SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 309 WHEREAS, The KK125 Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation is dedicated to saving women's lives in Texas and beyond; and WHEREAS, Known as a "silent killer," ovarian cancer has a high mortality rate because it is often diagnosed too late in its progression; the disease rarely causes any symptoms in its early stages, and advanced-stage ovarian cancer may cause few and nonspecific symptoms that are often mistaken for more common, benign conditions; and WHEREAS, The KK125 Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation was established in January 2014 to promote the prevention and early detection of ovarian cancer; it raises funds for research and educates the public about "compassionate use" of safe but experimental drugs by terminal patients when traditional treatments have failed them; and WHEREAS, Since its inception, the foundation has contributed $50,000 to The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center for research aimed at improving the CA125 blood test, a promising diagnostic tool; moreover, it has advocated powerfully for compassionate use, and it is working with the American Bar Association to instruct attorneys in ways to assist terminally ill clients seeking compassionate use access to treatments; and WHEREAS, The foundation sponsored a booth at the annual Texas Conference for Women to share information about ovarian cancer and engage Texans on a grassroots level; in addition, it has created a speaker's bureau of volunteers trained to address civic, social, and professional groups about the foundation's initiatives; and WHEREAS, Through its vital endeavors, the KK125 Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation is raising awareness about a deadly disease and contributing to the advancement of medical knowledge, and it is indeed fitting to honor this noteworthy organization; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 84th Legislature, hereby commend the work of the KK125 Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation and call on all Texans to learn more about ovarian cancer and its detection and treatment; and, be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for the organization as an expression of high regard from the Texas Senate. Bettencourt ________________________________ President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on March 3, 2015. ________________________________ Secretary of the Senate ________________________________ Member, Texas Senate