HARRISBURG – The Senate approved a resolution this week sponsored by Senate President Pro Tempore Jake Corman (R-Bellefonte) honoring cancer survivors by designating June 2021 as Cancer Survivors Recognition Month.
Senate Resolution 131 not only recognizes the difficulty of living through cancer, but also life after cancer. Survivorship can be stressful and leave a host of problems in its wake, Corman said.
The American Cancer Society estimates that there are more than 16.9 million cancer survivors in the U.S., and one in three people will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime. As of 2016, Pennsylvania was estimated to have 711,240 cancer survivors – approximately 5.5 percent of the population.
“Survivors bear the physical scars of their battle for years or even decades, and they carry the emotional weight of their diagnosis for the rest of their lives,” Corman said. “It is fitting that we honor their struggle and offer our love and compassion not only in the month of June, but also all year long.”
The measure was originally championed by the late Senator Dave Arnold (R-Lebanon), who passed away in January following a battle with brain cancer. Arnold’s family came to Harrisburg and was recognized on the Senate Floor.
“Senator Arnold was only part of our Senate family for a very short time, but he left behind an incredible legacy. Our prayers remain with his family, and we are grateful they could join us today to see the fruits of his labor,” Corman said. “As we honor those who have fought this terrible disease and won, it is fitting to also recognize Senator Arnold for teaching us what it means to fight.
The resolution was also sponsored by Senator Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland).
Senate Approves Corman Resolution Honoring Cancer Survivors - Senator Jake Corman
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