LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor David A. Paterson to
proclaim June 17, 2010, as Gastric and Esophageal Cancer Awareness Day
in the State of New York

WHEREAS, Each year, there are over 35,000 new cases of gastric and
esophageal cancer diagnosed in the United States, comprising four
percent of all deaths from cancer; and
WHEREAS, Most men and women diagnosed with esophageal and gastric
cancer are diagnosed in the late stages of the disease, and suffer high
fatality rates: a 90% fatality rate for esophageal cancer, and a 14%
five-year survival rate for gastric cancer; and
WHEREAS, The DeGregorio Family Foundation was founded by the DeGrego-
rio family in memory of the many members of their family who lost their
lives prematurely to Hereditary Diffuse Gastric Cancer (HDGC), and is
further dedicated to all families affected by gastric and esophageal
cancer; and
WHEREAS, The scope and depth of the current research into understand-
ing the biology and etiology of stomach and esophageal related malignan-
cies does not match the enormous global scope and impact of these
diseases; and
WHEREAS, Research and education are desperately needed in order to
facilitate earlier diagnoses and new treatment therapies for gastric and
esophageal cancer; and
WHEREAS, New York State has been, and will continue to be, committed
to winning the battle against cancer; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body reaffirms its commitment to encouraging
public awareness, research, and education to further the early detection
and treatment of all cancers, including gastric and esophageal cancer;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor David A. Paterson to proclaim June 17, 2010, as
Gastric and Esophageal Cancer Awareness Day in the State of New York;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body shares in the mission and goals
of the DeGregorio Family Foundation; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable David A. Paterson, Governor of the State of New
York.