SENATE MEMORIAL 5

53rd legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2017

INTRODUCED BY

Peter Wirth

A MEMORIAL

RECOGNIZING THE DIFFERENCE MADE BY THE CHILDREN'S CANCER FUND OF NEW MEXICO AND DECLARING JANUARY 25, 2017 AS "CHILDREN'S CANCER FUND OF NEW MEXICO DAY" IN THE SENATE.

     WHEREAS, cancer remains the second leading cause of death among children, after accidents; and

     WHEREAS, fifty-seven children were diagnosed with cancer in New Mexico in 2016; and

     WHEREAS, in 2016, nine New Mexico children lost their lives as a result of cancer; and

     WHEREAS, the children's cancer fund of New Mexico exists to help New Mexico's children and their families cope with the day-to-day emotional, educational and financial needs of living with and fighting cancer; and

     WHEREAS, the children's cancer fund of New Mexico works closely with New Mexico's premier pediatric oncology program at the university of New Mexico's children's hospital to determine and fill the needs of children and families facing pediatric cancer diagnoses and treatments; and

     WHEREAS, from the time of diagnosis and throughout the cancer journey, the children's cancer fund of New Mexico supports New Mexico families by providing for basic needs to ensure that children with cancer receive the best possible treatment for pediatric cancers; and

     WHEREAS, the children's cancer fund of New Mexico provides emergency assistance to families who are facing overwhelming financial burdens because of a childhood cancer diagnosis; and

     WHEREAS, the children's cancer fund of New Mexico's bravery award program provides prizes in the form of toys and gift cards to help minimize the trauma of painful procedures and treatments related to pediatric cancer; and

     WHEREAS, the children's cancer fund of New Mexico awards the Erin Trujeque memorial scholarship to students who have been diagnosed with, and undergone treatment for, childhood cancer in New Mexico and who wish to continue their education beyond high school, helping them to achieve their dreams; and

     WHEREAS, for the 2016-2017 academic year, the children's cancer fund of New Mexico has awarded scholarships to twenty-five students, twenty-three of whom are attending New Mexico colleges and universities; and

     WHEREAS, the children's cancer fund of New Mexico provides end-of-life hospice care and funeral assistance for families in need; and

     WHEREAS, the children's cancer fund of New Mexico has served New Mexico's children with cancer and their families for forty-five years;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the children's cancer fund of New Mexico be recognized for making a difference in the lives of families facing childhood cancer; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that January 25, 2017 be declared "Children's Cancer Fund of New Mexico Day" in the senate; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this memorial be transmitted to the children's cancer fund of New Mexico.

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