SENATE MEMORIAL 12

50th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2012

INTRODUCED BY

Michael S. Sanchez

A MEMORIAL

DECLARING JANUARY 23, 2012 AS "CREATE HOPE FOR A CANCER-FREE WORLD DAY" IN THE SENATE; HONORING CANCER PATIENTS, SURVIVORS AND THEIR FAMILIES; REMEMBERING THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN LOST TO CANCER.

     WHEREAS, more than nine thousand six hundred forty New Mexicans will be diagnosed with cancer in 2012; and

     WHEREAS, the American cancer society relay for life has been a celebration of hope for over twenty-five years; and

     WHEREAS, the American cancer society relay for life is a life-changing event providing an opportunity to celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost and fight back against the disease; and

     WHEREAS, over eleven thousand four hundred New Mexicans participate annually in the American cancer society relay for life; and

     WHEREAS, the American cancer society gives a voice to so many touched by cancer; and

     WHEREAS, many of these voices joined together in 2001 to form a nationwide grassroots movement called the American cancer society cancer action network; and

     WHEREAS, the American cancer society action network is tireless in working with lawmakers to achieve its mission of defeating cancer and creating hope for those affected by cancer; and

     WHEREAS, cancer patients face countless daily challenges associated with their diagnoses, affecting their physical, emotional and financial well-being; and

     WHEREAS, those without access to quality, affordable health care are significantly more likely to be diagnosed with advanced-stage cancer; and

     WHEREAS, delayed diagnosis results in significantly worse health outcomes for low-income and uninsured cancer patients; and

     WHEREAS, cancer research, as well as lifesaving cancer prevention, screening, early detection and treatment programs, have increased the five-year survival rate for cancer from forty-nine percent thirty years ago to sixty-seven percent today; and

     WHEREAS, it is essential to preserve the quality of life and dignity of all those who struggle 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 January 23, 2012 be declared "Create Hope for a Cancer-Free World Day" in the senate; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the senate honor cancer patients, survivors and their families; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the senate remember those who have been lost to cancer; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the governor and to the American cancer society cancer action network.

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