderstood; and

     WHEREAS, tobacco use remains the leading preventable cause of death, causing two thousand six hundred deaths in New Mexico annually from sixteen different types of cancer, heart attacks and strokes; and

     WHEREAS, volunteers and members of the American cancer society cancer action network work diligently every day to advocate on behalf of cancer patients, survivors and caregivers so that, one day, cancer will be eliminated as a major public health issue;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that it honor cancer patients, cancer survivors and their families and remember those who have been lost to cancer and that it declare Monday, February 8, 2016, as "Create Hope for a Cancer-Free World Day" in the senate; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this memorial be transmitted to the governor and members of the senate.

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