08-R078

2008 -- H 7680

Enacted 02/26/08

H O U S E R E S O L U T I O N

PROCLAIMING THE WEEK OF FEBRUARY 24 - 29, 2008 TO BE "PAINT THE STATE PURPLE WEEK" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

Introduced By: Representatives McNamara, Lewiss, Sullivan, Malik, and Palumbo

Date Introduced: February 26, 2008

     WHEREAS, Cancer is the second leading cause of death in Rhode Island. At any one

time, it is estimated that over 33,000 Rhode Islanders are living with cancer or are cancer

survivors; and

     WHEREAS, The American Cancer Society's signature event, Relay For Life is engaging

12 communities and 8 colleges in the State of Rhode Island. Relay For Life is a volunteer driven

event designed to celebrate survivorship, remember those who have lost their battle to cancer, and

fight back with mission and advocacy to eliminate cancer. Last year, volunteers raised just over

one million dollars in Rhode Island at Relay For Life events helping to ensure that research,

education, advocacy and service are provided to citizens of this state; and

     WHEREAS, The American Cancer Society educates Relay participants about the

legislative issues impacting cancer patients and their families including: funding for cancer

programs, access to health care and improving the quality of life of those diagnosed with cancer.

Participants are given the tools needed to voice their support of these issues throughout the

legislative process and will be working with members of the General Assembly to help eliminate

Rhode Island's cancer burden in the future; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island and

Providence Plantations hereby proclaims the week of February 24 – 29, 2008 to be "Paint the

State Purple Week" in the State of Rhode Island. We recognize the need of American Cancer

Society volunteers to promote Relay For Life throughout the state; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives hereby welcomes Relay For Life

committee members and volunteers, who are visiting the General Assembly to commemorate

cancer survivorship and highlight the importance of raising awareness, raising funds and fighting

back against the disease that claims the lives of so many Rhode Islanders. We wish them good

health, tremendous success in all their endeavors, including engaging communities throughout the

state by "painting the state purple"; and be it further

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

transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to the Rhode Island office of the American Cancer

Society.

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LC02348

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