SENATE MEMORIAL 16

51st legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2014

INTRODUCED BY

Michael S. Sanchez

A MEMORIAL

RECOGNIZING THE DIFFERENCE MADE BY THE CHILDREN'S CANCER FUND OF NEW MEXICO AND DECLARING JANUARY 29, 2014 "CHILDREN'S CANCER FUND OF NEW MEXICO DAY" IN THE SENATE.

     WHEREAS, cancer is the second-leading cause of death among children; and

     WHEREAS, every week of 2014 at least one child in New Mexico will be diagnosed with cancer; and

     WHEREAS, the children's cancer fund of New Mexico was established in 1972 to help New Mexico's children with cancer and their families cope with the day-to-day emotional and financial needs of living with and fighting cancer; and

     WHEREAS, the only pediatric oncology treatment facilities are in Albuquerque, making it necessary for families to travel from throughout New Mexico to access cancer treatment; and

     WHEREAS, the children's cancer fund of New Mexico is a local agency, benefiting New Mexico's children and their families; and

     WHEREAS, the children's cancer fund of New Mexico maintains a direct presence at the university of New Mexico pediatric oncology clinic, offering financial and emotional support to families; and

     WHEREAS, the organization supports New Mexico families by providing them with assistance for transportation costs to and from the clinic in the form of gasoline and transportation vouchers as well as food and grocery vouchers to help parents feed their families during lengthy stays at the clinic or hospital; and

     WHEREAS, the children's cancer fund of New Mexico provides emergency assistance with day-to-day living expenses for families who are facing overwhelming financial burdens because of their children's cancer diagnosis; and

     WHEREAS, the children's cancer fund of New Mexico helps to minimize the trauma of painful treatments and procedures by providing toys and bravery awards to children receiving treatment; and

     WHEREAS, the children's cancer fund of New Mexico provides scholarship assistance to students who have been treated for childhood cancer in New Mexico and wish to continue their education beyond high school; and

     WHEREAS, in the 2013-2014 academic year, thirty-three students were awarded Erin Trujeque memorial scholarships through the children's cancer fund of New Mexico, helping them to achieve their dreams; and

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

     WHEREAS, the children's cancer fund of New Mexico will assist over one thousand persons this year, extending a helping hand to all children being treated for cancer in New Mexico and to their families;

     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, 2014 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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