11-R425

2011 -- H 6318

Enacted 07/01/11

 

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

DECLARING THE WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 17, 2011, AS "PINK HEALS WEEK" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

     

     Introduced By: Representatives Nunes, Morgan, and Serpa

     Date Introduced: July 01, 2011

 

 

     WHEREAS, For women in their twenties, thirties, and early forties, a cancer diagnosis

and the journey that follows can be especially devastating. Surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation

treatments can strip young women of their looks, confidence, and sense of self in what would

ordinarily be the prime of their lives. After months of exhaustive treatments, finding a "new

normal" can be difficult, especially amidst pressure to move forward and get on with life. Pink

Heals is dedicated to helping young women regain their strength and beauty with fun, confidence-

building programming and events; and

     WHEREAS, Breast cancer occurs in one out of every eight women in our country. Pink

Heals aims to increase awareness of this disease and to raise funding for cancer research by

reaching out to typically male-dominated organizations, such as police and fire departments, to

encourage them to wear pink clothing in support of this cause; and

     WHEREAS, The Rhode Island Chapter of Pink Heals was founded by Ted Dion in the

summer of 2009. Mr. Dion is the son of Jackie, who was diagnosed with cancer for the fourth

time.  Trying to find a way to fight back against this terrible disease, Ted established the Rhode

Island Chapter of Pink Heals; and

     WHEREAS, Members of the organization drive pink fire trucks and police cars across

the State of Rhode Island to support women in their fight against this terrible disease. Fire

fighters, police officers, and RI Chapter members hit the road every month delivering flowers to

loved ones fighting cancer.  Along with flowers, they share hugs, smiles, and stories; and

     WHEREAS, The RI Pink Heals has recently opened a meeting house, which is a non-

clinical social group for survivors and women currently battling cancer to get together and make

new friends; and

     WHEREAS, As men, these supporters commit to standing up and fighting for women

suffering from cancer.  They won't let them fight alone and will bring hope and love to them. 

While they will love all of those with cancer, they will continue to raise awareness with those not

affected.  Those who fight cancer and have never been affected are the blessed, but selfless

heroes; now, therefore be it

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

Providence Plantations hereby proclaims the week of September 17th, 2011, to be “Pink Heals

Week” in the State of Rhode Island; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives hereby urges all the citizens of the State

to join us in acknowledging and applauding the admirable efforts of the Rhode Island Chapter of

Pink Heals for their selfless work to raise awareness and support the fight against breast cancer;

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 Chapter of Pink Heals.

     

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LC02908

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