SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 320
WHEREAS, Cancer is the leading cause of death from disease
for children and adolescents in Texas; and
WHEREAS, In 2014, more than 1,600 Texans age 19 or younger
were diagnosed with cancer; it is estimated that one in 285
people will be diagnosed with cancer before the age of 20, and
the number of cases of childhood cancer has risen 24 percent
over the past 40 years; and
WHEREAS, During the emotional and often frightening time
that follows a cancer diagnosis, young patients must rely on
caregivers to guide them every step of the way; in addition to
the essential support provided by their families, patients
depend on medical care delivered by the skilled physicians,
nurses, and technicians who work tirelessly to help them fight
the disease; and
WHEREAS, In 2007, Texas voters approved a constitutional
amendment that established the Cancer Prevention and Research
Institute of Texas, with the mission of expediting innovation in
cancer research and the development of lifesaving treatments;
the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas devotes
fully 10 percent of its funding to childhood cancers, well over
the percent devoted by the National Cancer Institute, and all of
its funded research is conducted in Texas by Texas-based
scientists; and
WHEREAS, The trauma and uncertainty of coping with cancer
is an experience that no child should face, but with the help of
health care professionals, caregivers, and dedicated researchers
across the state, young patients have more hope than ever before
of overcoming this devastating disease and living full, happy
lives; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 85th
Legislature, hereby recognize March 1, 2017, as Childhood Cancer
Awareness Day at the State Capitol and commend all those who are
working on behalf of children with cancer and their families.
Zaffirini
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President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on March 1, 2017.
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Secretary of the Senate
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Member, Texas Senate