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, National Cancer Survivors Day is a day for everyone, whether 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 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