82R5781 BPG-F
By: S. Davis of Harris H.C.R. No. 140
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is
marking its 70th anniversary in 2011, and this occasion provides an
ideal opportunity to recognize the remarkable achievements of this
noteworthy institution; and
WHEREAS, Over the past seven decades, MD Anderson has served
more than 800,000 people, the majority of whom have been Texas
residents, and patients in every corner of the world have benefited
from medical discoveries at the center; public education and
community outreach programs initiated by MD Anderson now reach more
than 1.4 million Texans annually and address the needs of those at
increased risk for cancer, particularly underserved and minority
populations; and
WHEREAS, For many years, MD Anderson has received more grants
from the National Cancer Institute and conducted more clinical
trials to evaluate new treatments than any other institution; the
center sets the standard in developing new therapies targeted to
the cancer-related genes and proteins associated with each
patient's disease; moreover, MD Anderson has expanded the continuum
of care beyond diagnosis and treatment of cancer patients to
encompass major programs in cancer prevention and to address the
special needs of cancer survivors; and
WHEREAS, Rising to meet the health care challenges of the
21st century, MD Anderson excels as a degree-granting institution;
it awards baccalaureate degrees in eight allied health disciplines
and master's and doctoral degrees in biomedical research; more than
85,000 physicians, scientists, nurses, and health care
professionals have been trained at the center; and
WHEREAS, President John Mendelsohn, M.D., has guided MD
Anderson for the past 15 years, building on the strong foundation
built by his predecessors, Charles A. LeMaistre, M.D., and R. Lee
Clark, M.D.; Dr. Mendelsohn provides inspired leadership to a staff
of more than 17,000 dedicated professionals, along with
approximately 1,200 hospital volunteers; their efforts are
supported by the skillful direction of The University of Texas
System Board of Regents, the work of citizen volunteers of The
University Cancer Foundation Board of Visitors, and the generosity
of thousands of donors; and
WHEREAS, Internationally recognized for its excellence, The
University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center has been named the
nation's number one cancer hospital by US News & World Report; the
exceptional reputation of this institution is a reflection of its
immeasurable contributions to the advancement of medical science
and of the outstanding care that has made a positive difference in
the lives of hundreds of thousands of patients and their families
over the past seven decades; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the 82nd Legislature of the State of Texas
hereby commemorate the 70th anniversary of The University of Texas
MD Anderson Cancer Center and extend to all those associated with
the institution sincere best wishes for continued success in their
vital endeavors; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center as an
expression of high regard by the Texas Senate and House of
Representatives.