SENATE MEMORIAL 15

50th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2011

INTRODUCED BY

Michael S. Sanchez

A MEMORIAL

HONORING CANCER PATIENTS, SURVIVORS AND THEIR FAMILIES, REMEMBERING THOSE PEOPLE WHO HAVE BEEN LOST TO CANCER AND DECLARING THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2011, AS "PUTTING A FACE ON CANCER DAY" IN THE SENATE.

     WHEREAS, more than nine thousand New Mexicans were newly diagnosed with cancer in 2010; and

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

     WHEREAS, ten 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 pursuit of its mission to defeat 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 substantially worse health outcomes for low-income and uninsured cancer patients; and

     WHEREAS, the five-year survival rate for cancer is sixty-eight percent, up from fifty percent twenty years ago, thanks to cancer research as well as lifesaving cancer 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, 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, survivors and their families, remember those people who have been lost to cancer and declare Thursday, February 3, 2011, as "Putting a Face on Cancer Day" in the senate; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the governor, to the New Mexico office of the American cancer society cancer action network and to all of the members of the New Mexico senate.

- 3 -