2020 Second Extraordinary Session ENROLLED
SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 41
BY SENATOR BARROW
A RESOLUTION
To commend the Elvin Howard, Sr. Pancreatic Cancer Advocacy Foundation on its
commitment to fighting pancreatic cancer through raising resources, awareness, and
advocating for those diagnosed with this deadly disease.
WHEREAS, the foundation was founded on October 28, 2016, in memory of Elvin
Howard Sr., a lifelong resident of Louisiana, who succumbed to pancreatic cancer on
September 6, 2008; and
WHEREAS, after his death, Mr. Howard's wife, Bertha, established the foundation
to honor her husband by increasing awareness of the disease, supporting research, and
providing overall advocacy and support to pancreatic cancer survivors, their families, and
caregivers; and
WHEREAS, the vision of the Elvin Howard, Sr. Pancreatic Cancer Advocacy
Foundation is that negative social determinants of health will never be an obstacle to the
early diagnosis, treatment, and cure of pancreatic cancer; and
WHEREAS, the mission of the Elvin Howard, Sr. Pancreatic Cancer Advocacy
Foundation is to reduce pancreatic cancer deaths and family hardships through awareness,
advocacy, and support; and
WHEREAS, the values of the Elvin Howard, Sr. Pancreatic Cancer Advocacy
Foundation are those of Mr. Howard's: faith, family, generosity, love for others, enjoyment
of life, and end of life preparation; and
WHEREAS, pancreatic cancer is the third leading cause of cancer related deaths in
the United States and has a five-year survival rate of approximately eight percent; and
WHEREAS, pancreatic cancer is a very aggressive cancer with no specific,
cost-effective screening that can easily and reliably find early-stage pancreatic cancer in
people who have no symptoms; and
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WHEREAS, the cause of most cases is unknown, thereby limiting treatment options;
and
WHEREAS, November is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month and November 19,
2020, is World Pancreatic Cancer Day throughout the United States and the World;
established to bring attention and awareness about the symptoms and risks of the disease,
to highlight the urgent need for earlier detection, and make progress to help patients fight
and survive this deadly disease; and
WHEREAS, the foundation does play an instrumental and vital role in increasing
public awareness and understanding of pancreatic cancer throughout Louisiana.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana
does hereby commend the Elvin Howard, Sr. Pancreatic Cancer Advocacy Foundation on
its commitment to ensuring the citizens of Louisiana are informed and aware of the issues
specifically associated with pancreatic cancer.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to
Elvin Howard, Sr. Pancreatic Cancer Advocacy Foundation.
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE
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