SENATE MEMORIAL 77

54th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2019

INTRODUCED BY

Peter Wirth

A MEMORIAL

RECOGNIZING AND HONORING THE VALUABLE MISSION OF THE CHILDREN'S CANCER FUND OF NEW MEXICO.

     WHEREAS, cancer remains the second leading cause of death among children, after accidents; and

     WHEREAS, forty-seven children were diagnosed with cancer in New Mexico in 2018; and

     WHEREAS, five of New Mexico's children lost their lives as a result of childhood cancer; and

     WHEREAS, the children's cancer fund of New Mexico has existed for forty-seven 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 premiere pediatric hematology/oncology facility; and

WHEREAS, the children's cancer fund of New Mexico and the pediatric hematology/oncology program at the university of New Mexico children's hospital work closely together 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 their cancer journey, the children's cancer fund of New Mexico supports New Mexico families by providing them with basic needs to assure that children with cancer receive the best possible treatment for pediatric cancers; and

     WHEREAS, the children's cancer fund of New Mexico provided assistance to over three hundred fifty families in 2018 by providing emergency assistance to families who are facing 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 wish to continue their education beyond high school, helping them to achieve their dreams; and

     WHEREAS, for the 2018-2019 academic year, the children's cancer fund of New Mexico has awarded scholarships to thirty-two students, thirty 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 to families in need and opened Erin's place in 2017, providing a homelike 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 hospital's pediatric hematology/ oncology program are grateful for the support of the state and its legislative bodies;

     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 and honored for carrying out its valuable mission; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this memorial be transmitted to the executive director of the children's cancer fund of New Mexico.

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