LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim May 22, 2013, as American Cancer Society Day in the State of
New York

WHEREAS, Half of all men and one-third of all women in the US will
develop cancer during their lifetimes meaning that almost all of us will
be touched by cancer in some way at some point in our lives; and
WHEREAS, For all the millions of Americans who have been touched by
cancer in some tangible way, whether it be as survivors or those who
have lost a loved one, the American Cancer Society (ACS) has provided
invaluable support and unyielding advocacy on their behalves; and
WHEREAS, When an individual's health is compromised by cancer, the
American Cancer Society has been present as an ally and advocate for 100
years; and
WHEREAS, ACS is a nationwide, community-based organization dedicated
to eliminating cancer as a major health problem; and
WHEREAS, ACS is the largest voluntary health organization in the
United States; and
WHEREAS, Across the United States, ACS has 12 geographic divisions,
more than 900 local offices and a presence in more than 5,100 communi-
ties with more than three million volunteers; and
WHEREAS, ACS is saving lives by helping people stay well through
prevention and early detection; helping people get well through support-
ive services and finding cures; and by fighting back through patient
programs, investing over $3.5 billion in cutting-edge research, educa-
tion and advocacy; and
WHEREAS, In 1950, during the course of its research, the organization
made a connection between lung cancer and smoking, which led to educa-
tion and laws that have greatly reduced smoking rates; and
WHEREAS, As it continues the battle against cancer, the American
Cancer Society understands that when an individual survives cancer, the
struggle is not over and for that reason it has established the Cancer
Survivors Network so that survivors continue to receive support and
encouragement; and
WHEREAS, In the unfortunate event that an individual cannot be saved
or cured, ACS helps to honor the memory of those who have succumbed; and
WHEREAS, ACS also has a long history of legislative awareness and
education by encouraging legislators across the country to expand health
insurance programs so that all have access to quality healthcare, which
includes lifesaving cancer care; and
WHEREAS, The American Cancer Society was instrumental in the passage
of the Cancer Act of 1971, which established the National Cancer Insti-
tute and now funds billions of dollars annually for research; and
WHEREAS, The now largest grassroots fundraising event in the world,
Relay For Life, was launched by an American Cancer Society volunteer in
1985 and has raised over $3 billion to date, and raises $400 million
annually to fund research, education, advocacy and service for cancer
patients; and
WHEREAS, The National Cancer Institute's 2013 Annual Report to the
Nation on the Status of Cancer, shows that overall cancer death rates
continue to decline in the United States among both men and women and
among all major racial and ethnic groups, highlighting the organized
efforts of advocacy groups such as the American Cancer Society; and
WHEREAS, Thanks in part to the work of ACS, there are nearly 14
million survivors of cancer currently within the United States; and

WHEREAS, Wednesday, May 22, 2013, the American Cancer Society, the
official sponsor of Birthdays, will celebrate its 100th Birthday; now,
therefore; be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim May 22, 2013, as Ameri-
can Cancer Society Day in the State of New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New
York.