Senate Resolution No. 1800

BY: Senator GRIFFO

CONGRATULATING Anita Figueras upon the occasion of
being named the 2017 Lung Hero by the American Lung
Association

WHEREAS, From time to time this Legislative Body takes note of
certain extraordinary individuals it wishes to recognize for their
valued contributions to the success and progress of society and publicly
acknowledge their endeavors which have enhanced the basic humanity among
us all; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to congratulate Anita
Figueras upon the occasion of being named the 2017 Lung Hero by the
American Lung Association; and

WHEREAS, Representing the State of New York, Anita Figueras will
travel to Washington, DC to participate in the American Lung
Association's LUNG FORCE advocacy events; and

WHEREAS, LUNG FORCE is a national movement established to unite
women in the fight against lung cancer; this vital effort will highlight
powerful stories from across the nation and will allow these women to
stand together with a collective voice of strength and determination;
and

WHEREAS, Anita Figueras is being recognized with this auspicious
honor for her remarkable tenacity, leadership and strength in the face
of this terrible illness; and

WHEREAS, Diagnosed with stage IV adenocarcinoma of the lung in June
of 2014, Anita Figueras began treatment with an oncologist at the
Richard E. Winter Cancer Center in Ogdensburg, New York; her first
tumor test revealed an EGFR mutation in her cancer; and

WHEREAS, Anita Figueras has been receiving treatment for nearly
three years with targeted therapy taken as a pill; she is currently in
her third line of treatment and utilizing a new drug approved by the FDA
in November of 2015; and

WHEREAS, This brave woman has participated in a phase II clinical
trial at Roswell Park Cancer Institute which afforded her the
opportunity to give a patient statement at an FDA hearing which examined
the safety and efficacy of the experimental drug; and

WHEREAS, A true inspiration, Anita Figueras is actively involved in
her own treatment and reaches out to other individuals with lung cancer;
she is also a staunch advocate for more awareness and research, giving
tirelessly of her time and energies in hopes of a cure for this illness;
and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an
individual for the benefit of others which Anita Figueras has displayed
throughout her life; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when
individuals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our
attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens
of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Anita Figueras upon the occasion of being named the 2017
Lung Hero by the American Lung Association; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Anita Figueras.