LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating October 13, 2011, as Metastatic
Breast Cancer Awareness Day in the State of New York

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body, representing the people of the State of
New York, recognizes specific days that bring attention and awareness to
important issues that affect the lives of the people living in this
great Empire State; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to commemorate Octo-
ber 13, 2011, as Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day in the State of
New York; and
WHEREAS, Currently, there is no cure for metastatic breast cancer; and
WHEREAS, Unfortunately, metastatic breast cancer frequently involves
trying one treatment after another with the goal of extending the best
quality of life as possible; and
WHEREAS, Scientists and researchers are conducting important research
projects to achieve breakthroughs in metastatic breast cancer research;
and
WHEREAS, During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, metastatic breast
cancer is rarely discussed; however, those living with the disease
should never feel isolated or ignored; and
WHEREAS, Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day emphasizes the urgent
need for new, targeted breast cancer treatments that will provide a high
quality of life and long life expectancy for patients by making Stage IV
cancer a chronic, but not fatal disease; and
WHEREAS, About 155,000 women are living with metastatic breast cancer
in the United States and this is projected to rise to 162,000 during
2011; and
WHEREAS, Median survival after diagnosis is three years; sadly, there
has been no statistically significant improvement in the last two
decades; and
WHEREAS, Despite the decrease in cancer mortality rates since 1990,
the actual number of Americans losing their battle with the disease has
hovered around 40,000 each year since at least the year 2000; and
WHEREAS, It is imperative that there be greater public awareness of
this serious health issue, and more must be done to increase activity at
both the local and State level to support the patients as well as their
families; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate October 13, 2011, as Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day
in the State of New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to New York State organizations in support of Breast Cancer
Awareness.