SENATE MEMORIAL 18

52nd legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2015

INTRODUCED BY

Michael S. Sanchez

A MEMORIAL

DECLARING FEBRUARY 9, 2015 AS "CREATE HOPE FOR A CANCER-FREE WORLD DAY" IN THE SENATE AND HONORING CANCER PATIENTS, SURVIVORS AND THEIR FAMILIES WHILE REMEMBERING THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN LOST TO CANCER.

     WHEREAS, more than ten thousand two hundred New Mexicans were newly diagnosed with cancer in 2014; and

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

     WHEREAS, in 2001, many of these voices joined together to form a nationwide grass-roots movement called the American cancer society cancer action network, an organization united and relentless in pursuit of its mission to defeat cancer by working with lawmakers to create hope for those affected by 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 significantly 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 forty-nine percent nearly forty years ago, thanks to cancer research as well as lifesaving cancer prevention, 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 February 9, 2015 be designated as "Create Hope for a Cancer-Free World Day" in the senate, honoring cancer patients, survivors and their families while remembering those who have been lost to cancer; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the governor and members of the New Mexico senate.

- 3 -