BILL NUMBER: ACR 62	INTRODUCED
	BILL TEXT


INTRODUCED BY   Assembly Member Baker

                        APRIL 29, 2015

   Relative to California Cancer Survivors Day.


	LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST


   ACR 62, as introduced, Baker. California Cancer Survivors Day.
   This measure would designate Sunday, June 7, 2015, as California
Cancer Survivors Day, to coincide with National Cancer Survivors Day.

   Fiscal committee: no.



   WHEREAS, National Cancer Survivors Day is an annual, treasured
celebration of life that is held in hundreds of communities
nationwide, and around the world, on the first Sunday in June. It is
a celebration for those who have survived, an inspiration for those
recently diagnosed, a gathering of support for families, and an
outreach to the community. On National Cancer Survivors Day,
thousands gather across the globe to honor cancer survivors and to
show the world that life after a cancer diagnosis can be fruitful,
rewarding, and even inspiring; and
   WHEREAS, It is a day for everyone, whether you are a cancer
survivor, family member, friend, or medical professional. This day
provides an opportunity for all people living with a history of
cancer, including America's more than 14 million cancer survivors, to
connect with each other, celebrate milestones, and recognize those
who have supported them along the way. It is also a day to draw
attention to the ongoing challenges of cancer survivorship in order
to promote more resources, research, and survivor-friendly
legislation to improve cancer survivors' quality of life; and
   WHEREAS, Due to advances in cancer prevention, early detection,
treatment, and followup care, more people than ever before are
surviving the disease. In America alone, more than 14 million people
are alive today after being diagnosed with cancer; and
   WHEREAS, Nonetheless, surviving cancer can leave a host of
problems in its wake. Physical, emotional, and financial hardships
often persist for years after diagnosis and treatment. Cancer
survivors are also at a greater risk for developing second cancers
and other health conditions; and
   WHEREAS, Cancer survivors may face numerous challenges during and
after treatment, including (1) limited access to cancer specialists
and promising new treatments; (2) denial of health insurance and life
insurance coverage; (3) difficulty finding jobs; and (4) economic
burdens due to mounting medical expenses, lost wages, and reduced
productivity; and
   WHEREAS, In addition to these challenges, cancer survivors may
face emotional struggles, strains on personal relationships, and
profound fear of cancer recurrence. The effects of cancer do not
simply end when treatment does; and
   WHEREAS, The National Cancer Survivors Day Foundation believes
that more resources, research, and survivor-friendly legislation are
needed to improve the quality of life of cancer survivors, both
during and after treatment. The Legislature urges everyone who
participates in National Cancer Survivors Day celebrations to not
only recognize those who are living with a history of cancer, but
also raise awareness of the hardship cancer survivors face beyond
treatment; now, therefore, be it
   Resolved by the Assembly of the State of California, the Senate
thereof concurring, That the Legislature designates Sunday, June 7,
2015, as California Cancer Survivors Day, to coincide with National
Cancer Survivors Day; and be it further
   Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly transmit copies of
this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.