LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending the American Cancer Society upon the
occasion of hosting its Annual Relay For Life event and paying tribute
to its numerous volunteers

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
those renowned organizations which devote their energy, resources and
thoughtful care to improving the quality of life in their communities;
and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
the American Cancer Society upon the occasion of hosting its Annual
Relay For Life event and paying tribute to its numerous volunteers; and
WHEREAS, Established in 1985, The American Cancer Society Relay For
Life is the world's largest and most impactful fundraising event; each
year, more than four million people in over 20 countries take part in
this global phenomenon and raise much-needed funds and awareness to save
lives from cancer; and
WHEREAS, Since its inception, the many dedicated volunteers at Relay
For Life have raised over five billion dollars to fund research and
promote cancer awareness through fitness and healthy lifestyle programs
aimed at school age kids; and
WHEREAS, The largest funder of cancer research in the world, with the
exception of the United States government, The American Cancer Society
Relay For Life has funded 47 Nobel Prize winners researching this deadly
disease; their combined efforts have contributed to major breakthroughs
in cancer treatment and detection and have resulted in the reduction of
cancer related death rates by 20% over the last two decades; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, Relay For Life funds the Look Good Feel Better,
Reach to Recovery and Road to Recovery programs which provide both phys-
ical and emotional support to cancer patients in New York; and
WHEREAS, Relay For Life also helps fund the American Cancer Society's
Hope Lodge locations in Manhattan, Buffalo, and Rochester, New York;
collectively, these facilities provide over 20,000 nights of free lodg-
ing to cancer patients and their caregivers who are being treated at
some of the world's leading hospitals and cancer treatment centers in
New York; and
WHEREAS, Through its toll free phone number and website, The American
Cancer Society provides information 24 hours a day, seven days a week to
50,000 New Yorkers annually; and
WHEREAS, The American Cancer Society Relay For Life represents the
hope that those lost to cancer will never be forgotten, that those who
face cancer will be supported, and that one day cancer will be elimi-
nated; and
WHEREAS, More than just a fundraiser, Relay For Life is truly a life-
changing experience; every person in the community has a chance to cele-
brate, remember, and fight back; and every person who participates joins
countless others around the globe as part of this worldwide movement to
end cancer; and
WHEREAS, In addition, participation in the Relay For Life gives indi-
viduals and organizations the power to help accelerate the advancement
toward a future where cancer does not take the lives of friends and
family; and
WHEREAS, A community-affirming event, Relay For Life is a time to
remember those lost to cancer, an occasion for people to comfort and
console one another, and a night to celebrate those who have survived;
and

WHEREAS, The success of the Relay for Life is in direct correlation to
the efforts of its volunteers and participants, whose involvement is,
and always has been, characterized by an impressive commitment, an
unbridled enthusiasm, and an uncompromising standard of excellence in
all endeavors on behalf of the organization and the community it serves;
and
WHEREAS, This auspicious occasion presents an opportunity for this
Legislative Body to recognize and pay tribute to The American Cancer
Society Relay For Life and to the enthusiastic community volunteers who
have made this monumental event a sparkling success for the last 30
years; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when organiza-
tions and individuals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought
to our attention, they should be recognized and applauded by all the
citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend the American Cancer Society upon the occasion of hosting its
Annual Relay For Life event and paying tribute to its numerous volun-
teers; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The American Cancer Society Relay For Life.