SENATE RESOLUTION 27

(By Senators Jeffries, Baldwin, Lindsay, Stollings, Caputo, Hamilton, and Romano)

[Introduced February 14, 2022]

Recognizing the West Virginia Kids Cancer Crusaders on International Childhood Cancer Awareness Day, for their dedication and commitment to fighting childhood cancer.

Whereas, February 15, 2022, is recognized as International Childhood Cancer Awareness Day; and

Whereas, The average age of a cancer diagnosis for children is six years old; and

Whereas, One out of every eight children who are diagnosed with cancer will not survive; and

Whereas, The average cost of a stay in a hospital for a child with cancer is $40,000 per stay; and

Whereas, The West Virginia Kids Cancer Crusaders are a community of children, families, individuals, organizations, medical professionals, and caregivers with interest in creating awareness, advocating, and providing support and resources for all those West Virginians affected by young adult, adolescence, and childhood cancer; and

Whereas, The West Virginia Kids Cancer Crusaders bring awareness to their cause by declaring September Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, a time to honor and remember children and families affected by cancer, and help rally support to give kids with cancer better outcomes by supporting ground-breaking research; and

Whereas, The West Virginia Kids Cancer Crusaders advocate for their cause through the legislative process, working on legislation to benefit the childhood cancer community, including passage of Senate Bill 590, which passed the West Virginia Legislature in 2018, and created the Cure Childhood Cancer license plate; and

Whereas, The West Virginia Kids Cancer Crusaders partner with hospitals in the state through support of programs and provide gift cards for families; and

Whereas, Kelly Wymer is the co-founder of the West Virginia Kids Cancer Crusaders, the mother of a childhood cancer survivor, and has led the effort to unite and fight childhood cancer since 2014; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate:

That the Senate hereby recognizes the West Virginia Kids Cancer Crusaders on International Childhood Cancer Awareness Day, for their dedication and commitment to fighting childhood cancer; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Senate extends its sincere gratitude and appreciation to the West Virginia Kids Cancer Crusaders for the compassionate work they do; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Clerk is hereby directed to forward a copy of this resolution to the West Virginia Kids Cancer Crusaders.