R 261
2015 -- S 0890
Enacted 05/07/2015

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

     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.
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