SENATE MEMORIAL 32

53rd legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2018

INTRODUCED BY

Peter Wirth

 

 

 

 

 

A MEMORIAL

RECOGNIZING THE DIFFERENCE MADE BY THE CHILDREN'S CANCER FUND OF NEW MEXICO AND DECLARING JANUARY 29, 2018 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, forty-eight children were diagnosed with cancer in New Mexico in 2017; and

     WHEREAS, in 2017, sixteen New Mexico children lost their lives as a result of cancer; and

     WHEREAS, the children's cancer fund of New Mexico has existed for forty-six years 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 university of New Mexico children's hospital is New Mexico's premier pediatric hematology and oncology facility; and

     WHEREAS, the children's cancer fund of New Mexico and the pediatric oncology program at the university of New Mexico children's hospital work closely 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 provided assistance in 2017 to more than three hundred fifty families who faced 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 2017-2018 academic year, the children's cancer fund of New Mexico has awarded scholarships to thirty-five students, thirty-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, in 2017, opened Erin's place, which provides a home-like atmosphere for children whose homes are outside of Albuquerque and who require hospice and palliative care; and

     WHEREAS, the children's cancer fund of New Mexico and the university of New Mexico children's hospital pediatric oncology program are grateful for the support of New Mexico residents and the legislature;

     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 29, 2018 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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