Assembly Resolution No. 824

BY: M. of A. Seawright

MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
February 4, 2024, as Cancer Day in the State of New
York, in conjunction with the observance of World
Cancer Day

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize
official days that are set aside to increase awareness of serious
diseases that affect the lives of citizens of New York State; and

WHEREAS, World Cancer Day is an initiative of the Union for
International Cancer Control (UICC), the largest and oldest
international cancer organization, dedicated to taking the lead in
convening, capacity building and advocacy initiatives that unite the
cancer community to reduce the global cancer burden, promote greater
equity, and integrate cancer control into the world health and
development agenda; and

WHEREAS, By raising worldwide awareness, improving education and
catalyzing personal, collective and government action, we are all
working together to reimagine a world where millions of preventable
cancer deaths are saved and access to life-saving cancer treatment and
care is equitable for all - no matter who you are or where you live; and

WHEREAS, Created on February 4, 2000, at the World Summit Against
Cancer for the New Millennium in Paris, World Cancer Day has grown into
a positive movement for everyone, everywhere to unite under one voice to
face one of our greatest challenges in history; and

WHEREAS, Each year, hundreds of activities and events take place
around the world, gathering communities, organizations and individuals
in schools, businesses, hospitals, marketplaces, parks, community halls,
places of worship - in the streets and online - acting as a powerful
reminder that we all have a role to play in reducing the global impact
of cancer; and

WHEREAS, While we live in a time of awe-inspiring advancements in
cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment, many of us who seek cancer
care hit barriers at every turn; income, education, geographical
location and discrimination based on ethnicity, gender, sexual
orientation, age, disability and lifestyle are just a few of the factors
that can negatively affect care; and

WHEREAS, The theme for this year's World Cancer Day, "Close the Care
Gap," is all about ensuring our leaders know that we demand a commitment
to prioritizing cancer, to creating innovative strategies designed to
confront inequity, and to investing our resources to achieve a just and
cancer-free world; and

WHEREAS, Locally, Pancreatic Cancer North America in partnership
with the Firefighter Cancer Support Network will recognize World Cancer
Day in New York City to address the increased risk of cancer diagnosis
among firefighters; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, the Social Media Prevention Awareness Campaign
sponsored by Brooklyn College Cancer Center will spread awareness
throughout Brooklyn, New York, promoting cancer prevention habits with
an emphasis on colorectal and prostate cancers impact on the Black
Caribbean-American community; and

WHEREAS, It is imperative that there be greater awareness of these
serious health conditions, and more must be done to increase activity at
the local, State and National levels; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim February 4, 2024, as
Cancer Day in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance
of World Cancer Day; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New
York.