SENATE RESOLUTION 41

(By Senators Smith, Stollings, Baldwin, Romano, Rucker, Plymale, and Lindsay)

[Introduced February 14, 2020]

Designating February 17, 2020, as Pancreatic Cancer Day at the Capitol.

Whereas, In 2020, an estimated 57,000 people will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in the United States, which equates to 158 people every single day; and

Whereas, Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest cancers, is currently the third-leading cause of cancer death in the United States, and it is projected to become the second-leading cause around within the next decade; and

Whereas, Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest cancers with a five-year relative survival rate at just 10 percent; and

Whereas, When symptoms of pancreatic cancer present themselves, it is generally in later stages, and 73 percent of pancreatic cancer patients die within the first year of their diagnosis, while 91 percent of pancreatic cancer patients die within the first five years; and

Whereas, Approximately 310 deaths will occur in West Virginia in 2020; and

Whereas, This is the same disease which claimed the life of former West Virginia Governor William Marland, actor Patrick Swayze, Super Bowl MVP Harvey Martin, and the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, just to name a few.  In addition, Jeopardy Host Alex Trebek was diagnosed with the disease in March 2019. And on February 4, 2020, pancreatic cancer claimed the life of Delegate John Mandt’s mother, Donna; and

Whereas, Two of the less than 20 percent of patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer who were able to have the Whipple Surgery are the Senate’s own, Fiscal Officer Jay Eckhart, and John Homburg, who is a currently a bill drafter for the West Virginia Legislature and retired as the Director of Legislative Services in 2014; and 

Whereas, Pancreatic cancer is the seventh-most common cause of cancer-related death across the world; and

Whereas, While overall cancer incidence and cancer death rates are declining, the incidence of pancreatic cancer and death rate for pancreatic cancer patients has been increasing.  The number of new pancreatic cancer incidences has been increasing, and is projected to increase by 55 percent between now and 2030; and

Whereas, The good health and well-being of the residents of West Virginia are enhanced as a direct result of increased awareness about the symptoms and risk factors of pancreatic cancer, and research into early detection, causes, and effective treatments; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate:

That the Senate hereby designates February 17, 2020, as Pancreatic Cancer Day at the Capitol; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Senate extends it best wishes and unwavering support to its very dear friend and colleague, Jay Eckhart, who has demonstrated courage and resiliency in his recovery and fight against pancreatic cancer; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Clerk is hereby directed to forward a copy of this resolution to the appropriate representatives of Pancreatic Cancer Day at the Capitol and Jay Eckhart.