13-R118

2013 -- S 0634

Enacted 03/07/13

 

 

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

PROCLAIMING MARCH AS MULTIPLE MYELOMA MONTH IN THE

STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

     

     

     Introduced By: Senators Lynch, and McCaffrey

     Date Introduced: March 06, 2013

 

 

 

     WHEREAS, Multiple myeloma (or myeloma) is the second most common blood cancer

worldwide and targets plasma cells in the bone marrow. It is called “multiple” because the cancer

can occur at multiple sites; and

     WHEREAS, Multiple myeloma currently affects more than 100,000 people in the United

States, with an estimated 20,000 new cases diagnosed each year and 10,000 patients who lose

their battle with this disease annually; and

     WHEREAS, Once known as a disease of the elderly, it is now being found in increasing

numbers in people under the age of sixty-five; and

     WHEREAS, Because myeloma is a rare disease there can be a delayed diagnosis, leading

to delayed treatment. For this reason an increased awareness of myeloma for clinicians and the

general public will lead to earlier diagnosis, allowing people to live longer; and

     WHEREAS, Continued investment and innovation are critical to achieve early diagnosis

and implement the most effective and safest treatments for myeloma patients; and

     WHEREAS, Although important advances have occurred in the last decade, there is still

no cure for myeloma; now, therefore be it

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

hereby commits itself to increasing awareness of myeloma and encouraging private efforts to

enhance research funding and education programs; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That this Senate proclaims the month of March as “Multiple Myeloma

Month” in the State of Rhode Island and encourages all residents to participate in voluntary

activities to support myeloma education and the funding of research programs to find a cure; and

be it further

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

transmit a copy of this resolution to the International Myeloma Foundation.

     

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LC01816

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