2015 -- S 0890

========

LC002559

========

     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2015

____________

S E N A T E   R E S O L U T I O N

PROCLAIMING THE MONTH OF MAY, 2015, TO BE "BRAIN TUMOR AWARENESS

MONTH" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

     Introduced By: Senators Goodwin, Paiva Weed, Ruggerio, Nesselbush, and Morgan

     Date Introduced: May 07, 2015

     Referred To: Recommended for Immediate Consideration

     WHEREAS, Each year, doctors find a brain tumor in over 200 Rhode Islanders and a

spine tumor in even more, and across the country, approximately 100,000 Americans will be

diagnosed with a primary or metastatic brain tumor, with the number of cases continuing to

increase, especially among the elderly; and

     WHEREAS, In children, almost 4,200 new malignant and non-malignant brain tumor

diagnoses occur each year. Brain tumors are currently the second leading cause of cancer death

for children under the age of 19, and the third leading cause of cancer death for young adults ages

20 to 39; and

     WHEREAS, Brain tumors may be malignant or benign, but can be life-threatening in

either case and diagnosis and treatment are often complicated by the fact that more than 100

different types of brain tumors exist; and

     WHEREAS, Symptoms of brain tumors may include headaches, nausea and vomiting,

difficulty with memory, loss of movement, coordination or sensation, and visual disturbance, and

because brain tumors are located at the control center for thought, emotion, and movement,

treatments are complicated and the overall effects of tumors on patients can be devastating; and

     WHEREAS, Improving the outlook for adults and children with brain tumors requires

research into the causes of and better treatments for brain tumors, awareness of symptoms and

warning signs, education on treatment options, access to quality specialty care, and readily

available follow-up care and rehabilitative services; and

     WHEREAS, In 2008, the Rhode Island Brain & Spine Tumor Foundation was founded

by Dr. Prakash Sampath in the City of Providence. The Foundation strives to increase the

public’s knowledge about brain and spine injury and also takes an active role in providing

educational opportunities for patients and clinicians in our state. In addition, the Foundation acts

as a liaison between the Rhode Island community and the national associations for brain and

spine tumor research; and

     WHEREAS, In order to improve the quality of life for patients, the Foundation provides

social support initiatives for those individuals who are battling brain tumors, as well as for the

families, friends, and caregivers of those who are affected by a neuro-oncological disease; and

     WHEREAS, The Foundation also inspires people to reveal the challenges they have

faced in their own lives and to express how they overcome them. Sharing these stories of

survival often helps to inspire others to triumph over their challenges and to live fuller lives; now,

therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations

hereby applauds the commitment that the Rhode Island Brain & Spine Tumor Foundation has

demonstrated and proudly proclaims the month of May, 2015, to be "Brain Tumor Awareness

Month"; and be it further

      RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to the Rhode Island Brain & Spine Tumor

Foundation.

========

LC002559

========

LC002559 - Page 2 of 2