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Senate Resolution 403
By: Senators Jackson of the 41st, Goodman of the 8th, Merritt of the 9th, Mangham of the
55th, Rhett of the 33rd and others
A RESOLUTION
Commending Valerie Taylor; and for other purposes.
1
WHEREAS, Valerie Taylor has devoted herself to advocating for cancer patients and their2
families, drawing upon her own courageous battles with blood cancer and breast cancer to3
inspire and empower others in the relentless fight for equitable healthcare access and4
life-saving treatments; and5
WHEREAS, Valerie's advocacy efforts began in earnest following her own diagnosis of6
acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in April 2018. After dedicating decades of her life as a nurse,7
she was released from her job while caring for her mother, who suffered from advanced8
dementia. As a result, she fell into Georgia's coverage gap and was left without the critical9
healthcare coverage she needed—unable to access the life-saving treatments essential for her10
survival. Throughout this challenging journey, her son, Teferi, has been a constant source of11
strength, supporting her both emotionally and in her advocacy efforts; and 12
WHEREAS, despite facing her own battles with cancer, including a diagnosis of breast13
cancer in 2023, Valerie has been a tireless and passionate advocate, helping to raise14
awareness about the crucial need to fully close the Medicaid coverage gap to protect patients15
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like her who are at risk of not being able to access life-saving treatments due to financial
16
barriers; and17
WHEREAS, in 2022, Valerie was honored with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS)18
Advocacy Champion of the Year award, a testament to her selfless dedication to advancing19
the LLS mission and her commitment to policy change that benefits the millions of20
Americans without access to Medicaid; and21
WHEREAS, through her relentless advocacy, including engaging in virtual meetings with22
lawmakers, her powerful story featured in The Leukemia & Lymphoma's annual report,23
having her story featured in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, and her pivotal role in creating24
a compelling Medicaid Coverage Gap video, Valerie has amplified the voices of those in25
need, becoming a driving force in advancing the legislative agenda for improved and26
equitable access to care; and27
WHEREAS, Valerie has also been an active member of LLS's Team in Training program,28
raising nearly $5,000 through a personal fundraiser and completing a 35-mile ride in29
America's Most Beautiful Bike Ride in Lake Tahoe, further supporting LLS's efforts to fund30
research and provide hope to patients; and31
WHEREAS, Valerie continues to advocate for safer, more accessible treatments for all32
cancer patients and remains unwavering in her commitment to closing the healthcare33
coverage gap, ensuring that every Georgian has access to the life-saving care they need and34
deserve; and35
WHEREAS, Valerie's unwavering courage and determination are an inspiration to all, and36
her work as The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Advocacy Leader for Georgia represents37
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the heart of what it means to be a compassionate and dedicated advocate for cancer patients
38
and their families; and39
WHEREAS, Valerie's efforts have made a significant impact on improving the lives of40
cancer patients and will continue to be felt for years to come as her story and advocacy lead41
to meaningful policy changes and inspire others to stand up for those in need.42
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body43
commend Valerie Taylor for her outstanding contributions to the Leukemia & Lymphoma44
Society and to the broader cancer community, recognizing her as a fierce advocate, a45
survivor, and a hero who has made a lasting impact in the fight for better healthcare access46
and treatments for blood cancer patients in Georgia and across the country.47
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed48
to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to Valerie Taylor.49
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